Junjou Romantica Review

Yes, I am going to start with a classic: the glorious Junjou Romantica by Shungiku Nakamura. For many, this manga and anime is one of the first contact we have had with yaoi. I have read it and watched it probably too many times and I continue to enjoy it still as of today. I will be discussing what Iv'e like, disliked and giving an overal review and grade.

(The three couples)

What I like:

Many things are to be liked in this manga/anime. First of all, the characters are very well developed: they each have different personalities and backgrounds that are believable. It is interesting how the author has made the characters in different couples vaguely related (whether it be through work, childhood friend...) yet still apart as to allow a story of their own to be created. The different ages of the character is also quite interesting. One of my favourite has to be the main plot 'Misaki/Usagi'. The possesiveness of Usagi juxtaposed with Misaki's powerful feelings that he has trouble expressing is simply wonderful to watch. When the love triangle is created, with the addition of Ijuin-sensei who comes to fall in love with Misaki (and not give up!) makes for even better plot twists.

The anime is definitely more on the sweet side, the sex scene having been majorly cut out or "censored" with camera angles, but for once I am not too mad about it: the music and voice-overs are so well made that the sweetness makes my heart ake. Misaki's voice over is particularly good, as when he gets into a frantic mood, screaming at Usagi-san or indirectly praying to his brother, the tone of his voice can become quite hilarious.

As for the manga, it is definetly more "realistic", as in the jealousy and possesiveness or heartbreak that character feels make more sense. Furthermore, the big advantage is that the manga is way further than the anime, as we have been waiting for a long time for new seasons. (we have had to wait 7 years for season 3, who knows how long it will be for season 4...)

Can we talk about the opening music? Please? It is so sweet and beautiful. The drawing style goes also a long way in portraying the vibe of the anime. The manga feels definetly more raw, but the movement is also more smooth in there, especially during the sex scenes. As for the anime, I feel likes it is a mix between old style and new, like we definetly have some "traditional" scenes and cuts, but we don't have to suffer through the infamous yaoi hands (hands way too large than what should be normal human anatomy). Overall, the colours, drawing and music in the anime goes quite well together and helps create the romantic atmosphere of this yaoi.

What I dislike:

In the anime: It helps to intergarte the three couples together, but I did dislike how often the viewer has to switch from one couple to the other. Sometimes we are left in the middle of an action and it cuts to an anticlimactic scene of another couple, which I feel kind of ruins the anticipation and level of emotion that has been built up in the previous scene.

I was really happy when Usagi-san's brother came to like Misaki too, after all, I do love some jealous Usagi, but the fact that he abandons in the span of one episode and a half left me on the edge of my seat. I was so disappointed that the formation of a possible love triangle, especially as we dive into the past of Usagi and learn how his family has priveledge his older brother, isolating him which is what turned him into a writer, is quite beautiful. It would have made sense to continue this idea of his brother trying to go as far as to steal his lover. Thankful, the plot redeemed itself when it included Ijuin-sensei, but I felt like I had to include this inconvenience.

Overal review/grade:

ANIME: 8.5/10

MANGA: 9/10

Overall, I really enjoy this anime/manga and have been for the past few years. It may also be due to a sentimental factor, as it is the first yaoi I have watched and the one which dragged me (willingly) into the abyss of my love with BL. Nevertheless, I think the story is very well constructed and the characters as so easy to come to like.

100 times would recommend.