Kimi ni Todoke: Nice girl meets nice boy
It’s really difficult to dislike this show. Yes, I admit that I’m weak to it since it’s shoujo, and the story’s been done before (I’m sure I’m not the first to make comparisons to Kare Kano), but that doesn’t mean that Kimi ni Todoke doesn’t bring its own charm to the table.
I haven’t read the manga and I think I’ll wait till the anime is finished before sending Viz my paycheck, if only for the reason that I want to enjoy the anime on its own merit, without having to compare it to the manga. If experience is any indicator, of course the manga’s going to be better; it always is.
I think the best part of Kimi ni Todoke is how it’s taking its sweet time. Sawako obviously has feelings for classmate Kazehaya, and vice-versa, but there’s no need to rush things. It’s really cute to watch these characters go through the awkwardness, the stumbling and blushing of young love.
If only high school was this simple… Actually, beyond the development of Sawako and Kazehaya’s relationship, it’s also interesting how Sawako has reacted to the incessant name-calling and bullying. I don’t know about you, but if I were called “Sadako” and had people gossiping in front of my face all the time, well, I wouldn’t play as nice as Sawako does. High school is tough enough, but Sawako faces her situation with this matter-of-fact attitude: this is what I am, and if I keep trying and put myself out there, maybe people will warm up to me. Being a good person doesn’t hurt, and even the class mean girls recognize her good heart.
It’s anime like these that make me look forward to watching again.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:36 am
Maybe it’s just being a guy, but I thought a lot of the anime adaptation of shoujo manga are much more accessible than reading the manga. I tried reading Karekano and I couldn’t make it through volume one…
Well, the appeal was definitely very different once comedy plays a bigger role in the adaptation. Kimi ni Todoke might be a closer adaptation in that sense.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 am
Omo, I don’t think it’s a guy thing; shoujo that has a touch of comedy is much funnier when it becomes an anime (see also: Nodame). Sight gags can only go far in manga, I feel.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
[...] Anna-sempai talks about the charm that sets apart Kimi ni Todoke from other shoujo series: I think the best part of Kimi ni Todoke is how it’s taking its sweet time. Sawako obviously has feelings for classmate Kazehaya, and vice-versa, but there’s no need to rush things. It’s really cute to watch these characters go through the awkwardness, the stumbling and blushing of young love. [...] High school is tough enough, but Sawako faces her situation with this matter-of-fact attitude: this is what I am, and if I keep trying and put myself out there, maybe people will warm up to me. Being a good person doesn’t hurt, and even the class mean girls recognize her good heart. [...]