Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru

Pleasantly surprised. That is how I felt after watching this series. Unlike many of the other anime series I've watched, I actually started this one with a negative preconception, a misconception that is. After reading the story synopsis, I automatically thought the show was going to be dull. However, to be ever so cliche, I will say that the saying is true: you can't judge a book by its cover. In any case, I watched the first few episodes anyways out of curiousity, and I am happy I did.

Let's begin with the story. If you've read the synopsis, it ... is true. This is a story about a boy who ends up going to an all girls school, because it was his grandfather's dying wish. This seems ridiculous, and the fact is, it probably is. As far fetched as it is, this makes for some interesting situations. As far as a concrete storyline goes, I will tell you now, there's not really an intentional direction for this story. However, there is a structure to the story, and if asked, I would say that its a story about a boy growing up to understand himself and a little about his roots. Overall, however, I felt the story could have been a little better developed, so I only think it deserves a score of 6.

Next, examining the art, I must say, I am quite amused. The art was very beautiful and gave the story a light, warm welcoming feeling. I wouldn't say it's anything extraordinary, but I really enjoyed the art and colors used. The characters were also pretty well depicted; I even enjoyed the cute "minitures" used every so often. I gave this an enjoyable rating of an 8.

Sound- gorgeous. The music really hits the spot with the intention of this anime. The music sets the perfect mood: calm, light, and warm. If anything else, I must say I'm impress with how well the music set the atmosphere for this show. Never once did I feel the music disrupting the flow; it was always on cue. Definitely a 9.

Now this is where the anime shines, the characters. The character development is simply wonderful. Overall, I fell in love with all the characters. The way they are presented, their actions, their words, it all makes up for the lack of a strong storyline. Never once do you think the actions of the characters are exaggerated. Their dynamic personality is what makes this show with watching. I'm still contemplating the score I gave the story in this aspect, but being the harsh critic that I am, I give it a high 9.

Now, this is where I am truly amused. Despite all previous scores being below a 10, I can't help but to give an enjoyment rating of a perfect 10. I really enjoyed the this showed despite all odds. It is really a unique show. One of the other reasons why I enjoy it is because of how it stretches the limits of our minds. People are always restrained by societal expectations. Men should act like men, women as women; anything beyond this is ridiculed. However, this series goes to convey that people shouldn't be judged and labeled so. Stop categorizing people. You are you, and nothing more. This is how we see the main character. At first, we can't get over the fact that Mizuho is a boy dressed as a girl, but as the story progresses, we forget. Mizuho is a girl, no wait he's a guy, but then again, who cares? Mizuho is a virtuous person, whether he's a guy or a girl soon becomes frivolous.

If you're wondering on whether it is worth your time to watch this series, I would urge you yes. Despite how it looks, it's actually a really good show comparable to Fruits Basket, in my opinion. If you found that enjoyable, then you will definitely enjoy Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru. With all the characters, the wonderful themes, and flowing music, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised.

As my good friend Admiral Ackbar would say, "IT'S A TRAP".

Literally meaning that in more than one way, a person can be a trap any way you look at it. By means of physical form and forms of lies and mental deception. However you are eventually found out by means of stacking lie upon lie or your charming good looks will make it to second base.

I was a bit disappointed though.

Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru didn't deliver, and I didn't expect it to with the abundance of titles that seem similar to it. I did enjoy it to some degrees but then it fell ... apart in many areas and I lost my interest mid way through.

Well what went wrong?

The title itself isn't even a shoujo-ai, I think someone may have pointed that out already. It's simply a harem style romance with little yuri involved, the main character is simply a trap (Male posing as a female). The series is hurt quite a bit due to Strawberry Panic being released only a couple seasons before it and that really destroys its points for originality. Any comedic moments would only be dwarfed by the hilarious parodies of Maria Holic. The story is fairly slow moving, you have the main male character inching closer to each female lead without ending up with one. In hindsight this title even fails at being your standard harem just because of that. Yeah you might be thinking its setting and story may be unique but its been done too many times already.

6 is all across the board here folks, I won't "trap" to you.

The artistic side of the story is fairly simple, the series lacks detail on characters and background alike. Fairly simple animation that looks like it suffered budget cuts at the start of its season. The scenery isn't really seen all that often, mostly on occasion outside of the school has a fall type setting. Background noise was lacking as well, I only really payed attention during the opening theme and break transitions which I started skipping later. I couldn't even make out a note during showtime, maybe it was playing on -90dbs? Oh I also forgot to mention the character's heads looks hugely out of proportion to their tiny bodies, felt a bit odd.

Being a huge trap fan I was hoping for some consistency and exposure, didn't happen.

The series lacks consistency, it shifts the mood gears too often but I guess that's romance. Maybe its not my thing, I feel romance needs a touch of jealousy in harems, this sure didn't present that. Lets not forget the shemale now. This is where I laughed a bit, one episode the character was in a two piece bikini with full breasts and everything. Some episode down the road they're falling off. Odd how that works, oh wait it doesn't. I was a bit angry when it was all flogged and greased they didn't even bother exposing him to the entire school body. Please, that's a ritual for any series with traps. First, exposure then leftover guilt followed by a big group hug. Maybe im just delusional and don't watch as much as I think I do. Forgot the yuri again, look at the harem. He doesn't even pick a girl that he likes, you forgot something. I think he might be gay, he looks like a catcher to me. Just the idea of the main character disguising as a female doesn't take the effect away that its still a trap, but people forget that.

Hey now, it wasn't all that bad though.

Its a fuzzy heart story about someone who doesn't want to do but does anyway. The result is coming out on top and making endless numbers of friends. Our friendly neighborhood trap is the center of attention through unusual circumstances and puts together his own little troop of friends and great memories. Yeah it lacked a lot but I had to punch a few sandbags after I was done.

The tags are a bit faulty, give it a try though if you like something warm and fuzzy with that deceptive trap.

If you're like me, you probably read the synopsis and tags and thought "this might be a fun/funny watch".
The story sets it up like it's going to be a good comedy, but only leaves you with disappointment.
The characters are terrible, boring, flat. And the voice acting was like driving nails into my ears. Every episode was a chore to get through.
If you're looking for a comedy, pass on this, it has nothing going for it.