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So I binge watched the anime while being drunk... It doesn't go well.
At first I was laughing, then angry, then pity, a lot of crying in the middle, and lastly suicidal. Failed at that because I was too drunk at that moment. Either way, that night was rollercoaster of uncomfortable feelings. For a show that spans 6 hours, I pause so much because so many cringe you can relate from your experience, and Tomoko-chan is not helping when she cranks it to 11.
Self-deprecation humor aside, I hate how the directors lead us on her improving herself, but then just showed a episodic disheartening failures for the sadist/masochist to enjoy. Episode 11 was the only the healing part, and it was still so sad. sigh.
My nitpick would be a how a loner fujoshi who constantly collapses and eerily quiet at the corner of the class, have no pay attention from her classmates. Maybe I just live in a different culture, or I don't understand how the Japanese schools does it, but shit, we would we be worried af if there was a classmate like that, and would do in our power to pull her outside her shell or simply tolerate her impulses enough to openly enjoy it with us.
Im'ma give this anime 8/10: it delivered it's purpose to cringe the fuck out of you, but I just wish in my bias for a fellow depressed loner to have it good in life. I know you would wish good fortune if that person relates your pain. :)
Ediel230 said: cara esse anime não foi la essas coisas eles erraram muito onde ele não poderiam errar. e muito pouco acertos.
mais vi que quando tinha umas cenas de ação eles mandavam bem, pena que eles não focaram em uma historia boa ou em um desfeche bom.
Pois é! O final ficou um tanto aberto pra mim, assim como foi com Little Witch Academia, só temos o mangá para ler agora, caso uma segunda temporada nunca chegue a acontecer.
That Tomoko got lonely until the end of the series, I really was saddened by that. Who ever this cruel bastard that wrote this deserves a kick in the nuts. It was really funny but I wished she did found some new friends in the end or a lover, because she is so adorable and has personality. I think Imae would make a good potential friend and that guy that gave her an umbrella is a potential lover I think, I would have loved to see the fatass again.
I will watch the ova and hope for s2 some time in the future.
9/10 from me because I really highly appreciated it.
How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb --- Dr Strangelove
truly an amazing anime. to show such emotional conflict from a comic perspective. so glad i watched it
and all the people complaining about the ending... sigh. like there's no 'slice of life' tag? the manga is completed? man, the ending was great, she accepted herself instead of denying in ep 1
(and all these references, my god, what a masterpiece)
That was a really big time skip. We only recently really started to see Tomoko come out of her shell and get better at being herself and making it through social situations. I appreciate how this mimicked the first episode, the episode itself made me feel warm inside, I love seeing Tomoko do well for herself, but there's something questionable about it. I wish that instead of getting the first half or so episodes following the same routine, that we immediately started going in the direction that the last half took. Perhaps we could have gotten the firework on the roof episode as episode 3 instead as it was the first super meaningful moment in my eyes. I understand that Tomoko's little cousin pitying her was supposed to feel like one of her lowest moments before things started to go well, so it could have retained that. I think episode 9+ are where it got really special in development. Either the anime could have done that, reordered the episodes to showcase the important ones that developed Tomoko rather than everything, or it could have stayed the way it was and be twice as long. If this was 24 episodes then the journey that was just recently actually established could have continued.
That's my biggest problem with this. As much as I relate to Tomoko. As much as I thought she was a very sad but genuinely well written character. As much as I liked the directing details. As much as I loved the music and art. As much as I liked how supporting characters illuminated exactly the point that Tomoko was always missing. As much as I like all of this, I would boil down the first 8 or so episodes as: A pretty well written character with incredible social anxiety issues and an escapist personality tries to be extroverted and popular on a journey of finding herself, that journey doesn't go anywhere and entails her listening to some people she's envious of, trying to do something to make her popular she misunderstood, embarrassing herself, and ending on a high note. Is her character developing? Not really. Is there something meaningful being said here other than, look at how silly anxious youth is? Not in my mind. Does this formula get predictable and do the jokes always end up being so as well? Yes because the butt of every joke is how Tomoko misunderstands something and makes a fool of herself. I love the idea behind Watamote. I love Tomoko. I love the honest portrayal of anxiety done in Watamote. But these first 8 or so episodes are bare minimum, they don't build off each other very much and they struggle to do anything new. They did establish Tomoko further and further but not to a major degree. And if the show was 24 episodes or had a season 2 then this wouldn't be that much of an issue. It would still, but it would not be as big. Because of this I see the first 8 or so episodes as a 5/10. It's functional, it has some good ideas, but they stagnate and don't go anywhere.
Episodes 9+ started to focus more and more of Tomoko realizing what she wants in honest terms, being honest with herself, trying to bear with painful situations rather than avoid them, or even pursue them at times. They had her getting out of her own head, they had her learn how to have fun and meet and hang out with some beautiful people. This final episode was even a great one at showcasing her development in some smart ways and if it didn't have this time skip that changed her as a character, it would have been awesome. This was only the first couple foot steps in doing something rather than putting a couple stagnating ideas on display though. No matter how much I love the ideas, and no matter how warm it felt to watch Tomoko grow, we only took a few baby steps in this direction. That's not enough to make me give it a 6 even, if it was like this the whole time then maybe, but my 6/10's are shows that are entertaining and manage to make something relatively good out of themselves. Watamote didn't do that yet, it only started to. Because of that, I view this as a functional show with potential, that never reached it and I give it a 5/10.
To touch on what I liked about this episode:
- I liked the smart ways it contrasted episode 1. These included:
The narrator telling the story about Tomoko, who this time laughs at the notion of her being unpopular(although somewhat out of character), rather than tormenting herself over it.
Tomoko approaching Imae with the honest and non malicious attempt to ask how she makes people like her, rather than wanting to use her like a puppet. Just look at how much more confident, despite not actually being confident, Tomoko is approaching her compared to the girl she wanted to 'use' to see the fireworks with in the library.
Sure she may not be perfect, she ended up running away, but seeing how much more composed she is, that's something special.
I also adore the fact that she has a good role model like Imae! She's found someone in the real world, not an anime, and not a perverse abstraction of them, a real genuinely good person to aim to be like! This is going to be amazing for her!!!
The way she said goodbye to the teacher at the school gates is another example. The first episode(iirc), Tomoko bowed to him and couldn't even speak! She couldn't and she beat herself up about it, and tried the next day only to have an embarrassing display. This time, well being shy, she gave an incredibly functional goodbye, and she went on her way. :)
The obvious one that she eats in her own seat now! She once sat in the corner until she was moved, she was crushed by the forced social interaction so she ate on the stairs, she tried to find ways to avoid attention. Now, she's able to quietly eat at her desk fine! And she's looking for ways to get attention!
- One massive thing I also liked was the last discussion Tomoko had with Tomoki. I hadn't realized, but the daily conversations they had at the start occurred every single day this whole time. It must have helped her so much at her conversation skills, and it's something we can see comparing this episodes speech with the other times where people had to ask her to repeat herself. It was a clever detail to have that scene partially done in the after credits jokes art work. I hadn't realized but those little jokes and previews for next episode were canonically happening as their daily discussions. That's great.
I am certainly going to read the manga because I love Tomoko as a character and I love the direction the anime started to go before being cut off short.
Tomoko is a very believable character, many times during this show i had to pause and do something else to get over the cringing, seeing her actions reflect my past self was unbearable, i wanted to give her some tips like she was a real person. AMAZING
I think I don't know wtf I'm doing. Maybe. Probably.
RobinTheKing said: yes, Kuroki, it doesn't even matter! It was a fun ride. Now I need to watch the OVA and start reading the manga.
8/10
You are going to love the manga, Tomoko goes through such an enormous character development that she becomes an almost completely different person. She's still a pervert though
Damn, this was entertaining! Got a little stale towards the latter end but a blast nevertheless.
More references, this time to Another and Terra Formers. It's amazing how natural they feel and I've to say, yet again, Kuroki really knows her stuff xD.
Imae-san is a seriously good senpai. I was thinking she would like show her true color after the panties flashing scene but good that didn't happen, lol. And that hug from last episode too following Kuroki's depression strike as a result of Yuu-chan leaving - sweet.
Hilarious how the whole cockroach scene was handled by the way with the addition of the complex camera angles to intensify it.
Finally that running scene at the very end, lol. Quality was fantastic for one thing and the Op in the background really fit in well. Personally, I found it mad hilarious how Yuu-chan abandoned chasing her for a kitty out of the blue lmao. Friendship is a fickle concept, isn't it?
All in all, this has been a fantastic watch! Couldn't help but lol numerous times so enjoyment was ample, for sure. But it kind of got a little stale of sorts towards the end, if I'm to be brutally honest. Plus, it kind of ended on a random note too.
Character development for Kuroki was obviously a missing factor but such is the premise of the show so I can let that slide.
Op and ED themes plus some of the soundtracks, albeit unnoticeable for the most bit, was another department done well, imo. I'm going to miss the wildness of this Op, lol. Hatsune Miku ED theme for one of the mid episodes was my pick among the EDs.
In the 12 episodes we got this series is really nothing special. Some comedy with lots of uncomfortable and depressing moments. Some people probably got a lot more laughs out of it than I. Still the tonal shift towards the end makes me wan't to check out the manga. I feel there will be some real character development and emotional payoff if it were to continue.
Wow, that was easily the worst episode. Honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that I read the manga I would have probably hated the entire series. I was going to give it a 9/10, but this episode made me drop the score to 8/10.
Maybe it was better when no one gave a fuck about her after all, better than being the weirdo.
Not the greatest final episode, but running in panic and Another reference were nice xD In the end the status quo was kept and damn, still no second season. Maybe I'm gonna pick up the manga now, even if there won't be much development. I love this type of dark comedy that makes fun of daily struggle and awkward situations. It gives us the chance to laugh about ourselves instead of worrying or getting worked up. Wish there were more series like this. I'm not socially anxious, but I have my error moments and could relate to some of the stuff on an emotional and conceptual level. Tomoko's characterisation was also well done and made it easy to symphatize.
And so, this is the end of the anime adaptation. No season 2 for Watamote... yet? What was with that ending. I don't have any words for this episode, but I'm going to whine about "this anime must have season 2". Where is season 2? I hope I will still be alive then for all seasons. Please! Tomoko, hang in there! You can do it!
nanajp said: And so, this is the end of the anime adaptation. No season 2 for Watamote... yet? What was with that ending. I don't have any words for this episode, but I'm going to whine about "this anime must have season 2". Where is season 2? I hope I will still be alive then for all seasons. Please! Tomoko, hang in there! You can do it!
I haven’t been much of a manga reader for a while but I think this will be one of those series I’m going to start reading the manga for since the chance for a 2nd season at this point is slim to none.
this anime is really great with references, recognized another and snk in this one. in the end, i really enjoyed watching this anime. it did get boring or maybe a little bad at times, but managed to actually do a good job realistic job at portraying social anxiety and stuff like that while also staying funny and entertaining so i'll give it a solid 5/10. ending was an absolute banger as well, really love sewerslvt's remix of it.
Mayne, you don't know fear until you've been in the same room as a cockroach that knows how to fly (even worse if it's toward you). If Tomoko did that in one of my classes she'd get her props fer sure.
And that is that. So just like in the first episode, she's kinda back where she started. Looking up the same term, in her room alone but this time she's like, "Eff it, who cares?"
I would hope this is her "A-ha" moment where she stops caring what others think and just does her thing. In high school, it can be a difficult time to do so (stop caring what others think that is), but the sooner the better that's what I learned.
I guess sketching Tomoko a bunch recently was a good idea after all 'cause this anime was better than I remembered. I would actually like a 2nd season of this because while the social situations ranged from mildly amusing to wince worthy, I would like to see Tomoko win y'know?
Also, that whole running scene with the OP playing in the background was pretty damn good
Oh gosh, it is finally over. I wish I didn't start watching this show at all. Nothing good has ever happened throughout the 12 episode timespan. In conclusion part, she didn't progress her social skills at all. 2/10
it put SUCH A HUGE SMILE on my face when in the end, she just laughed it off and said it doesnt matter. i always feel like an imposter whenever i hang out in groups, and people hang out without me, so i just felt so unwanted most of the time, but this show taught me that, well, who cares? if its fun even if youre just trying to fit in, its worth it. i love this show so much, they did a HUGE 180 in the last couple of episodes, and made me love this show so much.
This is a bit difficult to rate. It was painful to watch at times, due to the fact that it hits a little too close to home. I recognize some of Tomokos reasoning from my own when I was younger and the feeling of being alone and unseen hurts. At the same time it was very funny and I had some hopes that Tomoko would grow and develop into a more confident, while still weird and slightly unpopular, girl. I might have to give the manga a try.
I liked the voice acting, especially Tomoko and Tomoki.
This is after watching all 12 episodes and the OVA episode for Watamote:
Watamote was truly an enjoyable experience. It was entertaining for what it was.
Its a nice silly anime, that many can find it relatable. You find it so relatable that you find youself rooting for the female MC, whether its to make a friend in her high school, or get a boyfriend, etc.
I really enjoyed the moments between the female MC and her brother; they were entertaining. I liked how their relationship progressed as the anime went. Heck, I SHIP them!!!
I guess I would have liked to see more of the father of the female MC, since he seems to really love the female MC and pretty much just accepts her for who she is, as we saw in the ending of an episode where he made an appearance.
With all said, Im really surprised that as of the date that I am writing this comment, there is no season 2 or more OVA/special episodes for Watamote.
I am frankly amazed how opposite Tomoki is to any mainstream protagonist. Look at The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs. Even though the protagonist is a mob character, he doesn't stay really. But Tomoki is truly your mob character. 🫡
That was a wild ride and one of the hardest hitting anime I’ve seen. It’s a show that’s made me feel different from any other show I’ve seen prior. It didn’t feel great while watching, but it didn’t feel bad either. It was just a feeling. Overall, it was one of the most weirdly enjoyable, funny, relatable, and heartbreaking shows I’ve seen in anime. One of my new favourites and Tomoko is best girl. 10/10
Enjoyed this one quite a bit. Great art, animation, style, music, voice acting that all just really fits the vibe. A bit too gloomy for my taste but for obviously trying to be that way it does a great job while not taking it too dark. I had some of my most laugh out loud moments during this show. The MC is adorable and you can’t help but feel for her, root for her, and want to help her. The last episode was a bit lackluster but they did well with the OP shift and at least giving her some tiny relief.
8/10
edit: the more i rewatch this the more i love it and appreciate it even without the initial discovery appeal of a first run, especially with all the humor and antics. ive bumped it into a 9/10 as it clearly deserves a place alongside my favorites