Something I've always thought about when watching AnoHana was how each character must've grown up with their guilt.
You could say that Yukiatsu is a complete piece of garbage.
You could say Anaru is extremely desperate to fit in.
You could say Tsuruko is cold and emotionless.
You could say Poppo is irresponsible and too lax. (Whoever, actually, says this about the man is getting a punch in the face. I know it.)
You could say Jintan is apathetic and an absolute shut-in.
But grief isn't easy to process.
Sure, there are healthier ways to cope but, remember, these characters were around 10 years old when their friend left them. These five who remained kept thinking they could have prevented Menma's death had they done something. ANYTHING.
They distanced themselves from each other because they remembered their memories together and they hurt. How could they not? Those are just memories now. Menma was just a memory now.
What I love about this series is how they let all the characters show the worst sides and best sides of themselves. None of them are perfect. But the final episode allows them to finally express themselves. Express their grief. Express their pain.
The five come to the realization that they've been holding on and tormenting themselves. They have the chance to talk to Menma again but they all don't take it because of their guilt.
When they begin to let go of their guilt, Menma begins to fade away. Her wish wasn't the firework or to make Jintan cry.
She just wanted them to be friends again.
With their guilt gone, the five look to the future with their friend in their hearts knowing that she's been reincarnated somewhere and having the time of her life.
This anime is a classic and still deserves lots of love