Movie Digest
Naoya Mukai has had feelings of attraction towards his childhood friend Saki Saki since they were kids in grade school. Saki accepts his proposal and they both start dating. The thing about Naoya is, that he is unable to decline any romantic proposal that comes to him. So, when Nagisa another girl reveals her true feelings to him via a confession face to face, Naoya rejects her. As days pass by he realizes that he likes Nagisa and Saki. The three of them then decide to be in a relationship. The story that follows is about how these three navigate through circumstances in their life in a relationship. We get to see the main characters Naoya, Saki, and Nagisa navigate their high school life while being in a relationship that deviates from the social norm. The anime is adapted from the manga of the same name: Kanojo mo Kanojo.
The Feel-Good Part
Naoya Mukai has had feelings of attraction towards his childhood friend Saki Saki since they were kids in grade school. Saki accepts his proposal and they both start dating. The thing about Naoya is, that he is unable to decline any romantic proposal that comes to him. So, when Nagisa another girl reveals her true feelings to him via a confession face to face, Naoya rejects her. As days pass by he realizes that he likes Nagisa and Saki. The three of them then decide to be in a relationship. The story that follows is about how these three navigate through circumstances in their life in a relationship. We get to see the main characters Naoya, Saki, and Nagisa navigate their high school life while being in a relationship that deviates from the social norm. The anime is adapted from the manga of the same name: Kanojo mo Kanojo.
Right off the bat, it is important to acknowledge how this relationship was involving three main characters. This is something that is normally shied away from and looked at in a harem way, especially in the anime community. However, the maker of the series tried his best to portray the feelings of a high school boy who wants to spend time with his childhood crush and the girl who confesses to him abruptly. Nagisa and Saki become best friends eventually with each other. They did not portray it as if the girls are competitive and jealous of each other. There are moments where one character is seen harboring feelings of jealousy but does not act out of malice or intent to hurt. Naoya’s character of being honest bluntly is too comical at times.
The Disappointing Factor
The relationship in this series is out of the norm, which is why when people close to the three main characters reject their idea of being in a relationship are prejudiced against it. They are constantly shamed for the relationship dynamic they choose to exercise. Which by the way they were well in their rights to do so. Constantly shaming the same main characters for their relationship contradicts the aim of the story. They use shame to fuel the comedy in the show. Naoya is constantly ashamed of his choice to remain in a relationship with two girls. The second thing to note here is despite the unique relationship shown this anime falls prey to fanservice and often uses that. No progress overall for the characters in the plotline. Our main character Naoya is painfully dumb. Some problems are simply escalated because of his lack of brain cells.
In-Depth Analysis
The voice actor for Naoya did a very good job. He sounded very energetic and stupid at the same time. Almost all of the cast did a good job of emoting their characters through their voices well. Everything is at a standstill from character development to lack of backstory. The story remains the same from the beginning to the end. The character designs are cutesy and the colour palette is pleasing to the eyes. The opening song is very fun to listen to in comparison to the ending song which sounds very generic. There are funny moments peppered here and there. Most of the funny moments are fuelled by the shame and embarrassment of being in a poly relationship. Though not intended sometimes the series crosses the romance genre to become a harem genre but nothing too overly sexual except basic and harmless fanservice.
Star Power
Junya Enoki voices the character Naoya in this anime who has previously lent his voice to characters like Itadori Yuji from Jujutsu Kaisen, Rengoku’s younger brother in Demon slayer, Darwin’s game and Beastars as well. Rie Takahashi has worked in one room, Isekai quartet, amongst other, Sakura Ayane the voice actor for Saki saki in this series has also lent her voice to Gabi- Attack on titan, Uraraka Ochaco- Boku no hero Academia and Meiruko Chan as well.
Overall Opinion
The character design is good, even the premise is amazing for an anime. But the development in the story completely falls flat and there is no significant storyline, theme, or arcs present. This anime is for people looking to watch something while switching off their minds after a long day at work. The characters are designed very cute and pleasing to the eye. Animation is done quite nicely too. All in this anime is very forgettable except save for some funny moments.
