Anime Review: My Love Story!! (Lights, Camera, Action!)

My Love Story!! (UK Rating: 12)

Takeo has gotten used to the status quo with Sunakawa (Suna). They are best friends and have been both friends and neighbours since they were in kindergarten; even their mothers are friends. In all that time, Takeo has been the ogre that everyone was terrified of - girls especially - while Suna has had everyone fawn over him thanks to his good looks and academic prowess. That's exactly why it's so hard for Takeo to pick up on it when suddenly a girl becomes interested in him. While the friends are commuting one day, Suna clocks a guy molesting a girl in a school uniform and Takeo takes care of it, snatching the guy's hand and dragging him off to station attendants. The fallout from this act of heroism finds the young beauty - one Rinko Yamato - finding excuses to spend time with the pair, at first seemingly to thank and repay them. During this, Takeo realises he has fallen for Rinko but thinks she, like every girl in his life, is interested in Suna, so he dedicates himself to getting the pair together. It never crosses Takeo's mind that Rinko could be interested in him; who would want the gorilla when the idol is there?

Well, it turns out Rinko does; she is completely smitten with the great big lunk, and early on in the series the pair officially becomes a couple. Instead of falling into the age old trap of shoujo - the old "Will they, won't they?" - it establishes the relationship early on and spends the rest of the time focusing on it. The flirtation and prospect of becoming may be an interesting premise, but it's one that is as old as the hills and, honestly, the relationship itself can be just as interesting. There's plenty of drama and tension through the romance, along with great side-stories in the supporting cast.

The series is produced by Madhouse, which has managed to completely capture the manga's style. Filling most of the scenes with gorgeous shoujo-style art, surrounded with rich and warm tones, floral flourishes, and sparkly effects. The series doesn't rely on this throughout, though, using dramatic lines and imposing moments to accentuate Takeo's intimidating form. This is dual audio for the dub fans, too, and both language choices are equally good, with some great performances across the board.

8/10

Great - Silver Award

An absolutely superb romance from start to finish, a story that breaks out of its genre and becomes something that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just shoujo fans. It's so rare to see such a perfect ending, too. Every character across the entire show gets its story wrapped up - even the molester from the first episode! The manga ran on for some time after the anime but, still, this feels like a complete story with no need for a second season; however, those who enjoy My Love Story!! be sure to check out the live-action adaptation.