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KARESHI KANOJO NO JIJYOU TV 1-5
synopsis by Jareth David (from J.U.R.A.I.'s Necronomicon 2000 Anime Guide)
Not your typical shojo romance. Known as ‘His and Her Circumstances’ in the USA…or at least it would be if certain stupid companies would release it here instead of tying up the rights so even the fansub community won’t touch it for fear of litigation. Truly this is one of the greatest crimes in recent anime history and makes me consider boycotting the product of the culprits involved in this fiasco. Why am I making such a big deal out of this? Because this unique 26 episode shojo series from Gainax Studios (Evangelion, Nadia, etc. ever heard of them?) is one of the most refreshing things to happen to shojo anime since Utena. I can’t even begin to do it justice in this synopsis. Without fluency in Japanese or damn good subtitled copies this show is nearly incomprehensible. You need to translate not only what the characters are saying, but what they’re REALLY thinking at the time. This show is a subtitlers’ nightmare. (NOTE: After years in limbo, this series IS finally being released on DVD in America by AD Vision in May 2002)
High school freshman Yukino Miyazawa is a fake, a fraud, her personality at school is a complete fabrication necessitated by her craving of attention. She loves to be adored no matter how much work she has to put into making her greatness appear so natural. What happens when she meets a guy who may be exactly what she pretends to be? Love at first sight? Not hardly, more like a massive rivalry (which she doesn’t let onto). Down with Arima! What happens when he drops by her house and sees her as her true down-dressing, slovenly self? Blackmail! Arima Souchirou isn’t above using people for his own means & it’s gonna take a lot for Yukino to keep up the façade. Of course Arima has a past that he has to come to grips with. Together, they may have a chance at being their true selves & resolving their inner conflicts if love takes its course, but that’s easier said than done.
Episode 4 is brutal! Trying to confess your feelings for someone is never easy. I’ve had a day like that episode (though mine was at work instead of school & had a far less happy resolution). There are few anime series which have had me so enthralled after watching the first 4 episodes. Let’s hope the American companies get a clue…soon.
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