Sekaiichi Hatsukoi Movie: Yokozawa Takafumi no Baai

Prior to watching this movie, I've always hated Yokozawa as a character probably because he was written to always be on opposition to the main character.

In the end of season 2, though I think that the 2nd main character's treatment to him was very cold and harsh, he deserved it.

Releasing this movie is the creator's smart way of making Yokozawa's character more appealing to the audience. He had the best character arc and quite frankly got the best ending out of the 3 couples that were in the series. He was very likeable in the end.

As per the story, it had a ... bit of a less lighter theme concerning broken families due to death that only added to the depth of the movie. It showed us that even these types of families can be whole again.

I super love that fact that the kid never once questioned the relationship of her father and Yokozawa as she only sees him as someone who brings her treats and takes care of her. This is how same sex relationships should be portrayed in movies.

Let me just say that this is my favorite couple out of both Junjou Romantica and Sekaiichi Hatsukoi. This review will likely be biased by the fact that I’ve read all of the novels. It’s likely not as interesting as a stand alone movie or even paired with the anime series compared to when it’s elaborated on in text.

The story of this movie is mediocre to decent. It’s cliche, although it’s better than you could expect, or at least I had when I first experienced it. It isn’t high stakes or with any meaningful conflict, but it is satisfying and sweet. The pacing wasn’t very ... well executed, but I do have to say that it isn’t hard to watch or unbearable. It gets points for not being creepy or unnerving, which is sadly almost a norm when I find myself sitting down to watch shows of this genre. However, I found that the story wasn’t really the reason I was watching it, after all. More so just enjoying the ride and the characters.

(Also the blackmailing thing isn’t that bad, there isn’t anything untoward about the story.)

I’ve never been a fan of this mangaka’s style, a part of the reason that I found the novels easier to experience. The anatomy has always been a bit off. This is not to say that this movie is ugly. It’s comparable to the anime, and hey, if you’re into this genre, this movie is the least of your problems when it comes to ugliness in the genre.

The sound wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t very impressive. The voice acting was quite nice, which to be fair, I find almost every anime is like. The ost served it’s purpose, and the ending song was quite nice. It’s a bit forgettable, but it wasn’t a big detractor against it.

As for the characters, I really did find myself fond of them. However I’m clouded in judgement by the fact I’ve seen much more of the pairing than just this movie. Nevertheless it’s impressive that the main character grew on me so quickly after not being very likable before the events of Yokozawa Takafumi No Baai. It’s not very original in dynamic, just a tsundere uke and the flirty, teasing seme. However I find aspects of it very interesting, such as Kirishima’s daughter, Hiyori, and the impact she has on the characters and their relationship. I might begin to veer off onto novel territory from here on, so if you’re not here for that or want to read the novels without even a word about it, scroll away, haha.

I like Yokozawa. He’s stubborn, petty, can be a bit of a jerk, but is also caring and good with animals and kids. He’s a workaholic at times, and really just wants to be loved. He’s trying to get over unrequited love, and is generally likable once you understand him. He’s also of course a tsundere. But he isn’t the worst type of tsundere. Even as a tsundere, he can get over it, such as in the moments where he and Kirishima have intimate conversations. By one of the later novels he says “I love you” to tease Kirishima. He changes.

Kirishima is also a nice love interest. First being a single parent, which is unlikely in most shows of this genre. He likes teasing Yokozawa and doting on Hiyori, his daughter. His wife died shortly after Hiyori was born, and Kirishima does everything he can to take care of his daughter as well as he can. He’s not infallible. He’s childish and easily jealous and he drives Yokozawa crazy (but not too crazy) and their relationship feels real. Even with the recycled plots of the novels, the two have a relationship that feels incredibly real.

Basically: watch this movie if you’re interested in the genre. I give this a solid 7 of 10. It’s a good movie, especially with supplementary material. Although it might feel a bit rushed, it’s still fun, especially after watching Sekaiichi Hatsukoi. Even if you’re one of the people who hate Yokozawa. Give it a chance.

It's... another story? About Yokozawa moving on? It could easily fit into the regular anime series as another side story about a character who isn't Onodera or Takano. Definitely don't watch it until you've finished the anime because it won't make a ton of sense. The plot is very simple, so I suppose it isn't a major issue if you watch this alone, but it loses a lot of meaning if you haven't seen the anime first, or I suppose read the manga.

The art is on the same level or slightly better than the anime series, likely due to the extra budgeting and time typically ... given to movies over anime. The style is still the same, although the major stylistic issues from the show - front face shots where chins are oddly shaped, ridiculously large hands - are slightly de-emphasized, or in most cases aren't noticeable, which is a good thing. I think the faces are drawn much better. The new character - Yokozawa's new love interest - also has better hair than the usual anime hair given to most characters on the show, so that was a pleasant surprise.

There's also an ending section about Valentine's day for all the couples at the end of the film, which was cute.

My only major criticism is that I wasn't invested in Yokozawa to begin with - just find him sort of boring and deux ex-we need this character to be against whatever Onodera is doing - and the film doesn't solve that issue. It was nice at least to get more development in Yokozawa's character, even if we're still told very little about him. He's nice to kids and is potentially good at cooking (or at least proficient) but doesn't do it for himself for whatever reason (possibly too busy at work or can't be bothered, perhaps due to a lack of self-investment or post-work exhaustion). He's non-communicative and possibly really mean to all his coworkers? He potentially has no family outside Takano's cat?

The upside is that the core plot of the story is really just about a coworker trying to distract and cheer up another coworker. Could have been worse, I suppose, even with the blackmail and potential drunk non-con.