Review: Horimiya

(Non-Spoilery)

Season Aired: Winter 2021 - 13 episodes

MAL Link: Horimiya

I watched it at: Funimation

Review:

Horimiya invites the viewer into a world of teenage romance, essentially.  It's a romantic comedy focusing on an ensemble cast of characters all going through the process of growing up and dealing with emotions.

The art direction on this series immediately got my attention with its unique bright pop. It is a visually stimulating series with vibrant colors and crisp, wonderfully rendered settings. Watching it is like enjoying the spectacle of a sugar-high rainbow unicorn vomiting pop-rocks and skittles onto a wall of fresh morning snow dappled with sunshine.

While visually interesting, a romantic comedy isn't going to be able to get by on its art direction. The characters and writing will make or break the show.

The Plot in a Nutshell:

A fateful meeting outside of school brings two students together who would seem to have nothing in common.  This chance encounter leaves them intrigued with one another and leads to them having social interactions at school.  When the odd couple start to spend time together, it raises the eyebrows of their respective circle of acquaintances.

The relationship between the two main characters at the center of the show will have an effect on the relationships of those around them in interesting ways.

My Verdict: 

Romantic comedies are built on their cliches and tropes, both well worn and familiar.  They can be made comforting and enjoyable in a well done show or grate on the nerves when handled clumsily. In this regard, Horimiya handles it like smooth jazz in a Cadillac. You'll see the tropes and cliches rolling by but you'll never feel a bump in the road as the sweet music and luxury suspension carries you down the highway.

That said, as far as tropes go, I'd say Horimiya goes all in on Opposites Attract.  That can get out of hand quickly and lead to dysfunction if not carefully balanced on the characters personalities.  The two main characters here balance it well and it is enjoyable to watch their dynamic. They are very different people, but find creative outlets for their differences without antagonizing each other.

I enjoyed my time with the characters and the show left me pleased with its friendliness and positive vibes.

Score: 4.0 out of 5

Review Rating Scale:

5     Brain wildly entertained. Neurons saturated with entertainment.

4.5  Brain extremely entertained. Neurons firing regularly. Outside world forgotten.

4     Brain entertained. Neurons well stimulated. Brain wants to look for the blu-ray.

3.5  Brain in Neutral. Neurons a little stimulated. Brain generally pleased.

3     Brain in neutral. Neurons flat lined. Meh, brain pleased just enough.

2.5  Brain in neutral but occasionally displeased.

2     Brain displeased and not entertained. Brain thinking about doing something else.

1.5 or less - Brain suffered through the show so it could tell you not to.