Adolescence is the metamorphosis of youth, where the wildness of imagination becomes aware of its own existence, as well as the existence of those other imaginations surrounding itself. Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! is a thematic story that addresses this period of change in life with interludes of comedy, romance, and drama. The writing is strong on all fronts--the anime does a lot and does it all well.
There is a major shift in narrative tone that occurs throughout the show; the frivolity and joy in the first half of the series dissipates into solemnity, drama, and tenderness. It would not be wrong to call the show twofaced, as it greatly deviates from the first impression it makes, but the emphasis on the character development takes precedence over maintaining a consistent tone. It also helps that the execution is great, and so this anime gets away with it.
The anime is armed with outstanding animation and does not fail in creating atmospheres of levity and sorrow. Scene compositions are beautiful and the pacing is good.
I recommend the anime to anyone willing to approach it with an open mind. It is a solid school days story that can make you laugh one episode and tug on your heartstrings the next.
