Jul 5, 2010
Ever since the summer holidays have started it feels as if I've been watching anime incessantly. Because of this, a lot of shows seem to have blended together in my mind, indistinguishable. This is especially the case for the many run-of-the-mill romantic comedies out there, revolving around misunderstandings that never let the feelings amount to anything. Yes, I'm looking at you, School Rumble.
However, this was not the case for Kare Kano. I guess this is why it managed to not only get my attention, but also engrave itself in my memory.
It is so different from all the other slice of (school) life anime I've been
...
watching that I cannot even think of anything to compare it to. I would not call Kare Kano realistic, but it definitely managed to touch me, taking me back to my own high school life. If there is one show out there which can entice nostalgia in anyone, it is definitely this one.
Of course, this is an anime created over ten years ago. The artwork is very typical of that period en the image quality bears witness to its age. At a time where everyone has grown used to KyoAni, it is almost like taking a leap back in time. However, the story is so addictive that you will not even be bothered by this.
There is also a significant difference in styles within the show. Comedy sequences are clearly animated differently from romantic or dramatic moments. Especially some of the last episodes are a good example of this. This spices things up as well and keeps everything interesting to the eye.
The voice actors all seemed to fit the characters very much. However, the music is a bit unimaginative and the theme continuously played throughout the series can become slightly dull to the audio-sensitive people out there.
Of course, that leaves the actual story. As I've said before, this was a story that manages to suck you in. There's romance, there's comedy and most importantly: there's progress. The main couple does not tread water when it comes to their relationship -- they grow closer, both physically and spiritually. It pleases me to watch their bond grow.
The characters are flawed, but also likeable because of this. Not to mention the connections between them all are weaved like a skilful web.
As wonderful as I found the anime, there is still one problem that is hard to overlook: the ending of the show. Due to the author of the manga being dissatisfied with the way it was conceptualised into animation (with too much focus on comedy and too little on romance), the ending is very abrupt and leaves many ends untied. The show was not renewed for a second season and it sort of leaves you hanging, begging for more.
When I finished watching, I immediately went through all the manga volumes in one very long night. I don't know whether it was the fatigue or the huge emotional bomb this series has dropped on me, but by the time it was all over I couldn't help but shed some tears.
I sort of wish it didn't have to end... But a main part of the show is the concept of growing up. The characters all realise they cannot be high school students forever and this melancholy is what makes them so lifelike.
This is definitely something I would recommend. However, perhaps it would be more advisable to skip the anime and read the manga right away. It all depends on whatever floats your boat.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
