RENT-A-GIRLFRIEND SEASON 2 SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
generational [ ˌje-nə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl ]
Definition of generational:
adjective
Relating to or characteristic of all the people born and living at about the same time.
Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 2 has solidified Rent-a-Girlfriend as a generational anime.
Chizuru’s backstory is one of the most emotional backstories in all of anime. We all already knew Chizuru aspired to be an actress, but the reason was mostly unknown until this point. It is revealed she wanted to be an actress to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother. Her grandfather was her number one supporter, but he tragically passed away in a car accident. He was unable to fulfill his promise to support her until she became an actress. This revelation was heartbreaking and could move anyone to tears.
Although she is the secondary love interest, Ruka continues to push her way forward in hopes of having a true relationship with Kazuya. Just when Chizuru was getting her way with Kazuya, Ruka springs to action and gives Kazuya her first kiss. An amazing moment for her and Kazuya that makes it even harder to justify Chizuru as the final love interest. This adds a wonderful touch of drama to the plot that keeps viewers glued to the screen.
Finally, in the highly anticipated season finale, Kazuya proposes to make a movie with Chizuru as its main star. Kazuya went through all this trouble so Chizuru could show her grandmother her dreams come true. Kazuya has now taken the role of Chizuru’s number one supporter. He is doing everything it takes to make her dreams reality. Chizuru and Kazuya have come a long way since season 1 and have taught us that dreams do come true if you have the right people around you.
Chizuru has been carrying such a heavy burden this entire time without any of us knowing. This really puts into perspective how strong she has been emotionally and how motivated she is to pursue her dreams. There are moments where her motivation wavers, but that just makes her feel much more real. No one is able to follow their dreams with 100 percent conviction 100 percent of the time. Chizuru has only ever had her grandparents to rely on and even after losing her grandfather she still strides forward towards her dreams. This season really gave an insight into who Chizuru Ichinose truly is.
Ruka for a majority of the anime has been playing second fiddle to Chizuru as Kazuya’s love interest. She solidified herself as a serious contender to be Kazuya’s true love interest when she gave him her first kiss. Not even Chizuru has gotten this far with Kazuya. Chizuru’s focus is on her aspirations while Ruka’s is on Kazuya. This season has made it even harder to choose between the two and shows that Ruka also is motivated to make her dream reality.
Kazuya had already bounced back from Mami dumping him after season 1, but that left him without a goal. In season 2 he is focused on helping others achieve their goals. He is presented with the choice to leave Chizuru and have Ruka as his girlfriend or to continue to stay by Chizuru’s side and help her in her endeavors. He chooses to stay by Chizuru’s side and support her career as an actress. Sadly, not everyone can win in the end. He dedicates himself to help Chizuru fulfill her dream of becoming an actress, even going as far as to produce a movie himself with her as the centerpiece. This season has really shown what a person Kazuya really is. He can be awkward at times, but deep down he wants to help others and is willing to go to extremes to do so.
It is unfortunate that other side characters like Mami and Sumi had to get pushed to the side for this season, but it was worth it in the end because the character developments of this season were top notch. The characters really shine in this season of Rent-a-Girlfriend.
The OST of Rent-a-Girlfriend season 2 is more of the same from season 1. Season 1 already had one of the most phenomenal OSTs in all of anime. Season 2 continues this trend and uses the amazing OST to elevate the amazing plot of season 2.
ChiCo, HoneyWorks and MIMiNARI both did a wonderful job with this season's opening and ending. Himitsu Koi-Gokoro (ヒミツ恋ゴコロ) by ChiCo and HoneyWorks is a wonderful song that captures the story covered in season 2. The animation alongside this opening also was top notch and rivals the first opening. lenai (言えない) by MIMiNARI is arguably the best ending that Rent-a-Girlfriend has had yet. It is perfect for the tone of season 2 and leaves you wanting more at the end of each and every episode of season 2.
Season 2 of Rent-a-Girlfriend goes above and beyond where it matters and manages to deliver an even better experience than season 1 did. Dreams really can become reality with the right people around you. Rent-a-Girlfriend may just have solidified Rent-a-Girlfriend as a generational anime that will be cherished for years to come.
Thanks for reading my review to the end!
Click here to read my other reviews
Spoiler, click to view
Mami = Best Girl