Reviews

Sep 29, 2023
Mixed Feelings
The Hot Vicar of Dibley.

If you’re looking for a slice-of-life rom-com that is cute but predictable, safe and at times a bit boring then here is Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence.

The story revolves around Pastor Lawrence who lives with and looks after Cecilia, a mythical Saint said to be sent by god to solve the people's problems. However, Cecilia harbours an enormous crush on Lawrence who is so dense you could mistake him for rock. This is the beginning and the end of the joke spread over twelve episodes.

Okay, that's a bit harsh. The show can be very funny in that cute way most competent moé shows are. Studio Doga Kobo may not be pushing the boat out in terms of art and animation compared to the monster anime they made last season “Oshi no Ko”, but the painted backgrounds are pretty and the character expressions are very lively, charming and fun. Especially Cecilia, who is adorable.
This anime nails the first episode introducing her as a kind, saintly, almost divine figure to the people of the village contrasting her adorably lazy and gluttonous self she only shows Lawrence when they’re alone. Abel and Aldridge don’t add much to the dynamic when they’re introduced apart from giving Cecilia and Lawerence some other people to talk to, but theirs and the villager's efforts to drop obvious hints about Cecilia’s obvious affection for Lawerence to the Paster can be very charming.

There’s some light world-building. Saints can communicate with angels/fairies in the form of little light blobs and also the dead later on(?). Still, it is mostly that sort of diet Christian-inspired religious inspiration anime uses but doesn’t fully commit to probably for Japanese historical cultural reasons.

Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence is fine. The first episode is really good but after that, it settles into genre tropes you see in most slice-of-life rom-com’s and fluctuates between good and dull.
The lord may be Cecilia’s shepherd but it's Lawrence she shall want but he's not laying her down in green pastures any time soon if you know what I’m saying.

6/10 It’s Okay.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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