Unlike in common anime reviews, I don’t want to rate the show’s categories. Numbers are nice to look at, but they don’t tell why YOU may want to watch a show.

Genres: Anime, Shoujo, Comedy, Romance

Episodes: 24

Status: Completed

Studio: Toei Animation

Source: Manga by Aya Nakahara

Description:

Risa and Otani are in a similar predicament. Neither is dating anyone, they are both continually being laughed at as a comedy duo (courtesy of their loving sensei), and they both have height problems! Risa is taller than the average girl, and Otani is shorter than the average guy!

Determined to be in a relationship, they both decide to cheer each other on in the war of love. However, along the way, Risa begins to develop feelings for Otani… Are these feelings mutual? Can love win, no matter what the height?

What to expect?

Based on the synopsis and the intro, you may want disregard the show as another cliche shoujo. But rest assured, it won’t develop as you expect.

There are both cliches and unusual developments, walking side by side. The show makes for an interesting mix, which will constantly keep you guessing: will the next development be another shoujo cliche? Or, will it be the complete opposite?

People who are fine with shoujo, but tend to stay away due to cliches, may find this show refreshing. In some regards, this show feels like watching a shonen harem backwards, from the perspective of the heroine who fell in love with a dense hero.

Notable aspects which make the show to stand out:

No mary sue heroine. Risa will actually have to put some EFFORT to earn love, imagine that.

Love confessions are as awkward as ever, but they don’t take eternity to arrive.

The show properly establishes why Risa will be interested in Otani. Known as a the “Comic Duo”, Risa and Otani are often on the same wavelength and they share many hobbies. At the same time, their great affinity also becomes a realistic double-edged sword later on…

The Good & The Bad

Great comedy and hilarious overreactions. Risa never runs out of silly (and creepy) faces to make.

All characters speak Kansai dialect. This is entirely subject to preference, but I found it off-putting at first. The Kansai dialect sounds very rowdy and unrefined compared to the usual Japanese you hear in anime.

The MC and her love interest can properly interact with each other. It’s common for shoujo characters to be so awkward around each other, that they forget how to breathe. Expect the total opposite in this show!

Feels forced and too convenient at times. Some events and characters pop into existence just to fuel the plot.

Risa cries too easily. Despite being a wacky clown, Risa has the tendency to cry a lot. Half of the time, she cries for relatable reasons which make you feel genuinely sad for her. But other times… it’s awkward, like a cheap drama that’s shoved down your throat.