Review of Days with My Stepsister

You would be forgiven for seeing the title of Gimai Seikatsu - or, rather, its English translation, "Days With My Stepsister" - and assuming it to be something skeevy or exploitative. However, you would be absolutely wrong. This show displays a surprisingly tender, contemplative and mature approach to the theme of taboo love - in this case, between (recently established) step-siblings. The dialogue and scenes are realistic, calm and generally free of melodrama - much at odds with many typical romance titles. For example, moments of extended silence between characters as they eat a meal are not uncommon. Character motivations, while occasionally a bit twisted, are completelybelievable.

Animation is generally crisp and well done. Voice acting is understated but superb, lending itself well to the calm vibe noted previously. Having never read the source material, I unfortunately cannot speak to the show's effectiveness as an adaptation.

Gimai Seikatsu also ends at a good point in the story, paving the way for a second season - which it thoroughly deserves for daring to challenge the status quo of the romance genre.

Plot: 7.5
Characters: 9
Animation: 8
Soundtrack: 6.5
Enjoyment: 7.5