krofire

A-1 Pictures 2022 season-three release of their popular rom-com has been very well received – and for good reason. It always had a certain air of cleverness about it. Even when it descended into slapstick it managed to maintain a level of intelligence seldom seen in the genre. The whole concept of the show is to expand upon one of anime’s classic tropes: the confession of true love at High School – and just how difficult that is. We have seen so many shows that drag out this prospect for episode after episode or even season after season, but nothing like this. “Love is War” takes its title seriously and introduces the idea that admitting that you love someone is like some form of surrender. To admit to this feeling for another is the ultimate form of weakness rather than strength. When you think about it this is a bizarre angle to take. Love confessions may be many things, including extremely difficult for the young, but to view them as some kind of failing is an inversion of reality – yet a fun one which this show plays upon. This is a battle of the wills with two central characters equally matched, smart, egotistical and with similar weaknesses.

So, to recap on the previous two seasons - Student Council President Miyuki Shirogane is a poor boy but a smart one. He runs thing on the student body at the prestigious Shuchiin Academy which is populated by the sons and daughters of wealthy and successful people. He feels a little out of place yet still lands himself the Presidency of the Student Council. His Vice-President is the beautiful Kaguya Shinomiya. Despite early hostility he loves her and she love him. Yet neither will admit it. The whole show swings on them trying to get the other to confess. Season three sees this nonsense reach its climax and fans will be glad that the two finally move on a bit – even if (spoiler alert) they still don’t quite get to say how they feel in words. Oh well. Maybe next time. If you loved Seasons one and two then you will love this third tranche. Admittedly it does get off to a slow start around episodes two and three but soon starts to take off as a scholarship at a foreign college threatens to tear the two would-be lovers apart. The show is, as always, hilarious with a strong supporting cast of characters each with their own strong personalities, back-stories and love interests. The writing is strong and packed with ideas. “Love is War” is a show to take beloved anime cliches and mess with them inject fresh and original ideas. You never get bored with it. Genius.