~Compatibility Assessment (I know...the name is a work in progress)~
This is essentially a very basic guide to determine whether or not the show is for you
The following is a short list that attempts to capture the show's main qualities which may or may appeal to you, giving you a quick and convenient way to ascertain whether you should give it a go.
It is a compilation of the more frequently expressed opinions of the show. I basically scrolled through past mal reviews plucking opinions that kept reappearing, which very well may not be an accurate representation of the show, but as a general guide, I felt that it sufficed.
Stuff people have said:
-Hilarious banter
-Melodrama (teenage angst and the whole shebang)
-High-school setting (If it wasn't obvious enough)
-Average art/animation and pretty much everything else? (Don't expect god-tier Ufotable quality)
-Apathetic/anti-social/badass male protagonist
-Pretty weak fan-service (you might be dispirited)
-Romance...but not really?
-A lot of reading between the lines. (may be a bit of a brain drain)
-No real story
By no means, an exhaustive list. If you found yourself not minding the above, you should have a fun time.
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~Actual Review~
To those who despise terribly misleading titles and false advertising , I'd be happy to say that "My Teen Romantic Comedy" delivers exactly what you'd expect, with a little added extra. Whilst the title of the show certainly alludes to a mindless and cliche high-school comedy, the likes of which I'm sure you've already had the pleasure-or displeasure- of already seeing, Oregairu offers a bit more. Unbeknownst to newcomers, hidden underneath its sleeve is a secret ingredient, an ingredient which I like to call 'unrealistically' realistic characters or UR characters for short.
Allow me to explain. Whilst the show certainly has its fair share of stereotypical 'stock' characters, Hachiman the main protagonist and the lens through which we view the world couldn't be further from it. He's a cynic, through and through. With 'dead fish eyes' complementing a wretched personality dominated by an unrivalled distaste for youth, social hierarchies and friendship, Hachiman's distorted perceptions of teenage life allows for a surprisingly complicated and multi-faceted character. Not to mention, for some very unexpected approaches to dealing with problems, often resorting to manipulation and reverse-psychology to get what he wants. Regardless of his deviant principles and tactics, as much as he wishes to deny it, Hachiman has a heart full of gold. He's a character who's flawed and broken. A character who has built walls around his heart to avoid getting hurt. A character who stridently opposes the very system that he feels has betrayed him. It is this realism which when dialled up to unrealistic levels and used to dictate every thing the character does that I describe as 'unrealistically' realistic.
The ice queen, Yukino, with her long black hair and piercing metallic-blue eyes certainly seems to fit into the character mould of the cold and detached princess but, like Hachiman, is simply another one of these UR caricatures. Brandishing a razor-sharp tongue whose tip is usually pointed at none other than Hachiman (poor guy), often resulting in some rather amusing repartees, the show makes it abundantly clear the two character's opposing world view. Whilst Hachiman's views are more bleak and pragmatic, Yukino's are more optimistic and hopeful which allows for a very interesting dynamic. Their ideologies more often than not clash, sometimes for comedic effect but also as a compelling source of drama as they try with great effort to understand each other better which is only as compelling as it is because of the fact that they are these UR characters. Little do they know, they have more in common than they realise.
Whilst it is a common complaint amongst the anime community that these particular shows often fail to accurately represent their teenage characters, Oregairu, I can assure you is not one of these shows. These aren't characters with shallow and superficial motivations. There is a genuine sense of depth that can be found here, a wealth of alluded history behind who they are in the series and how they've ended up in the situations that they have. Just like real people, they have prejudices and they have flaws and whilst Hachiman's pithy and didactic monologues certainly sounds convincing at times, it doesn't take a lot to debunk them completely. Yet, perhaps it's his resolution to stick with these skewed bits of wisdom to justify his reclusiveness that we are given insight into just how broken of a character he truly is. As a result, Oregairu achieves something quite monumental: depicting teenage characters that feel real, albeit 'unrealistically' real. It embraces the naiveté and sometimes outright stupidity of adolescence.It embraces the melodrama because after all teenagers are the kings and queens of hyperbole. These are character relatable to anyone who has ever been in the cold shoes of an outcast and are what breathes new life into a well-trodden story.
For those seeking a very typical rom-com storyline, Oregairu doesn't disappoint either. This is a story that ultimately relies on the time-honoured trope of a guy surrounded by girls, whose relationship with them at first aren't particularly close. However, as the series progresses a reluctant and slow friendship blossoms as they work together each episode to help fellow adolescents as a part of their Service Club activities. The story has the characters leap from the relatively mundane such as cooking and tennis matches to the classic 'test of courage trope' that shows like these often like to deploy, and even the fan-favourite summer festivities. These are no doubt classic staples of the genre and Oregairu certainly knows how to pull out all the stops to recreate the poignant aromas of youth and the awfully familiar sensations of teenage-hood. All of which provide ample opportunities for both rib-busting comedy as well some insightful commentary about the world in which we dwell, from the point of view of a cynical and unproductive teenager (so maybe not so insightful). Development is slow and patience is required here. Even at the end of the run, it's questionable how much growth these characters actually underwent and how much closer they are to each other. I suppose with consideration of Hachiman's and Yukino's clashing and stubborn personalities,the rate with which the characters develop isn't particularly strange. Perhaps, it is how incremental the characters become closer to one another that it make the payoff all the more satisfying.
There's much enjoyment to be had from this show and one you'll certainly benefit from watching twice or even thrice depending on how much free time you have in your hands. I know for many, the character of Hachiman was someone who really spoke to them. The lengths to which he'll go to shield himself from the pain that he's experienced from countless times of rejection is something I'm sure many has experienced making him such a relatable and fun character to watch. Whilst some may criticise the show for being melodramatic, I personally found the drama compelling once I've understood the perspectives of these characters and the way they see the world. Although, this is admittedly a matter of taste. For those who've enjoyed the first season, look forward to the next as it only gets better and on that note, I bid you all happy viewing.
Oh yea...if ur lookin for that delichious romance and sweet face suking action...uh..ur in wrong place.
