[Story - 7]
I appreciate the original take when it comes to marriage practical theme. Even if it seems funny, or even stupid in the synopsis, it works pretty well in the show at the end. It allows the anime to take the path, many rom-com viewers are seeking - "enemies to lovers". The show isn't boring at all, even after a few episodes, which is pretty common for this type of anime. Each episode consists of something either funny or exciting for the viewer. It's really enjoyable. As far as I like the whole concept of the show, I also dislike it at the same level. This approach to the story makes the relationship between characters a bit meaningless and forced. Let's be real - Jirou and Akari pairing is pretty exotic, and most likely would have really low chances, without this forced pairing. I much more like the shows, where the relationship goes naturally. There are also a lot of lewd scenes, and in some moments, the show looks like Ecchi. There are also unbearable for me, ambiguous scenes, between Shiori and Jirou. These are not only cringe-worthy but also really tiring to watch - especially when it is repeatable (holidays - beach and restaurant scenes). The chemistry between many characters is weird and forced at times. That seems to be a positive thing in some ways, to show the character development in later episodes.
[Art - 7]
The colours in the show are vivid, bright, and really saturated, making the atmosphere nicer, and the show more interesting. Most of the time colours are matched correctly, and the art looks really good. In some scenes, the hue is really aggressive, and it may appear oversaturated, which causes the opposite effect from the planned.
[Sound - 8]
Not much to mention there. Music doesn't play a major role in this show. The opening is just okay. Ending on the other hand is a masterpiece. I loved it from the first time I heard it!
[Characters - 6]
The characters are really generic. The first episode and the viewer can already think "I saw that somewhere already". And obviously, those characters are widely copied in many anime, but the first suggestion that comes to head? Nisekoi. The main character is madly in love with his childhood friend. He starts to spend much more time with the main heroine, that is totally not his type. As they know each other better, it seems they are clicking quite well. MC starts to realize his feelings for the main heroine. Nothing new. MC is surprisingly not bad, and in some ways likable. It's still far from the really good male MCs, but I didn't feel the cringe, by looking at his actions. It's a good exception from the usual boring, useless rom-com MC. Side characters? Zero development, zero significance to the story. Basically, everyone besides Akari, Shiori, and Jirou "is just there" and that's it. Their personality is almost non-existent. The only side character viewers are about to know a bit better is Tenjin, and it's still really a surface knowledge level (and maybe that is better?)
[Enjoyment - 9]
I won't lie, this show is one of those I really enjoyed while watching it. I'm aware of its flaws. And I agree it's nothing special. But I still really liked it. Even if it has some elements suggesting it's a generic rom-com, I find the whole show idea pretty innovative. It was something I didn't experience before when it comes to anime. I had a lot of laughs, smiles, and excitement throughout those 12 episodes. I even picked up the manga, as I was curious about what will happen next. "More than a married couple, but not lovers" is doing a lot of things wrong, as long as the brightening up my day, can be counted as a wrong thing.
Fuufu Ijou, Koibito Miman. isn't a masterpiece. But it also not trying to be one. It's a lighthearted romance, with a good dose of comedy, and a pretty original idea for a storyline. The show isn't for everyone for sure. However, if you're looking for a decent rom-com, with a fair amount of lewdness, a great amount of laughter, and some cute moments, look no further.
"More than a married couple, but not lovers" anime gets more than I was expecting, before starting this show - 8/10.
