These days, I don't have the time to research anime titles ahead of their release. If I can't squeeze in the time to read the summaries or synopsis, I usually have only the poster artwork to go by and guess what's happening. When I first saw the image on the left, I thought Ore Monogatari!! is about a lopsided love triangle.
After watching the first episode, I have never been happier to be wrong in my assumptions.
Gouda Takeo is a first year high school student who's always mistaken to be older or more violent than he actually is. His large build, monstrous physical prowess and rather frightening facial expressions make him an intimidating presence, which is why girls don't end up liking him back. It doesn't help that his best friend Sunakawa Makoto is handsome. One day, Takeo ends up rescuing a female high school student from a groper on the train. He immediately falls for Yamato Rinko, but knows that he doesn't stand a chance since all the girls he falls for usually only have eyes for Suna.
I don't know why, but I enjoy the rom-com genre more in the anime medium. For some reason, it's not something I would prioritize in my viewing list if it were featured in TV or film format. I've reviewed my fair share of romance centered anime (particular favorites are Ano Natsu de Matteru, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo and Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!), and have several titles waiting for me to get around to watching.
I particularly liked Ore Monogatari!! because instead of featuring a story about how an unlikely leading man ends up with the girl, it's actually a story of how they handle having a romantic relationship. Yes, Takeo gets the girl and at the end of the first episode at that. The series is titled My Love Story after all, and I find it great that the story involves how Takeo and Rinko fares in what could only be considered by their peers as an unusual pairing.
Takeo is large, while Rinko is the cutest thing you would ever watch in the series. His physical attributes tend to make him a favorite in sporting events and he dives into danger with reckless abandon, while Rinko is immediately out of breath after running for a short amount of time. She likes to bake, while he can't even pronounce the pastries that she would usually make for him. Yet, somehow, despite their differences, Takeo and Rinko are made for each other. The two share a bond and attraction for each other so strong that they can't really see what others find wrong with their partner. They just embrace whatever attributes each one has and are very expressive in their appreciation, even if they are a blushing, embarrassed mess after declaring that appreciation.
Both are innocent in their approach to the relationship, with their reactions providing much comedy to the storytelling. But the comedy never diminishes in any way how hard you would end up shipping this particular pairing. In fact, you welcome the silliness, because it adds to the charm of their relationship. They are not without their trials, especially since they are both new to being in a relationship and others are bound to feel attraction for them (because, really, they are great people), but they grow as individuals and as a couple when they learn to re-affirm their own feelings and what they want in the relationship. It's not hard to imagine that they would make it to the proverbial relationship finish line, even if you have to wonder how Rinko was going to carry Takeo's giant babies.
And Suna provides an interesting layer to the narrative. Quiet and initially coming off as way too aloof to care, he's actually the best friend that Takeo needs to understand whatever social quandary he finds himself in. He would never turn Takeo away or fail to dispense advice when needed. Hell, the man even had to endure practice kissing with Takeo, not that he had much choice in the matter. Ore Monogatari!!, while truly Takeo's story at its core, is nice enough to give Suna the spotlight every once in a while, highlighting even more why he and Takeo are friends.
The ending for Ore Monogatari!! was bittersweet for me. Sweet because the ending is very apt for Takeo and Rinko, and bitter because there won't be any more episodes for me to watch.
Now, where to find a copy of the series's live-action film adaptation?
Happy viewing!!Labels: Adaptation, Anime, Comedy, Must-Watch, Ore Monogatari!!, Romance, Slice of Life, TV
