If you read the synopsis (I don't think it does the show justice.) this sounds like a generic harem set up however despite the lame premise the anime manages to bring in a much deeper concept; does hardworkers have any chance against talents in achieving their dreams? This show portrays the unfairness of the real world in a realistic way (makes sense.) It also sucessfully shows just how much talent can effect relationships making it an interesting show to watch.
The show also has several sub-plots. The main one is a love triangle between Shiina, Mashiro, and Sorata (there's also the rest of Sakurasou's tenents romantic relationships.) This is something that bothered me for a couple months after watching this since it's really good. It's mainly average love triangle stuff.
The story itself is told from the point of view of Sorata (though it's actually more of a third person view with Sorata thoughts since you scene several scenes without Sorata.) The story is well paced and manages to show comedy and drama in such a way you don't get tired of it.
Art:9/10
Since this is a school life genre background, and character's concepts are plain. However the way the illustrate the show is beautiful. The way they illustrated Mashiro's paintings (they illustrated a illustration!) Was amazing. It gave me a feel that her painting's had the ability to suck you which showed you just how good her painting are. There's also the fan service which is overdone, but just enough.
Sound:9/10
Let's begin with the openings, and endings. Both were catchy, and fitted the show along with animation along with it. (They didn't make my iPod since only the best of best makes it.) However Nanami's opening "I Call Your Name Again" was really good and did make my Ipod! I think Shiina Mashiro songs made it also.
BGM I think was based around each character's talent. "Ryuunoska-sama is Busy" is what makes me think that since it sounds kinda computery, or maybe synthiszery. Either way it was really catchy, and fitted each scene well.
Voice actors time! Nanami's voice actor is a voice actor from the same area Nanami is from, and I think they both had the same dream also. So I'm guessing they probably managed to relate quite well. Since they both wanted be voice actors she could have gone though the same things as Nanami making her voice realistic. Of course all the other voices matched too! (Nanami just had the best example.)
Characters:9/10
Okay, these character's manage to give character's a real connection. When they fail, I feel like crying, when they succeed you celebrate with them! Each character is really well developed. Shiina for example I hate as a person, but as a character is great.
As for their interpersonal relationships I can talk all day about each of them but I'll try to keep it short. Like I mentioned earlier Shiina I hate as a person because she's is really co-dependent. However she is an extreme talent. She is so talented that she crushs other's dreams without trying. Not matter what she does she pretty much suceeds. Despite her being the implied main heroine (She's mentioned in the title kinda like Aria the Scarlet Ammo.) I can't see her and Sorata as an actual couple that last. Since almost every other episode he's made at her. The only real reason I'd think Sorata would like her is because he isn't thinking with his head, and he's thinking with something else. She's not only a tall blonde, she's also the shows main source of service shots. I think every episode they mention her panties.
Nanami is basically the poster boy for hard work. She spends everyday working part time saving every penny to pay for rent, and voice acting school. She works herself to the bone for her dreams, and the people she cares about.(I think that's what the writer was tryin to do with the love triangle.) She and Sorata's relationship is them encouraging each other, and basically confining in each other as well, they both have similar personalities as well since both of them are rather serious.
Overall:9/10
The reason I only gave this a 9/10 is because the ending didn't really answer much. Now I also don't want a season two which I guess contridictory. If you read the novels you'd know why. Author totally skimmed out since he realized the anime is so much better than the novel! Anyway I'd recomend this show for rom-com lovers, cute girls lovers, school life storys with interesting concepts like oregairu, or maybe hagainai lovers, and all you sado-masochists who like to watch other's sever, or get into the want to watch the people you care about suffer ultimately causing you to suffer also.
