A Masterful Romcom

Introduction:

Ore Monogatari!! is one of those shows where if you haven't watched it your standard for anime isn't where it should be. This show does a handful of things to the point of near perfection you'll want to rewatch it the moment you realize not many animes have this good of storytelling. From its comedic moments to its dramatic scenes there is not a single time throughout the anime where you're bored. (Also spoilers ahead so be aware :D)

Comedy:

Its comedy is a mix between classical slapstick (which Japan seems to love in much of its live-action entertainment), and subtle jokes that are thrown throughout the show.

There isn't a moment in the show where you can predict where the slapstick will be used. It is as random and unbiased as it gets. Scenes like Yamato tripping on nothing after thanking the Sunakawa siblings don't seem out of place and rather add to the personalities of the characters.

Just like the slapstick, the subtlety of some of the jokes ranges from in your face, to if you didn't read the text they sometimes put next to people during conversations you could miss out completely. The writing doesn't guide you through every joke and it also isn't afraid to be blunt with its punchlines. It doesn't pull its punches either, it'll hit you over and over with comedy even in its more serious scenes.

Overall the comedy in this show is some of the best I've experienced. It is consistently funny throughout the entire show and it is the only show where I have physically laughed out loud every episode.

The Feel of the Relationship:

As a romcom Ore Monogatari!! has to excel not only at its comedy, but also it's romance. One of the most important aspects of romance in any form of entertainment is how real the relationship can feel. An needless to say to anyone who has watched this show, Takeo and Yamato are relationship goals through and through. It is not the only relationship in this show to get such attention to detail either.

As a friend, you couldn't get much better than Suna. Not only does Suna do everything he can for Takeo from helping him with date ideas, to giving him relationship advice It is also revealed that he turned down every one of the girls he has because of how they talked about Takeo behind his back. He always considers Takeo's feelings and emotions. He's also a great friend towards Yamato as well. He helps her when she is overthinking how Takeo feels towards her and her actions and he also helps Takeo realize how much Yamato means to him. He does everything for these two and never asks for anything in return.

Same thing for Ai Sunakawa. Although she confesses feelings for Takeo seemingly out of nowhere to Suna, she does something completely selfless after she realizes how happy Takeo and Yamato are together by not only letting go of her feelings for Takeo but also helping Yamato with her girl problems. Not only would one have to be mature enough to realize the situation, but also kind enough to allow their love to bloom and not try to sabotage their relationship in any way. Both the Sunakawas are role models on how true friendship should feel like.

On to the ship, Takeo and Yamato. These two are perfect for each other. They both are very compassionate, honest, hard-working, and above all else, loving. The only drama that ever arises within the show comes from the fact that both of them care about how the other is feeling and will put their own feelings on pause because they don't want to upset each other. And while this is a negative trait to have, they both overcome this by the end of the show and are much more open about how they feel.

Take how Takeo feels about Ichinose trying to steel Yamato away from him towards the end of the show. He has an internal conflict about how he feels towards Yamato and what he would do if Yamato's feelings didn't align with his. Not only does he accept the fact of the possibility but he also faces it head-on, saying he will accept whatever she decides. This amount of confidence in not only oneself but also in the bond built between him and Yamato throughout the entire show proves that the love they share is mutual and real.

Yamato also has a moment like this with her friends and how they talk about Takeo behind his back. She overhears what they say about him and instead of ignoring it, which would let her friends think they can continue doing it, she calls them out for being rude to her boyfriend. This lets the viewer know that Yamato puts her trust in the bond she and Takeo have formed above all else, even long-lasting friendships.

Extras:

As far as sound is concerned it did not hinder nor enhance my viewing experience. If I had to say anything about it I would say that the music was placed very accurately for the scenes they were in.

Admittedly the art style is what made me stay away from this anime for as long as I did, but once I was a couple of episodes in I grew to enjoy the style and the animation was fluid.

Conclusion:

At the end of the day a romcom only has to really succeed in either comedy or romance to be accepted by the masses. This show goes above and beyond what most other animes will do for both comedy and romance. It shows how love can blossom anywhere and for anyone and it is very relatable for all viewers. I highly recommend you give this show your attention if you haven't already.