This show has a special place in my heart as the contents of it really resonate with me and my experiences. I loved it on my first viewing, but the contents never really stuck with me; and as time went on I sometimes wondered my reasoning for giving it's initial score, whether that be because I forgot some scenes or I misremembered certain events. So going into my second watch I wasn't 100% confident my score would stay the same or if I would end up lowering it due to not living up to the expectations I set for it with my initial score. After rewatching it though I was blown away by how much more I loved it.
It is a very slow paced, but real show. There is no excess drama injected into the story to drum up the stakes, it's just your average kids in average and real situations. For those who have had the benefit of experiencing similar situations, it's very relatable how these kids act, and what they're thinking, throughout the show. There are many scenes of just awkward silence that are just natural because you are watching 2 middle school kids trying to figure out what to say and how to act in a brand new world for them. And rather than those scenes taking away from the show, it enhances the characters when they finally do break that barrier of awkwardness and begin to communicate and get to know each other. None of the interactions feel forced by the author in order to get the story moving.
As much as I can gush over the show, I can secede that it isn't for everyone, as for my second watch I watched it with a friend. Hearing his thoughts and opinions on the show made me realize that the show may not be for everyone and some of the contents and themes won't connect to some viewers. However despite the show not grasping him in the same way it had me, he is able to agree that it is a very good show.
This show from this day forward will be my number one show, previously held by Clannad: After Story, until I come across something that moves me in a very similar manner. Whether or not this is biased due to my own personal experiences which reflect the story in a way I wished they would have ended, this is an amazing show which encapsulates the essence of growing up and learning the world of love for the first time.
The score in my heart for this show will not be trapped by the confines of a finite grading scale.
11/10 - Cannot recommend enough
