Romeo x Juliet, ef: A Tale of Melodies. Recommendations
Both animes are mostly based on romance, although Ef is also mystery while Romeo x Juliet has fantasy.
While the theming and setting are very different between Romeo x Juliet and ef: A Tale of Melodies, the two are very similar in the areas that matter the most in both of these anime; their love stories are exceptionally well done and tragic.
With that in mind, it's important to understand that Melodies tells two love stories at once. One of Kuze, a slowly dying man who prefers to keep his friends and loved ones at bay, contradictory to his self-proclaimed title as a ladies man. However, this policy of emotional isolationism is challenged when Mizuki, a lively and carefree girl falls in love with
him.
The other is the story of Yuu, a young man in high school who meets a girl named Yuuko, who seems to know him. Eventually remembering her as a girl who asked him to be her brother at the orphanage he lived in as a child, he is forced to confront the memories of losing his beloved sister, whom he was very close to, in an earthquake.
So right off the bat, I'll let it be known that Yuu's story is much more similar to the romance in Romeo x Juliet in many ways. The loss of Yuu's loved ones in the earthquake sets a similar stage as RxJ's fall of the house of Capulet, Yuuko's gaurdian plays the role of the villain exceptionally, so much so that I'd say he surpasses Prince Montague in his evil, and there are quite a few more reasons they're alike, however going into them would be impossible without giving up spoilers.
That's not to say Kuze's story isn't good. Kuze's impending death is quite tragic in it's own right, especially as you get to know his character and his past. Unfortunately though, that's really the only area it resembles RxJ's story in any way; whereas the latter is a story about Romeo and Juliet seeking to live happily in love against the unfortunate circumstances of their relationship, most of Kuze's story is spent showing his frustration and pain as the emotions he feels for Mizuki battle against his desire to keep her away in order to save her from the pain she'd undoubtedly feel when he dies.
Either way, just like RxJ, there are more than a few tear-jerking moments as well as those that will bring a smile to your face. Keep in mind though, Melodies is not a fantasy story like RxJ. Primarily it's a romance, however it does have a sprinkling of mystery, supernatural, and slice of life elements as well.
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