My Love Story!!

Ore Monogatari!!, also known as My Love Story, is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a story about love between two main characters – Takeo and Yamato. And at first glance, they look like a mismatch. It doesn’t take a genius to realize as the two looks nothing alike. Takeo looks like a professional sumo wrestler standing nearly 7 feet tall while Yamato has the appearance of a frail schoolgirl. However, the story is more than just about appearances. Because in this love story, destiny connects them in ways that really gives the word ‘love’ its important meaning. Written and crafted by Kazune Kawahara, the seriesis what I consider a classic for the rom-com genre. An interesting catch though is that there isn’t a love triangle between two main guys fighting for a girl. In fact, we have Sunakawa Makoto, a very popular guy who seems to attract almost any girl. The catch is that he is more like the antithesis of a playboy. He doesn’t have any interest in getting a girlfriend but actually devotes his time to help his friend Takeo experience love. Get the general picture? It sets up the primary story that connects Takeo with other characters instead of a drama clingy series. And throughout the way, he becomes part of a love story that changes his life forever. The first few episodes easily establishes a lot of facts about the main characters. Takeo has the outer appearance of someone that would make almost any girl frighten in fear. However, he is a guy with a heart of gold. His action speaks louder than words as he is dedicated to help others; friends, family, or even strangers. Then, there’s Yamato, a sweet innocent girl who falls for Takeo at first sight after he saves her on the train from an apparent pervert. The series approaches this concept with careful planning as the first episodes builds on the chemistry between the two. Makoto supports them from behind the lines while offering helpful advice. What I find interesting about the initial setup is how Takeo will learn about love. Clearly, he lacks experience when it comes to relationships. These include going on dates, setting up the right moments, or initiating a first kiss. His outer appearance also doesn’t help the fact that he is often misjudged. Yet, the show does a very clever job with fleshing out the characters. Through flashbacks and characterization, we see how Takeo’s personality really is like when he was little. The show also can be persuasive when it comes to letting the audience know why others changes their view on Takeo as the story progresses. A crystal clear way of presenting the story is something that isn’t done so easily with directing but for Ore Monogatari, it knows its ways. As relationship dynamics is a primary focus in the show, it’s also risky when the story already sets up the main characters as the couple. No, forget set up. How about just bringing them together in union? While the pacing seems a bit abrupt at first, I can honestly say that the show does an appealing job to show their progress as a couple. This is because other characters are introduced to bring out the best of them together. For instance, there’s Ai, Makoto older sister. While she may seem like a love rival at first, the show quickly makes it clear that the only eyes Takeo has for is Yamato. It shows that he is loyal with his commitments and often tries to prove himself as a worthy boyfriend. Many times throughout the show, Takeo appeals to others (including Ai) for advice. These include reading girls magazines, learning to cook, and even trying to very comically to practice kissing with a friend. We also get a good idea that Takeo wants to be with Yamato both physically and emotionally. As he lacks experience in love, the show inspires ways for Takeo to become better person. This is connected by the relationship Takeo shares with Yamato, Makoto, Ai, and more characters later on. As sweet as the show can be, one might question about the pacing of the series. How does Ore Monogatari formulate into a 2 cour series about a couple that becomes official at so early in the stage? I had some doubts at first about this and it can be understandable if some people feels that the show can be repetitive. Almost every episode feels similar as it focuses on Takeo and Yamato. Hardly any other character becomes the main focus although they do have some roles, whether major or minor. It can also be frustrating sometimes to see how dense Takeo is when taking the initiative that involves what couples should be doing (ex. Holding hands, kissing, etc). In essence, a show like this often puts the couple ahead of others but it isn’t entirely shy to give some supporting characters their own spotlights. Characters such as Saijou and Nanako gets their own exclusive episode while Ai also her spotlight moments with Takeo. In essence, it’ll take patience to watch the show. Luckily, there’s comedy that factors into entertainment. Rather than relying on dirty fan service or shock value, the show has a charming presence of delivering humor. The main part of it comes from the couple of Takeo and Yamato as they show human expressions that you would typically see in any rom-com. Then, there’s also Takeo as he accomplishes nearly inhuman feats because of his impressive physique. Similarly, Makoto and Takeo’s relationship can also get quite comedic because of the latter’s occasional lack in common sense. If you want comedy, then there’s a performance that will get you smiling. Madhouse adapts the manga with its production and to be quite honest, it’s gorgeous. The color palette like background and character designs illustrates the classic feel of what a rom-com shoujo should be. Character designer Hamada Kunihiko (Nana, Chihayafuru) puts emphasis on the characters’ youthful looks to give them their appeal. Of course, Takeo stands out as the most prominent figure in the show. He is designed to look like a professional sumo wrestler who stands out taller and more ripped than anyone in the show. Yamato has the innocent look of a flower while the Sunakawa siblings are designed to look like beauties. It creates a surge of diversity with the main cast that people can feel attached to. And speaking of diversity, the show also ventures to other settings besides school such as the outdoor woods and beach. Lastly, the show’s fan service isn’t relied on showing skin despite having the classic beach episode. Instead, it further progresses the relationship between Takeo and Yamato. From a humorous perspective, the character reactions is what really brings out the entertainment values that fans may crave for. Soundtrack is fairly decorative although not outstanding. The OST and OP theme songs are neat for their ability to portray the style of the show. But what may stands out more is the character voice mannerisms. Takeo’s voice sounds like he is a lot older than he appears to be while Yamato is the opposite. She has a soft voice that really shows her innocence. The Sunakawa siblings both have a more mature voice in particular Ai as she is portrayed as the older sister type. So what does this mean? It basically shows that the characters are realistic to their appearance and roles. No, I wouldn’t say Ore Monogatari is a show that will be bucketing tears. There’s no tragic moments that makes the audience feel like there’s a need to cry. Instead, we get a classic shoujo rom-com with affectionate character relationships. Even the love triangles that occasionally appears in the show doesn’t go into a direction that gets distracting. And while the pacing will feel a bit repetitive, it’s also important to realize the objective of Ore Monogatari!!: to tell a love story with charm, elegance, realism, and developing youth. And that is a certain kind of beautiful.

I watched Ore Monogatari after seeing lots of good reviews about it. Especially because they said that it's "really good" and "unique", but watching this anime made me VERY disappointed. Story: 2/10 I would've given it a higher score if it wasn't a 24 episodes anime. Why? Because this anime is mostly about "nothing". Lots of people said that it's unique but I don't see anything unique about it. It started off like this: Guy saves the girl, they started to meet a lot. So the rest of the series went on like this: Meet (there are flowers and bubbles every time they meet), lovey-dovey, meet,lovey-dovey,petty problem,meet,lovey-dovey,petty problem,meet-lovey-dovey,petty problem. Imagine 21 episodes of nothing but the same things over and over again. Art: 9/10 The art is the only thing that I like in this anime because it's so pretty. Sound: 4/10 The opening and ending songs are not that really interesting for me, so I often skip them. The were also lots of times where a scene became even more boring because of the background music that's playing. Character: 4/10 Takeo - There are lots of anime where the male lead is not handsome so Takeo is not the "first". The only difference is that, he is "obviously" very ugly and bigger compared to most of the characters. They said that, "even though he is ugly at least he is kind". But then in this anime, Takeo is not the only kind person. Almost everyone is kind. Even that handsome Suna is kind. So, what makes Takeo great compared to them? Yamato - is the usual shoujo female lead. Cute,Tiny ( TOO tiny for Takeo which really bothers me a lot), she looks fragile but at least she knew how to make a move on the guy that she like without making herself looks like a flirt. There is nothing interesting about her, some female characters are even more interesting than her. Sunakawa- The complete opposite of Takeo. He is handsome and popular, but even though he is handsome he didn't act like a bad person. I admire his character a lot. He is such a good friend. But then, I thought that there will be something more to him. Something to look forward to, but none of that happened since this anime focused on Takeo and Yamato's relationship. Overall: 2/10 I almost want to dropped it after 7 episodes. Because that 7 episodes almost bored me to death, but I have a policy not to drop any anime so I had to bear with it. It would've been okay if it's only 12 episodes.

It's very easy for me to be swept away by certain animes/tv shows/ books, but watching this one took me to an entire new level. I can honestly say it was/is my favourite anime. I love every single one of Takeo's expressions, the way he's pretty dense as well. I love how he genuinely values the people he is surrounded by and only wants the best for each of them. Suna's laugh makes me smile and watching him reminisce and see how much he values his friendship with Takeo is so heart warming. I adore Yamato and how much she adores Takeo. Watching her initially overcomelittle things like asking him out and holding his hand and kissing him is so cute to watch.

Spoilers will exist. Story: 2 The first few episodes were really good because it was something different (from what I've seen). An unpopular guy amongst girls, who's not bullied every waking existence, saves a girl from a train molester and gets her number. His dense mindset towards the girl's feelings was funny and corny at the same time, but was understandable because of the backstory we had been given. When he eventually understands her feelings they finally start dating and this is when the fun stuff begins... Or so I had hoped. I should have just dropped it then and there because after finding out that they both likeeach other, they basically become lampposts that moths hover around. Everything happens just because one or both of them exist. Their relationship never changes and is basically set in stone from that point on. So the focus then shifts to other people and their relationships but it's executed quite boringly. When the focus is back onto their relationship you can always expect Takeo to misunderstand, overreact or "SUKI DA". Art: 7 It felt a bit like it was a children's anime in that the backgrounds were just very bright, watercoloured and simple. The girls were drawn quite oddly and I wasn't fond of that. Sound: 7 Didn't like the OP, didn't like the ED, voice acting was standard. Character: 2 Well what can I say, they so simple that I only need 1 line for each character. Takeo - Misunderstands, always resolves issues, "SUKI DA~~~~". Suna - Single, good looking guy that gets all the girls attention and needs to instruct Takeo on how to do anything related to relationships. Yamato - Likes baking, get flustered when she's thinking of Takeo, always nice towards other people. Enjoyment: 3 After the first few eps, it becomes tedious to even watch it while eating. If you want to watch it, watch it for the first few eps then don't bother because they will basically be the same. Overall: 4 Most overrated anime this season. Starts of great then becomes 'mystery meat' stew where you basically know you're getting one of few choices and where each choice is bad in itself.