Tag: School

Review: Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms – Season 1, Episode 11

The Unstoppable Force Meets the Immovable Object

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the most charming girl in school meets the one guy who’s completely immune to her allure, Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms (or Kuroiwa Medaka ni Watashi no Kawaii ga Tsuujinai) is here to answer that question—with a mix of hilarity, frustration, and a surprising amount of depth. Episode 11 continues the chaotic dance between Mona Kawai, the school’s undisputed queen of cuteness, and Medaka Kuroiwa, the stoic monk-in-training who refuses to acknowledge her charms.

The Premise: A Battle of Wills (and Egos)

For those just tuning in, the series follows Mona, a girl whose beauty and charisma have made her the center of attention since birth. But when she encounters Medaka, a boy training to become a monk (yes, you read that right), her usual tactics fail spectacularly. What starts as a challenge to her pride quickly spirals into a full-blown obsession: Mona must make Medaka admit she’s cute, no matter what it takes.

Episode 11 ramps up the absurdity, with Mona pulling out every trick in the book—from exaggerated pouting to outright seduction—while Medaka remains frustratingly unfazed. The dynamic is equal parts hilarious and cringe-worthy, as Mona’s desperation grows and Medaka’s resolve is tested.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The online discourse around this episode is heated. Fans are divided into two camps: those who adore the over-the-top comedy and those who find Mona’s antics exhausting.

• Team Mona: Some viewers can’t get enough of her relentless pursuit. One fan on MyAnimeList joked, “Mona’s VA deserves an award for making narcissism sound adorable.” Others appreciate how the show leans into the absurdity, with comments like, “She’s literally stripping to get his attention, and he’s just like, ‘I must resist… for the temple.’ Peak comedy.”
• Team Medaka: On the flip side, some fans wish Medaka’s resistance was more genuine. A recurring critique is that the show would be more interesting if he actually disliked Mona instead of just pretending to. One Reddit user put it bluntly: “If he was truly indifferent, this would be a 10/10 rom-com. Instead, it’s just another ‘dense guy secretly likes her’ trope.”

The Monk Twist: Genius or Gimmick?

Medaka’s backstory as a future monk adds a unique layer to the usual rom-com formula. His struggle isn’t just about resisting Mona’s charms—it’s about maintaining his spiritual discipline. Some fans love this angle, calling it “a fresh take on the ‘unattainable guy’ trope.” Others, however, feel it’s underutilized. As one critic noted, “The cat temple lore is fun, but it doesn’t really impact the plot beyond giving Medaka an excuse to be dense.”

The Verdict: A Guilty Pleasure or a Hidden Gem?

At its core, Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms is a classic rom-com with a twist. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to—its charm lies in the sheer ridiculousness of Mona’s antics and Medaka’s deadpan reactions.

• For Rom-Com Lovers: If you enjoy over-the-top humor, exaggerated character dynamics, and a sprinkle of fan service, this episode delivers. The chemistry between Mona and Medaka is undeniably entertaining, even if it’s not groundbreaking.
• For Critics of Tropes: If you’re tired of the “girl chases oblivious guy” formula, this might not win you over. The show leans heavily into clichés, and while it does so with self-awareness, it won’t change your mind if you’re already skeptical.

Final Thoughts

Episode 11 keeps the momentum going with more of what fans love (or love to hate): Mona’s escalating schemes, Medaka’s unshakable resolve, and a healthy dose of absurdity. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the romance, or just to see how far Mona will go, this episode doesn’t disappoint.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “It’s dumb, it’s fun, and I can’t stop watching.” And honestly? That’s all a rom-com needs to be sometimes.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A solid entry in the genre, but don’t expect deep storytelling. Just sit back and enjoy the chaos.

What did you think of Episode 11? Love it or hate it? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

“Kisaki Kyouiku kara Nigetai Watashi” – A Fresh Take on the Princess Trope?

When it comes to anime, the “princess in training” trope is nothing new. We’ve seen countless stories of young women groomed for royalty, often with a side of romance and rebellion. But Kisaki Kyouiku kara Nigetai Watashi (translated as I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons) takes this familiar setup and flips it on its head—or at least, that’s what fans are saying after the first episode.

The Premise: A Princess Who’s Had Enough

The anime follows Leticia Dorman, a spirited noblewoman who’s been betrothed to Crown Prince Clarke since childhood. For years, she’s endured grueling princess lessons—rigid etiquette, stifling expectations, and the loss of her free-spirited personality. But when Clarke shows up at a ball with another woman, Leticia sees her chance to escape. And escape she does, with a mix of hilarious determination and sheer relief.

Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums have pointed out how refreshing it is to see a protagonist who actively rejects her royal destiny. One user wrote: “Finally, a reijou (noble lady) who doesn’t just suffer silently. Leticia’s joy at ditching the castle was priceless!”

The First Episode: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The premiere wastes no time establishing Leticia’s plight. Flashbacks show her as a lively child, slowly crushed by the weight of her duties. The contrast between her dead-eyed compliance at the ball and her explosive happiness afterward is a highlight. As one Reddit user put it: “I went from ‘this is so oppressive’ to ‘YES, GIRL, RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!’ in like five minutes.”

The humor lands well, too. Leticia’s over-the-top excitement at her newfound freedom—grabbing the king’s staff on her way out, no less—had viewers laughing. “She really said, ‘I’m out, peace!’ and took the royal cutlery with her,” joked another fan.

Mixed Reactions to the Prince

Prince Clarke, however, is where opinions diverge. Some viewers find his sudden pursuit of Leticia confusing (“Why drop the engagement just to chase her?”), while others suspect a deeper plot. A popular theory is that Clarke wanted Leticia to rebel, reigniting his interest in her free-spirited nature. “This might be the rare case where the prince is the one doing the chasing,” noted a MyAnimeList commenter.

That said, not everyone’s sold on him. “The prince looks like a discount version of every other anime love interest,” quipped one unimpressed viewer.

Animation and Soundtrack: Hits and Misses

Visually, the anime has its ups and downs. The backgrounds and lighting are praised (“The ballroom scenes are gorgeous!”), but the character art occasionally feels off. Some fans also criticized the CGI and choppy animation, calling it “low-budget but charming.”

The soundtrack, featuring an opening by Jun Fukuyama and an ending by DIALOGUE+, got mixed reviews. While some found it forgettable (“The OP and ED are just… there”), others appreciated the energy it brought to Leticia’s escape scene.

Why This Anime Stands Out

What makes Kisaki Kyouiku kara Nigetai Watashi worth watching? For many, it’s Leticia herself. She’s relatable in her frustration—whether you’ve endured strict upbringing (“I felt her pain DEEPLY,” shared one viewer) or just hated a job (“Quitting that royal life must feel like handing in your resignation at a toxic workplace”).

The show also subverts expectations. Instead of the usual “princess wins the prince’s heart” narrative, we get a heroine who rejects the role forced upon her. As one fan put it: “This isn’t just another rom-com. It’s about reclaiming your identity.”

Final Verdict: A Promising Start

The first episode sets up an intriguing story with a protagonist who’s easy to root for. While the animation and pacing aren’t flawless, the humor, emotional beats, and fresh take on the princess trope make it a standout this season.

As one reviewer summed it up: “I came for the laughs, stayed for Leticia’s chaotic energy. If the rest of the season keeps this up, it might just be my new favorite.”

So, if you’re tired of passive heroines and predictable royal romances, give Kisaki Kyouiku kara Nigetai Watashi a shot. Leticia’s rebellion is just beginning—and it’s one heck of a ride.

Rating: 8/10 (So far, so fun!)

(Word count: ~900)

Boarding School Juliet: A Fresh Take on a Classic Tale

When Boarding School Juliet (or Kishuku Gakkou no Juliet) first aired in 2018, it brought a unique twist to the age-old Romeo and Juliet story—minus the tragedy and with a lot more comedy. Set in Dahlia Academy, a prestigious boarding school divided between two rival factions—the “Black Doggies” of the Eastern Nation of Touwa and the “White Cats” of the Principality of West—the anime follows Romio Inuzuka and Juliet Persia, leaders of their respective dorms who are secretly in love.

Produced by Liden Films and directed by Seiki Takuno, the series quickly became a fan favorite for its blend of romance, action, and humor. But what do fans really think about it? Let’s dive into the discussions and see why this anime stands out.

First Impressions: A Strong Start

The first episode sets the tone perfectly. Romio and Juliet’s dynamic is introduced with a mix of tension and hilarity, especially when Romio, in typical hotheaded fashion, confesses his love to Juliet—only to be met with a sword fight. Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to praise the pacing, with one user noting:

“The dual confession at the end was quite entertaining and funny to watch. But the result was quite surprising. A strong first episode that did a great job of mixing action and romance.”

Another fan highlighted the refreshing nature of the show:

“Finally, at least the couple is official in the first episode… unlike other series where it takes the whole show for that to happen.”

This immediate progression in the relationship was a breath of fresh air for viewers tired of slow-burn romances.

The Chemistry Between Romio and Juliet

One of the biggest draws of Boarding School Juliet is the chemistry between its leads. Romio is impulsive and loud, while Juliet is composed and strong-willed—yet their secret relationship adds layers of sweetness and tension. Fans adored their interactions, especially the way Juliet subtly supports Romio despite their public rivalry.

A comment from the discussions perfectly captures this:

“Persia is so beautiful and strong—I love her personality. She’s determined, and no one can underestimate her. Inuzuka gave me a lot of laughter; he’s indecisive but in a way that’s understandable.”

The dynamic isn’t just about romance; it’s about two people navigating their feelings while upholding their responsibilities as leaders. This balance resonated with viewers, making their relationship feel genuine rather than forced.

The Humor and Action Blend

While the romance is central, the anime doesn’t shy away from action and comedy. The sword fight in the first episode, for instance, was a standout moment. One fan couldn’t contain their excitement:

“I’LL BE DAMNED IF THIS ISN’T THE MOST BADASS-FCKING ADORABLE ANIME SWORDFIGHT I’VE EVER SEEN.”*

The humor, often stemming from Romio’s over-the-top reactions and the absurdity of their secret relationship, kept the tone light. As another viewer put it:

“This show is hilarious lmaoo. Cliche but fun, not gonna lie. Like the chemistry going on.”

Even the rivalry between the Black Doggies and White Cats, while exaggerated, added a layer of fun to the setting.

Comparisons to the Manga

For manga readers, the adaptation was a mixed bag. Some were thrilled with the faithfulness to the source material:

“Big fan of the manga here. Generally happy about the adaptation; quality looks good. I think this anime can’t go wrong as long as they keep this quality.”

Others, however, felt certain elements were rushed or glossed over:

“They showed a character that doesn’t appear until much later in the manga. At most, I feel like they’ll skip some parts.”

Despite these concerns, most agreed that the anime captured the essence of the manga—its charm, humor, and heart.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Watch It

Boarding School Juliet isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a rom-com with a familiar premise, but it executes it with enough flair and sincerity to stand out. The chemistry between Romio and Juliet, the balance of action and comedy, and the refreshing pace make it a binge-worthy series.

As one fan aptly summarized:

“It’s one of those mangas (and now anime) that are not exceptional or groundbreaking but at the same time does absolutely nothing wrong. It’s a cute romance with a great cast of characters.”

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fun, and occasionally heartwarming anime, Boarding School Juliet is definitely worth your time. Just don’t expect Shakespearean tragedy—this version of Romeo and Juliet is all about the laughs and the love.

Final Rating: 8/10 – A delightful romp with heart and humor.

(Word count: ~900)