Reviews

Jan 21, 2025
Mixed Feelings
This anime was infamous in 2024 for its production issues, and it is no wonder there are a lot of negative reviews. But is it really a bad anime? Not exactly but it's borderline.


§ Overview

When Kino Himari attended her high school freshman opening ceremony, she was enthralled by this particular performer, Asanagi Yori. When Himari finally gets a chance to talk to Yori, Himari confesses that she 'fell in love at first sight.'

Confused with the confession, Yori considered it and reciprocated. Little did she know that Himari did not fall in love with Yori as a person but in her talent as a singer and a guitarist. Despite the resulting awkwardness, Yori pursued Himari and they start dating.


§ Notes


1. Overall, it's not a bad anime provided you're not expecting too much from the story nor the animation. The story is pretty much a decent watch. I'm not interested in reading the source material, which is why I wasn't aware of its status in the yuri community.


2. That said, it seems that the source material is pretty much popular so much so that the earlier ratings of this anime were close to 8. Fans of the source material were so excited that it might end up above 8, which is something unprecedented for a yuri.

Alas! The production issues happened.

If the source material is really that good, perhaps the blame should definitely be cast on the studio because this anime might have been great if not a masterpiece.


3. As for the main couple, they're not bad. Yori is cool, Himari is cute and likable. Their relationship, however, is boring.


4. Though not a yuri romance, one might compare this anime with A Sign of Affection. The couple's cute antics, gestures, and everything else can carry the show, even without the drama generated by an antagonist. This one needed that because Himari and Yori's growing relationship alone cannot carry this show.

And by the gods, the antagonist is the most interesting character in this anime. You will hate her immaturity for sure. Regardless, much of the conflict of this show is driven by her. She made it so much interesting as far as I'm concerned. (And yes, I do acknowledge that her presence is polarising.) It feels like she is the main character.

Even though Himari felt more like a supporting character, her actions do advance the plot. She is likable and a social connector, and this optimism for reconciliation is what was necessary.


5. Nitpicks. Contrary to our expectations, Himari did not fall in love at first with Yori. Too bad because this seems to be more realistic. When Yori fell for Hirami at her confession, wrongly thinking that Himari fancies her, I reckon this seems less plausible.

Some of the antagonist's actions and motivations felt contrived and unrealistic. One has to really suspect their disbelief to enjoy the drama.


6. I'm not sure how much of an improved experience one can get by reading the manga. But from the story, which is not too bad, it may turn out to be great.


7. I love the effect where a snapshot is taken to capture a moment. It somewhat reminds me of that use in Kimagure Orange Road.


8. If you're so into the story, you might overlook the lousy animation. There are so many frames where background characters are not moving.

Also, certain songs are not allowed to finish. Rehearsals and performances are not fully animated, which is a shame, save for a few. It makes it too obvious that the animation budget wasn't there. By itself, it's not bad, but it makes you wonder what this anime could have been.


§ Conclusion

Not having read the source material, this might be a great story hampered by the incompetence of the studio. It's not bad watching on its own since you're not one of those unfortunate souls who had to wait months before finally watching the last two episodes. But it could have been better.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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