pixiemina

I’m glad! It’s a really cute, happy show and definitely worth the watch.

I 100% agree that the writers definitely could have developed Rinko’s character more and pushed the boundaries when it comes to gender binaries. While Takeo proved to be a complex and relatable individual, Rinko did fall to the background and became a bit predictable towards the end. Her “big bad secret” was anti-climatic and a bit of a letdown to the series. I thought that perhaps it was done to keep the show age-appropriate for a wider audience, but I agree that it didn’t do much to develop Rinko as a character, and more so as a female at all. She started out as a unique deviation from the typical shoujo-romance female by falling for Takeo, instead of someone who’s traditionally good-looking, usually callous, abrasive, and cold (promoting an unhealthy idealization of abusive relationships), but unfortunately didn’t end up making it too far from that by the end of the series.

Aww sorry you felt that way! I watched all the way through and I really enjoyed it! It did have some slow parts.

Thank you!!

Thank you!

I think it really depends on your preference when it comes to anime. The show is definitely more about character development and exploration than it is about plot, so if you prefer anime with more dramatic and exciting plots, it might not be for you. While I enjoy drama as well, I find My Love Story!! to be really cute and always puts me in a good mood when I watch it! I think it has a lot to say about relationships and people and it’s definitely a feel-good watch.

I liked how you analyzed all the recurring themes and how they resurface in each film. I hadn’t noticed a lot of them until you pointed them out.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback.

Thank you!
I feel that My Love Story!! is definitely really up-to-date with current pop culture as well as current issues (using phrases like selfie, emoji, bromance, etc). Its writers are definitely aware of the audience they are writing to. I found that to be particularly true concerning Rinko’s incident on the train. The issue of a woman’s clothes and its relationship to sexual assault has been a huge topic of discussion amongst feminists and has been a trending topic in the media. There have been a plethora of articles about young girls standing against unjust school regulations regarding their clothing, the rise of the “slut walk” to raise awareness about sexual assault, women holding up signs saying “not asking for it.” I think Takeo asserting the fact that Rinko was NOT asking for it, regardless of what she was wearing, was a deliberate nod by the writers to feminism and these recent issues.