As someone with little experience watching pure romance anime I didn't know if I'd enjoy this but this show blew me away with how high quality everything is. From the production, to the characters, to the romance, Akagami no Shirayuki is a series that provides balance in all things. Even outside of the main romance, the SOL is very enjoyable with adorable/charming character interactions and the drama is pretty good while not coming across as annoying or overstaying its welcome. The story, while kinda cliche, is solid and plays out quite differently from your stereotypical Prince Charming scenario, managing to feel fresh in its simplicity.
Character designs and close-up shots look great, and the animation is smooth and consistent for the duration of both seasons. Scenic landscapes, vibrant flowers, and a really nice use of lighting help to accentuate the beauty of the setting, and can add flair to even the most casual of scenes. The OST has some really soothing and pleasing tracks to compliment the wholesomeness on screen, and the OPS/EDS perfectly match the vibe of the anime. The production does an amazing job at both creating a pleasant atmosphere and amplifying the mood of each episode.
Characters
With her kind and endearing nature, Shirayuki leaves a positive impact on practically every person she comes across. Add the fact that she's voiced by SAORI HAYAMI and what you get here is PRIME waifu material. She does need to be bailed out of some tough situations due to her red hair turning her into a constant target, but she doesn't really come across as a damsel in distress. Strong-willed, independant, hard-working, and a quick thinker, Shirayuki is a fantastic female lead that generates many of the heartwarming and adorable moments the show has to offer through her various relationships with the other cast members.
Zen Wistalia, second prince of Clarines and the main hero of the story, is a charismatic man with a heart of gold. While he does have a bit of a rebellious streak, he embraces his responsibilities as a prince and is conscious of his status, and how that affects his friendship with Shirayuki and the actions he can take. Along with manuevering his way through lingering insecurities from his past, the show does a good job fleshing out his character and makes his heartfelt scenes that much more touching.
Possibly the dopest character in the cast, Obi the monkey ninja makes any scene he's in an enjoyable one. Fiercely loyal, carefree and troll-like persona, and a good wingman, he is a great and entertaining supporting character. His bonding moments with Shirayuki and Zen also make for some of the best scenes in the show. Did I mention he's hot? Pause. A super likeable dude that adds another layer of heart to the show outside the main romance.
My god the ROMANCE??? OH! TSUBARASHIIIII! Started ep 1 on my A-Train mode and by the end I was on my bed layin on my stomach dangling my feet in the air gigglin and shit. Idk if I've ever seen an anime romance this PURE, this KAWAII, this WHOLESOME. The toxicity or other cringe tropes seen in other shows are absent, and what remains is merely a great, HEALTHY relationship. Truthfully the story can be quite cliche, but the relationship building, character moments, and the payoffs are so well executed that the genericness just felt like a non-factor. The relationship between Shirayuki and Zen is quite balanced too, where both of them derive a feeling of inspiration, strength, and support from each other, and seeing how that motivates them both to grow and do better is heartwarming. At one point I had become so invested in their romance that I forgot that I myself will never experience true love, shall perish alone, and the sad reality that my entire family bloodline ends with me.
Great production, heartwarming romance, and a cast of super likeable characters, Akagami no Shirayuki excels at inducing positive vibes. Whether you're an experienced veteran or a newbie like me when it comes to romance I highly recommend checking this series out, it's an underrated banger for sure.