Sep 22, 2022
"Yagate Kimi ni Naru" is the first proper Yuri show I have watched, and I must say it blew me away. Maybe it's the fact that I'm new to this genre, but the story was fresh and on point. It was simple, yet engaging, easy enough to follow, and unfolded naturally. I didn't expect to like the characters as much as I did. Unlike some other anime, they acted somewhat close to how an actual human being would.
The main character, Yuu, is likable, cheeky, and interestingly somewhat relatable. Yuu is an avid shoujo manga reader, which is full of artificial and idealized love that is
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by no shape, or form attainable in real life. She is desperately chasing that alluring feeling of "shoujo love", but to no avail, making her believe she is different.
Yuu's senpai, Touko, is perfect... a perfect mess. She is a beautiful, flawless genius and everyone's love interest. She rejected multiple people who confessed to her without a second thought. There is only one problem, Touko puts on a facade. This perfect image she portrays is not truly who she is, but her deceased older sister, whom she idolized and adored. She hates her true self and takes it as her life mission to BECOME her older sister and would rather die than break this character (she even states that).
When Touko finds out that Yuu has never been able to feel love and is not attracted to her, she is mesmerized. She is tired of putting on an act, but with Yuu, there is no pressure, and she can be her "flawed" self. The dynamic between them is intriguing, and their interactions feel genuine. Yuu gradually breaks Tokuo's shell and exposes her for who she truly is. The depiction of their relationship was believable and nuanced, and it was fun being a fly on the wall watching it unfold. Alas, it can't be a perfect love story without a love triangle, right? Cue, Sayaka! Touko's friend, classmate, and doppelganger. They look and act alike. Sayaka has no problems serving as the second fiddle to Touko, as long as she is close to her. She is also secretly in love with her. Anyway, there is not much more to add besides the fact she adds some needed tension and makes things more exciting.
The side characters were primarily sitting on the sidelines. It is not a bad thing, though. It means more screen time for Yuu and Touka, and ultimately, they are the show's main draw. There is the sensei and her girlfriend. They serve as a tool for plot progression and a venting outlet for other characters. Maki takes the role of the quiet observer, who indulges in watching other people's romance, as he is not yet or maybe will ever be capable of experiencing it himself. The theater scene depicted his persona masterfully. It was memorable and well-executed. The rest of the ensemble consists of the obligatory comic relief guy and generic school friends.
The art is delightful. The models of the characters are consistent and fit the shoujo vibe the show is aiming at. The backgrounds are breathtaking and detailed, even reaching the ones of a decently budgeted movie. The overall animation is fluid and clean. I have not noticed any discrepancies. That said, there was nothing to write home about as far as sound was concerned. The opening and ending are okay, but nothing I would listen to more than once. The OST fits nicely and is not overwhelming, even though, at times, it was overused (like the one after the mid-episode break).
Admittedly, the show has exceeded my expectations. The execution was splendid. I liked that the topics explored not only revolved around mere romance but also things like self-discovery and identity, which added needed depth. The show gets extra points for getting me invested and touching my heartstrings without being a cheap melodrama or an obnoxious tear-jerker.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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