Story - 8
The story really isn't something too special, a high school setting like most other romcom series nowadays. However, the unique twist where the main characters don't like each other and strive to help each other is a really unique twist which makes the story interesting and quite unpredictable at moments. It always keeps you wanting to watch the next 2 or 3 episodes because you just want to know more about the story.
The only real issue with the story is that the ending isn't quite as good as the rest of the show and it feels like there is a few episodes which were stuck in there as filler almost (don't quote me, i haven't read the manga or the light novel) but these are quite easy to overlook as the rest of the show makes up for it, a lot of the themes seem quite unique and it is definitely a fun experience.
Art - 8
Considering this show was aired in 2009 the art was great, to be honest I think it could still hold its own against medium-budget shows today. The art seems to get progressively better as the series increases. The only issue really is some of the characters can look quite boring or similar. For example, a character Ami is basically identical to the student council president and it confused me a little bit. The art is fine though, but it isn't really the reason why people watch this show, but it is very nice nevertheless.
Sound - 8
The opening and closing themes are really quite something, catchy and good to listen to. Even though the opening song was changed half way through the season, it was still a good song to listen to. The reason why it's rated so high is because of the music in the show. It has really strong and emotional pieces which can honestly make you tear up at emotional times in the show. During the final episodes is where this really shined and it can honestly make anyone shed a tear.
I've watched both the sub and dub, and I have to say the sub is better, but if you like dubbed anime, you won't be disappointed. The characters seem to feel slightly more real in the sub and Taiga's voice actress is phenomenal. The dub version is also great too, but if you want a better experience i'd recommend the subbed version.
Characters - 10
This is where this show really shined. The cast is minimal and sometimes this is a good thing. The show really only builds up on 5 characters and a few more in the latter episodes but it mainly focuses on the 5 mains. All of the characters are really well developed on and show deep flaws to them as well, which makes the characters seem like people rather than just characters. You can actually sympathize and understand the situations they are in because of this and it makes the experience a whole lot more emotional and great.
The characters aren't really defined by a certain archetype apart from maybe Taiga who is the quite standard tsundere. The fact that they don't really fall into standard anime archetypes means it's a whole lot more enjoyable as a lot of the characters aren't predictable and you really need to watch to understand their motives and real feelings.
Even though Taiga is the run-of-the-mill tsundere she really doesn't feel like it later on into the series. Usually tsunderes can be quite irritating after a while as its the same old stuff, but Taiga gets more pleasant to watch over time as you can really see her develop into a great remember-able and understandable character and really understand that she just wants to make people happy. This is where it really shines.
Enjoyment - 10
As I said, this show really is a God among humans and it was so enjoyable to me. If if you don't enjoy the romance genre this show will blow you away still as it isn't the run-of-the-mill romance. It has much more to it, and it is so funny sometimes and it is so sad at other times, it will really make you cry in all different spectrums.
Overall - 9
I have to say, I think this is definitely one of the best anime I have seen, possibly on par with Seto no Hanayome (which is hilarious btw).
Even if you like the genre just a little bit, I really recommend trying this show out, compared to the crap that is made a lot now this really blows it all out of the water and it is such a good show to watch. The rewatch value isn't amazingly high as if you know the eventual ending then it kind of spoils it for you, but so far I have watched it 3 times and I have loved it even more every time since.
