Unlike your typical romcom, the two main characters do not fall in love with either immediately at the beginning of the story. In fact, the two have separate love interests of their own, and the romance between these two grow as the show progresses. The story is kinda predictable but, hey, aren't the main characters SUPPOSED to fall in love with each other? The pacing of the anime is really good for the most of the time. However the ending wasn't executed as well; it felt forced/rushed and was kinda annoying.
For a show that aired 6/7 years back, I have to say, the animation is quite good. It is visually very vibrant and consistent for the maximum of the show, although the proportions of the characters can be out of shape at times. The character art is nothing extraordinary, but neither is it average.
Toradora has a really, really good sound-track. The background music, in most cases, sets an excellent mood for each sequence to take place. I found it pleasing to my ears and, at times, some even enthralled me. The openings and endings are also up-to-the-mark and you might find yourself humming them when you're not watching the show!
This is, without doubt, the highest point of the show. The writer makes a great attempt at making sure that each of the characters (starting from the protagonists to the low-screen-time supporting cast) get proper character development so that nothing feels 'rushed' (again, except for the ending). Toradora has a rich variety of characters, starting from the scary-looking-but-actually-gentle Ryuji Takasu to the two-faced Kawashima Ami to the smart-yet-childish Kitamura Yuusaku. No two characters have the same characteristics and, frankly, that is a big up for the show.
Not trying to sound emo, but I feel Toradora is just one of those shows that will probably have some kind of impact on your life. It shows how complicated relationships can be, and it is always preferable to put a lot of thought before committing yourself romantically to someone else. The show, in one word, is amazing and I would gladly recommend it to a fellow anime fan.
Summary Scores -
Story: 8/10
Art: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Character: 9/10
Enjoyment: 9/10
OVERALL: 8/10
