Reviews

From the year 2018, Ouran Host Club is a bit dated; not in art, but in concept. Or, perhaps, it was ahead of its time, in a way. Let me clarify. The show attempts parody and often achieves some level of subversion that is really charming. Other times, though, the tropes and stereotypes and gags leave a bitter sensation on my sensibilities. The first 10ish episodes really are a bit formulaic in a way that starts getting tiresome and problematic. Later in the show, development happens in plot structure and in character, making me really get into the show. As it is, this is a light 8--maybe a 7.5 if MAL allowed for it. But the latter half of the show--13 onwards--was very charming.

I've seen reviews really criticize Ouran for being sexist and regressive and a failure at parody. I (mostly) disagree. The depiction of the two trans characters was not stellar, though I'd argue each had highlights that were done better than depiction I've seen in any anime shy of full on Wandering Son. But I got the sense that it wasn't talking down to women; all of the students were frivolous and flightful, not just the girls. All of them deluded themselves, one way or another, and were self important. It seemed to me that, while there were troughs were I found the depiction of the girls at the high school distasteful, most of the time, it seemed more like making fun of rich teenagers without a care in the world.

I would have liked to see a bit more of Haruhi's intellect showcased, but generally speaking, I liked the show. If they had cut and tidied up the beginning and some of the gags, it could have been an easy 9 from me.