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I saw the first episode of lovely complex and was completely jaw to the floor. This is EXACTLY what I didn't want in an anime. Fast paced, no subtleties, annoying main characters. Humor which takes away from the development of the show. I understand the humor was supposed to be funny but I didn't really laugh as the jokes were bare-faced and flat. Nothing smart and cunning or carved out.
It's an extremely typical shoujo, all the 'friends' were hollow and just for show. The rivals are there for the sake of jealousy--and let's be real we've seen this done way too many times. It's not healthy, and it needs to stop. The development of 'love' relies on the friends pushing the two main love interests along. The writing forces the plot along only with these events, sports festival, fire works festival, christmas, valentines, birthday and THREE love rivals all withing the first 7 episodes. No regular, healthy progression of love plays forth. None of the characters developed at all, not even the main ones. I imagine this style was newly emerging and 'good for it's time' but it's definitely nothing special now.
Long story short:
The show doesn't take itself seriously, and so it's difficult for the viewer to sympathize with characters emotions when it's clear the viewership was intended for those of a younger audience.
* If you're a teenager with little to no love experience, who enjoys characters with no real motives and no development in an over-arching story, you'll enjoy Lovely Complex.
*If you're seeking something more well thought out, detailed and deep love story, I would not recommend this anime.
