Just a continual build of trust between two friends who grow to like each other until they agree to become lovers. Given is entirely absent of the plot contrivances that plague romance anime today - no ill timed misunderstandings that take an entire arc to resolve, no sudden childhood friend love interest interrupting romantic progression, no almost kiss scenes that are interrupted by a sadist. Together, they build each other up to reach their true and ideal selves. Aki and Haruki are both in supporting roles as the drummer and bassist respectively, true to their positions as the oldest members of the band who serve as the voice of reason to their younger partners and the very foundation that keeps them together. It is only through his singing, songwriting, and encouragement from his fellow band members that he finds a means of finding closure to what tormets every waking moment of his life. Mafuyu struggles with severe trauma to the extent that he is handicapped from genuinely expressing his feelings to others in ordinary conversation. He must learn how to channel the volatile improvisation required of his instrument while accepting the input of his partners and empowering them to reach their ideal performance level. Lead guitarist Uenoyama, for example, is a hot headed prodigy who has been rejected by previous bands for creative differences. It is a great touch for the instruments of the characters to serve as a reflection of their inner struggles and/or role in the narrative. This methodical progression helps the episodes flow smoothly, as it rarely feels as though there is a dominant character focus for any particular episode. Each of the band mates are given practical goals, motivations and fleshed out backstories that are sprinkled into the narrative as the episodes progress rather than forcefully crammed It is fairly unconventional for a single cour romance to have convincing characterization.yet Given makes this a strong point.

This is a vanilla, realistic, down to earth romance that can be watched by anyone open minded to love that exceeds conventional desire. Given strikes the rare balance of being openly gay - none of that maybe he is, maybe he isn’t crap - while not indulging in over the top eroticism to pander to a niche viewership.

ギヴン 1 [Given 1] by Natsuki Kizu