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Sometimes it's the simple things that move you the most.
The hate on Horimiya is very visible, and I can see why, it had the potential to be much better than it was, but I don't think that discredits the things it does right.


TLDR: The show isn't anything insanely deep, intense, or new. It takes a standard plot you see in this genre and tries to take a slightly different route. At the very least, it's definitely worth a watch. Would have been rated higher if it wasn't rushed.

Side note: This is one of my first reviews, so feel free to let me know anything I've ... done wrong. (review my review lmao)

The Romance/Slice of Life of the 2021 winter season, has finally ended, and the sendoff was just as nice as the entrance.

Usually, when I come across a decently popular show, someone has already said my opinion on it or at the very least gotten close, but none of the reviews here seem to do that.

When I see the hate for this show, I honestly still think it's because people went in with the wrong idea.

This show isn't anything game-changing or bringing anything completely new to the table. It's more like a small breath of fresh air. It takes a setting that we all know too well in this genre and tries to add some realism. When I say this, I don't mean the plot is likely to happen or anything like that. When I say realism, what I'm trying to say is it's a bit more light-hearted and real in terms of the characters and relationships, but the way the characters meet and get together is quite basic. The show doesn't bother with an insanely unique story, but rather focuses on the characters. None of the characters are overly dramatic, nor are they dead-eyed and emotionless, and despite this, they manage to make the show interesting. This is what makes Horimiya seem so genuine. Also, despite its roots being in another genre, the show is also a lot of SOL, which it handles well thanks to the characters.

In your standard show in this genre, the main characters create relationships that are deep-rooted and emotionally complex. It isn't necessarily bad, but it's a path this show has chosen not to take. It's a simpler take on relationships that is nice to see. But, simplicity may be the reason why a lot of people complain it's too basic. If you want a deep story of two characters who develop emotions and deep bonds over time from events pulling them close together, this isn't the show you're looking for (it's ok I like those shows too). This show has relationships that are more straightforward and candid. What got me the most is how this show balances the different character personalities. Each of the characters are well written and feel so human.

It also has a large focus on the side characters, (apparently in the manga there is even more) which is important in order to keep the show from becoming monotonous. The show's premise is clear at the start, but due to the fast pace, once the MCs' relationship has been built, I can see how this show can seem repetitive. I know that many people watch these shows to see relationship development, and you get that in the first 5-6 episodes, but there is less of that for our main characters past those episodes. Despite this, I still like the pacing.
The reason I say the show is rushed is that it skips a lot of the middle chapters (and I mean a lot), and a lot of those moments are important making the ending feel more profound. The show could have been within my top 10 for its genre if it was a 24 episode series instead of 12. This is definitely the biggest issue I have with this show.

As for the comedy, it hits, but it isn't enough to make me raise my enjoyment by too much. It's a basic comedy, you'll smile, maybe the occasional strong nose exhale, possibly a chuckle or a laugh if you're in the mood. Nothing that puts it above the ordinary.

My rating for the show is currently 7.5/10, which is on the average-high end for my ratings.

When I have a rating that falls in the .5's (6.5,7.5,8.5 etc.) I either round up or round down depending on the show.

Near the start, it was actually a 7.8/10, but as I said, the series was packed into 12 episodes which I thought ruined some parts of the show. It's nice to see a take like this in the genre and it definitely was a great addition to Winter 2021.