Rating: 7/10
Some shows hook you with their premise, others with their execution. For me, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian falls somewhere in between. With its charming blend of tsundere antics, cultural quirks, and slow-burn romance, it’s the kind of anime that feels like a guilty pleasure—but one you don’t actually feel that guilty about.
The Premise: A Quirky Twist on High School Romance
The story revolves around Alisa Mikhailovna “Alya” Kujo, a half-Russian high school girl who hides her true feelings behind cryptic comments in Russian. Our protagonist, Masachika Kuze, is her laid-back, somewhat clueless classmate who understands every word she says—but keeps it to himself.
This setup isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s unique enough to stand out in the overcrowded high school romance genre. It’s a dynamic that creates plenty of fun misunderstandings, heartfelt moments, and just enough tension to keep you invested.
Why It Worked for Me
Alya’s Personality: Alya is a classic tsundere, but the Russian twist gives her character a refreshing edge. Her sharp tongue, coupled with her vulnerable moments when she thinks no one understands her, makes her endearing rather than overbearing.
The Russian Factor: Let’s be real—anime with multilingual elements is rare, and the inclusion of Russian adds a unique flavor here. The show doesn’t overuse it; it’s sprinkled in just enough to highlight Alya’s personality and background. Plus, hearing those soft Russian phrases? Chef’s kiss.
Masachika’s Chill Energy: Unlike the dense male leads we’ve come to expect in romance anime, Masachika is surprisingly perceptive (at least when it comes to Alya). His decision to keep his understanding of Russian a secret makes him more interesting—there’s a quiet cleverness to him that balances Alya’s fiery energy.
The Slow Burn: The show thrives on subtlety. It doesn’t rush the romance, instead letting the relationship grow through small, meaningful interactions. Every glance, every playful jab, and every rare moment of vulnerability feels significant.
Where It Stumbled
Limited Scope: The story is very character-focused, which is great—but it doesn’t do much to expand beyond its central duo. The side characters exist, but they rarely get meaningful development or time to shine.
Repetitive Humor: While the banter between Alya and Masachika is fun, it does get a bit repetitive. The same teasing dynamic plays out in different settings, and after a while, you start wishing for a little more variety.
Missed Opportunities: Alya’s Russian heritage is a great hook, but it isn’t explored as deeply as it could be. I wanted to see more about how her cultural background affects her relationships or her perspective, but the anime keeps it mostly surface-level.
How It Felt Watching It
Watching this anime was like enjoying a warm cup of tea on a chilly evening. It’s not the most intense or memorable experience, but it’s comforting and sweet in its own way. Alya and Masachika’s interactions kept me smiling, and there were even moments that made me pause and go, “Okay, that’s cute.”
That said, it’s not the kind of show that leaves a lasting impression. It’s enjoyable in the moment, but once it’s over, you might not feel compelled to revisit it.
Why I Gave It a 7/10
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian gets a 7/10 from me because it’s good—but not great. It’s charming, it’s fun, and it has a unique twist, but it doesn’t quite push itself far enough to stand out as something truly special.
It’s the kind of anime I’d recommend to fans of lighthearted romance or anyone looking for a relaxing watch with just a touch of cultural flair. But if you’re expecting a deep dive into character development or an unforgettable love story, you might walk away feeling a bit underwhelmed.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely—if you’re in the mood for something cute, simple, and slightly off the beaten path. Alya’s sharp wit and Masachika’s quiet charm make for a delightful duo, and the sprinkling of Russian culture adds just enough novelty to keep things interesting.
