Story:
You can find out about the details for the story by reading the synopsis, but at first glance this seems like your typical comedy, heavy echii type of show. And if that’s not enough to either attract or deter you, there is also the notion of teacher-student love, which a taboo in today’s society. However, the story doesn’t focus on these aspects at all. The teacher-student taboo isn’t even mention in the anime, and though there are funny moments, the show doesn’t rely on comedy to reel you in. The echii is very low (compared to shows in the genre nowadays), and to me that was refreshing.
The plot is gradual, with only 12 episodes to tell the story, the pace was very good. The ending was very satisfying, I didn’t have any questions left unanswered (not that I had too many questions in the first place. Overall, I give the story a 10 because I have no complaints.
Art:
It was pretty good, especially considering that the show was made in 2002. The animation was very fluid. The character design was realistic and not over the top. I have nothing to complain about in that category.
Sound:
To me personally, what separates a great show from a masterpiece is the music, the background music. To me, this is what takes a show to another level. Music is able to set a mood more than anything, it can change the mood as well, and when used incorrectly, it can ruin a mood. I take great pride in being able to recognize how well BGM plays in any particular show. In Onegai Teacher, the sound and music was perfect. It was used very well; it set the mood, changed the mood, and intensified the mood. I downloaded the soundtrack very soon after watching the show. 10/10 for the sound for me.
Characters:
Now, a lot of other reviewers might not agree with me, but I loved the characters. I am a little biased however. Mizuho, the teacher, happens to have the same personality as my girlfriend so obviously I didn’t hate Mizuho. I like most of the things she did and said, she was well drawn, and was a good character. The only thing about her that I would call a flaw is that she was immature and overemotional at times, but come on, every real person has flaws so why wouldn’t a realistic person have some too. Kei, the main protoganist, is a pale geeky looking boy, but surprisingly doesn’t act too geeky or shy. When he needs to speak up, he does. He isn’t scared to argue with or against Mizuho, and he has some sense. He is a very realistic character, someone you would meet in your class or whatnot.
The other cast members are okay. They fit every typical anime-character stereotypes, but they do bring some things here and there to the show. Overall, the cast is nothing to praise about, but nothing to really critique about either.
Overall:
When I rate a show, I usually rate it based on how it moved emotionally. Did the show make me relate with the characters? Did the mood that the show try to set move me at all? Was the comedy actually funny?
I am not a professional critique, I don’t rate shows based on expectations and minute details. I based it on what is meant to me personally. Onegai Teacher moved me, after watching it a second time, I can say that the show is up there in my top 10 for sure. I love everything about it, and I will definitely watch it a third time soon. 10/10 Overall for giving me a good watch.
