Story: 6
The story mimics many of the past shoujo romances in the past such as Kaichou wa maid-sama, and Kimi ni Todoke just to name notable shows. The frustration I get from this series is that it’s as if the author did this in such a blatant way that I felt the plot was written with strict guidelines that one must NEVER cross; as a result, there is nothing that particularly stands out and separate this series from any other series in the past. I think even the director(s) of the anime had their own guidelines about story progression that I can pretty much predict what kind of “dilemma” would happen at what episode; from Mei’s and Yamato’s “breakup” to the introduction of Yamato’s past, to the designation an antagonist. They must have had a lot of vanilla to come up with a timeline like this.
Another complain of mine is the episodic nature of the series. What I mean about this is that as far as conflicts go, it feels like in they disappear as fast as they come. Let me lecture a bit about high school English: there are 5 parts to a story, the exposition – the beginning of a story, and description, rising action – conflicts, complications and the like, climax – the collision of everything good and bad, falling action – the wrap up, and resolution – the closure; with those elements in mind, in the episodes throughout the whole series, these elements were recycled. To clarify my statement, you could visualize an ECG (a device to graphically measure a heartbeat), but that heartbeat is resting, and you see absolutely no difference in between beats, not like if you were measured from rest to run, where things get bigger, and more erratic and intense. To put together all that jargon I just said, the episodes just do not seem to contribute to what SHOULD be the climax that is the last 3 episodes of the whole series. But instead, the conflicts themselves just feel isolated and the climax per episodes doesn’t really overlap, or outdo each other. This kind of plot progression doesn’t really suit the kind of tone this series, as well as the nature of its characters.
The one thing that I noticed immediately about this show is its serious tone. I can’t really bash nor praise this element because I would probably become bias; I like my over-the top and somewhat childish scenes, and overall nature of a show. Throughout the 12 episodes, this show did nothing to give anything outside of the main plot line to make me smile, and was more focused on getting out the progression with no quirks in mind. Quite simply, the series was “meh” about anything else, and was too busy with its own ***t. I didn’t feel offended by it, but at the same time, there was nothing in the series to disengage the audience even just a little bit
Characters: 7
The one thing that I give praise about this anime is its maturity. With that said, I’m talking about some of the character’s backgrounds. Within the first five(?) episodes, I got to know Yamato’s past, and how he had done the deed way before ever knowing Mei. This goes along with Yamato’s friends; it’s just like the high schools of the current generation. But with that said, Yamato himself is new to actual romance, yet he knows how to sweet-talk to a lady, quite evident on how he talks to Mei, especially in private.
Mei, well there’s really nothing particularly unique about her; she is shy, almost never ever shows her feelings, quiet, borderline anti-social, homely, and downright boring at times. Of course throughout the series, I can see her develop in both personal and social wellbeing, while giving a few lessons back to Yamato, including how to take care of cats (lol). However, there’s really nothing about her that stands out from any other main character of the same genres.
As for the side characters, we have a somewhat preppy big-boob girl with a history of being bullied, and former bulimic/anorexic bitch turned friendly, a perverted guy friend (of Yamato), and a “former” friend turned rival, and finally a designated antagonist who’s as or more popular than Yamato vying for his love and turns into a complete bitch against Mei. It’s a mishmash of generic archetypes.
Sound: 7
I like acoustic music, so naturally I would like this one; although I’ve heard others that I in my opinion are better. I do have to give credit where credit is due: Ritsuko Okazaki was also the composer and/or performer for classic anime such as Love Hina, and Fruits Basket, while Suneohair perfomed the songs for Honey and Clover – one of my favorite anime ever.
Art: 7
Again, TYPICAL. I mean I don’t know how else to describe it, the characters have gigantic eyes, the guys are tall, yet gentle to the eyes. The women are mostly petite, and slender. There is obvious attention to the characters, while the background blends itself in around them. The color is neutral, going with the serious theme of the plot, and the emotions of the characters. I’m honestly running out of words.
Enjoyment: 6
I love cheesy. I love cliché; and I have to admit this anime has all of that. It’s just the execution that really brought it down. The rollercoaster of emotions was just not there. There’s just a little bit of excitement or happiness - that one silver glint – and a conflict arises, and honestly gets boring after a while. I don’t know if that is deliberate or not, but it’s as if the directors want the cats in the anime to be the only true source of happiness, because I must admit, they made me smile more than the characters did.
Overall: 6
Shuffle! is considered to be the generic harem. To me, Sukitte Ii Na Yo is the generic high school romance. It did good to focus on what happens in a relationship; all the hardship, misunderstandings, competition between lovers and friends, just plain old bitchiness sometimes, and the awkwardness of love itself. With all these elements, It would have been a sure hit. But sadly, the execution just could not be par to the expectations of years and years’ worth of the same material. The potential is there, just not dice.
I do think this would be a good start to someone new to the genre, while still having a somewhat mature theme with it, but that’s really all the credit I can give it for.
