The Kawai Complex Guide to Manors and Hostel Behavior

Moonhawk Jul 17, 2014

6

     I started watching Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou, because I felt like spending time with some playful undemanding comedy. This show seemed to perfectly meet my requirements so I gave it a shot.      The first thing which caught my eye was a very lively, colorful animation. Some might say that the impression seems a little too meretricious, but I assume that this fresh look is exactly what the dried-up genre of romance comedies needs to attract spectators.      The story itself is the typical "damn-I-have-seen-this-like-thousand-times" romantic plot with a shy inexperienced Kazunari Usa who falls in love with a similarly shy, cute, tsundere-type girl named Ritsu. The anime is solely situation-based, so I was kind of missing some background story or a plot twist. In other words the show lacks something that would connect all the episodes and make it unique. The entire 12 episodes I was hoping for something exciting to happen and in the end I was kind of dissappointed.      What makes this anime attractive is the setting of Kawai Complex, where our two main characters live, surrounded by various weirdos, featuring a perverted masochist Shiro, mischievous and provocative college student Sayaka and Mayumi, permanently love-depressed woman with a tendency to alcoholism. My problem with all the characters is that they are extremely shallow. I get the feeling that they were all reduced to one characteristic feature - let's see: Usa loves Ritsu, Ritsu loves books, Shiro is a pervert, Sayaka likes to provoke Mayumi, Mayumi likes to discourage Usa and so on. The issue is that they rarely step out of this stereotype, which makes almost all the events predictable and forgettable.      I believe I already told what I dislike about this anime, but I would also like to express some positives. I really liked the first two episodes of the show. I was introduced to an interesting setting with a bunch of remarkable characters and I was full of expectations of a hilarious comedy. Indeed, there were a few funny situations (birth of the Venus), but the humor was just too simple and repetitive. I don't think it is necessary to say that I loved Kana Hanazawa's voice acting, since it is always adorable. Last but not least I have to say that I found pleasure in listening to the anime ending and that sometimes I happened to relisten it two or three times per episode.      To sum up, I would recommend Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou to anybody who feels like killing a little time by watching an unserious playful comedy. If you are interested in a cheap humor, blushing bookworm girls or big-breasted megane milfs, look no further. If you are looking for something more intellectual, then unfortunately Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou has nothing to offer.

bentobox Jul 28, 2014

5

I picked this up because I wanted something pretty, lighthearted, and a little romantic.  The series is packed with a lot of running gags and not much else. The cast felt a little underdeveloped.  Though I was aware of all their dirty little secrets, there wasn't any one character who had any meat to their story.  As a slice of life rom-com, I was hoping for a bit more in the character development department.  Even with generic characters, there's still a lot that can be done - especially with a co-ed living arrangement. Granted, they each had their "moments" where they would either stand up for themselves (or someone else) or even go a bit outside of their comfort zones.  But, after those moments passed, it's like they had never happened.  This was a little disappointing. The animation was breathtaking at times.  If anything, it was the animation that kept me watching weekly. By the time the end rolled around, I was really disappointed with the lack of development of a constantly growing cast.  It even felt like they were setting it up for a second season.  I'd probably watch the second season out of curiosity if they decide to make one.  And, with low expectations, maybe it will be more impressive than the first.   If you're looking for something that doesn't require a huge investment, looks pretty, packs a few good jokes each episode, and can be enjoyed while working on something else, then you'll probably enjoy this.  If you're looking for something with really great character development and plot, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

PurplePeopleEater Jun 26, 2016

8

It's cute, funny, light, easy to follow, and fun. After the last anime I watched, I needed a break from anything too complex and crazy or my mind was going to quit....and that would be bad...very bad. Anyway, I picked this one. I'll start with the bad: There is no second season. That's probably the worst part. Theme: It's another story where a relationship gradually begins to form between characters but never gets very far. The end comes before they even decide to date (although it might be complicated to get to the dating stage for this anime so I get it). There is no second season.... The good: Setting: It's different from the similar animes that revolve around school or school clubs because it focuses on a boarding house which is far less common. I think stories with characters in a boarding house are enjoyable though. If you wanted a school rom-com then this isn't it. The characters: They are well defined, although simple. They aren't thoroughly developed, but they don't need to be in this genre and they usually are not (I just forgot what the conjunction of are and not was....I feel dumb). It's simple and light hearted. I felt I could connect with the two main characters. This may not be true for everyone though. I was a book worm in middle school and I had those people that suddenly want to talk to you when you have your nose in a book and continue to try to pull you into the real world. I am also a magnet for the weirdos. My group of friends were the crazy people of the school, although I was not quite sane myself, and I often ended up being the sheep hearder. So for me, the two main characters felt very familiar and enjoyable. The animation and artwork: It's easy on the eyes and good quality. The sound: It was average which is fine. The story: It's simple and while there is a continuous plot, it's light and sheer.  Overall, I really enjoyed the anime. I wish there was a second season. It's an anime I probably would't mind rewatching. Also, watch Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou: Hajimete no after you finish this. It's basically a 13th episode.