This is the first time that I am so concerned about the rating of an anime, as the first episode already attracted my interest deep inside with its amusing introduction of the two main characters, Yamada Anna and Ichikawa Kyoutarou, encountering each other. The impact of the show has urged me to write my first anime review. I shall ask for an excuse for the first review if it happens to be dull and irrelevant. The review will be divided into four components: story, animation/visual, music, and characters, which will be rated respectively. ▶
Story/ Settings: Personally, the story deserves a high rating as the main characters have massive development throughout the show. Each episode has shown us the interaction between Ichikawa and Yamada. With various events happening, their relationship has gotten closer and closer, and the clear emotional development of the boy and girl was the key element that enhanced the show and made it fun to watch. In my opinion, episode 1 was a brilliant starting point for the relationship between the two. The two of them were meant to have a special relationship down the road ever since Ichikawa chose to throw out his bicycle.
After that, the story continues to build up and develop until it reaches the point where Ichikawa realises his feelings deep in his heart towards Yamada in episode 6: ‘I melted it’. However, that was not the ending point; Ichikawa and Yamada started to get involved in different events that took place outside of the school, and we were able to see something new from them, especially for the edgy Ichikawa, who always comes out with unexpected thoughts and actions that boost the progress while keeping the excitement of the show.
Undoubtedly, the feeling that Yamada has towards Ichikawa is love. As it can be seen, the show progressed. Though it was lovely seeing Yamada make an attempt to hang out with Ichikawa, the show has focused more on Ichikawa’s emotions. With this being focused on, the emotional development of Ichikawa in every episode can be referred to by the title of the anime, The Dangers in My Heart.
As shown in the beginning, Ichikawa was a teen full of bloody thoughts, to the point that he actually wanted to kill Yamada. Although it seemed unrealistic and unnecessary, that was possibly just him suffering from chunibyo. In my opinion, the homicidal tendencies were the ‘danger’ at first, but later he knew that Yamada could be the danger in his heart. Even Ichikawa started to question himself about whether he had some sort of mental disease. Eventually, he is instinctively unable to deny Yamada but to accept the real danger that he has a crush on her. Therefore, the story kept moving at a very suitable pace, making the watching experience beyond satisfying every time.
Animation/ Visual: The visuals were definitely more than good, and the quality had been kept constant from episodes 1 to 12. By this means, credit must be given to the staff behind the show for producing such amazing work on screen, regardless of its motion. To be specific, I think the staff has put much effort into the face expression of the characters in each scene. As the characters have all sorts of changes in their feelings, even a slight alteration of the emotion would require another drawing. For a rom-com like this that is earning so much reputation, the animation was another element that benefits the watching experience. This could be the best animation so far produced by Shin-Ei Animation compared to the others, such as A Couple of Cuckoos and Mashiro no Oto, that I have watched.
Other than the appearance of the characters, the background of each scene is something that I always pay attention to when watching anime. In this case, the background has been great in forming an atmosphere that enhances certain important scenes of the show. For instance, in the ending scene of Episode 6, when sun shone through the windows of the school library. During the scene, the face expressions of Ichikawa and Yamada were put into focus with the sun shining on their faces, making probably the most epic scene of the show, as if it were a chemical reaction produced by the staff of the studios by fully utilising the abiotic and biotic aspects.
Music: Music was also one part that attracted me to invest in this show, particularly the soundtrack that was played at the ending scene of Episode 1 when Ichikawa let go of his bicycle, driving down on its own. Frankly, the scene gave me goosebumps while watching, but at the same time, it reminded me of the soundtrack from A Silence Voice/Koe no Katachi, as both have some resemblance in terms of melody. At the end, I turned out to be right; the musician behind these two epic shows is Ushio Kensuke, who produced the soundtracks. “The Shine” and “The Dangers in My Heart” really hit.
Besides that, the op and ed songs, of course, are bringing fame to the anime. The songs are being sung by Yorushika and Kohana Lam. The opening song by experienced Yorushika has been popular and is gaining likes, as the melody of the song is relaxing and, at the same time, the lyrics perfectly suit the genre of the show. Moreover, this would be the first time for Kohana Lam to sing an anime song. Despite the first song for the anime, Kohana Lam had nailed it with her sweet-sounding voice. Thus, the music is exceptional in creating all the beautiful scenes.
Character: The protagonists are surely interesting enough to earn this anime an increasing rating. Putting the pro-model and beauty of the class—Yamada—aside, Ichikawa could be controversial. Some people have made comments about his edgy and awkward personality. But as far as I'm concerned, the personality was totally fine, and I found it acceptable. A strained Ichikawa and an outgoing Yamada will lead to a juxtaposition. Only with this kind of difference between individuals can we see the sparkling and colliding reaction when the two meet each other. In addition, I must also give credit to the voice actors, as their voices have made both Ichikawa and Yamada lively characters.
On the other hand, the side characters were hilarious and supported the show regularly. As gentleman, we must not unseen the gentlemen in the class, the members of the gang such as Adachi, Kanzaki, and Oota. Long story short, they are really men of culture, and I do not dislike that. The girl group was also lovely, and it was enjoyable listening to their conversation. Don’t get me wrong, I am not into Hara-san.
Overall, ‘The Dangers in My Heart” deserves an 8.5 and a biassed rating of 9. In the beginning of the season, the anime was underrated, and the rating was like 7.02 on MAL, which made me quite disappointed at first. However, the performance of the anime had outshoned in the community week by week. All thanks to the staff working in the studio for putting so much effort into this anime. It’s a happy and satisfying result for all of us.