cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/24567466
Peak romance!
I absolutely loved this show. I’ve been looking for some nice romance in the past few weeks, and this really hit the spot. It’s a classic really, there’s a reason this gets recommended every single time anyone asks for romance recs.
The way Lovely Complex explores insecurity is simply beautiful, the constant hesitation, the fear that you might not be enough, and the certainty that begins to come over you as you fail over and over again at achieving your goals. Your fears manifest, a confirmation that your own body, that which you were born with and cannot change, is wrong. But through all that, the persistence of the characters, the way they persevere through these tribulations, is truly inspiring.
The setting is very adolescent, and this is a love comedy so even the most emotional moments are somewhat light-hearted. I think that’s good, actually, it keeps the story flowing; the show is incredibly well-paced. I said adolescent, because it is set in high school and that’s what the characters life revolve around, but the themes are very mature. I mentioned the insecurity, which the main theme of the show, but many episodes also touch on what it means to be in love, to be in a committed relationship, and what sacrifices one must make to maintain healthy relationships with those they care for.
It’s beautiful.
The production quality is top notch, though very much outdated. It’s Toei, the animation and music are both great, and the voice acting is fantastic too. Especially Nobu-chan, Higashi Saori might just be the GOAT. I’m not even joking, this was an all time performance by her.
What do you think?
Rating: 5/5
IMHO it was aight, but far from my favorite romances
What are your favourite romances then? I’m always looking for recommendations, if we have different taste I’d love to watch something new :D
My favorites (chosen out of ~600 watched Anime Series). Bold means special recommendation, others are depending on taste
- Acchi Kocchi
- Amagami SS
- Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu
- Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai
- Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun
- Itazura na Kiss
- Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai
- Starwberry Panic!
- Sakura Trick
- Midara na Ao-chan wa Benkyou ga Dekinai
- Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsunomanika Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken
- Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata
- Tamako Love Story
- Tasogare Otome x Amnesia
Thank you!!! I’ve watched quite a few of these myself, but there’s a couple I hadn’t even heard of. I’ll definitely check them out :D
Some of these have multiple Seasons/OVAs/Movies, check out the premise and watch order before starting a show
Lovely Complex is one of my all-time favorite anime of any genre. It’s an easy top 20 and I’ve seen probably a couple thousand anime series at this point, for context.
IDK how many anime I’ve watched but it’s definitely in my top 20 as well! If we’re talking shows/series then it might be my 2nd favourite pure romance after Toradora, but if we also count anime movies then it drops a bit… haha
Yeah, agreed. It’s right up there with Toradora for pure romance anime.
Wife and I were pretty lucky and chained Toradora, Clannad and Lovely Complex one year around the time most of them came out (probably 2009). I liked Lovely Complex, it was pretty decent. I do have to say I remember Toradora much better though.
Toradora is my all-time favourite anime!! Love it to death. I haven’t watched Clannad yet but I’ll get to it soon enough I hope, I’ve heard great things.
I thought it was good, their dynamic was great, it was great seeing them slowly shatter the wall they started out with. Romance wise it was def above average.
As far as what i think can top it
kimi ni todoke (prob becsuse its various love stories that intertwine and you see the growth+ more innocense)
my teen romantic comedy snafu is another good one(love can become complicated quickly, really good)
Kimi ni Todoke I haven’t gotten to just yet… But Oregairu really is fantastic haha 100% agree
Can you crossppst this to !anime@ani.social ?