Review of Junjo Romantica

This anime has me conflicted. As a fanfiction writer and a girl who lives on tumblr and thrives off of shipping, this is first class 100% yaoi with probably some of the best not straight up smut that the BL market has to offer. Looking at it through those eyes, this is somewhat of a BL classic if I'm being honest. But looking at it through the eyes of a literature and anime enthusiast who loves well-written shows, this is kinda a steaming pile of shit that perpetuates some very dangerous stereotypes and promotes rape culture and heteronormative fetishizations of gay men. Thus, I'm reallyconflicted about this.

To begin with, the story is not that good. There are three very loosely connected storylines-- while I call it a 'storyline', there is hardly any real plot. It's just loose events that are barely connected at all to lead up to the smutty scenes-- that's pretty much all it is. If you're into yaoi smut, then this is a great choice-- however, if you're looking for a real romance anime, this isn't the place you want to be.

As for the art, I can say that it leaves a lot to be desired. In a lot of places it's very sloppy and awkward looking, to the point where these characters barely even look human. The colors are dull, the backgrounds are half-assed, and no real effort is made. You can take one look at the characters and tell who's supposed to be the seme and the uke.

The voice actors did a decent job. I had a problem with the background music especially. While it was done well during more heated scenes (I personally liked the romantic saucy music), at other times, they really made what was basically rape seem comical with the background music, which I really didn't like. The OP was pretty much to listen to, but the closing was so boring that I could barely get through it once.

As for the characters, I have a lot of problems with them. The only couple I could see even possibly being in a healthy relationship is Hiro and Nowaki. With their backstory and the healthier dynamics of their relationship (despite the massive lack of communication) I can see that being a possibly normal relationship. On the other hand, the other two couples displayed a lot of rape and sexual assault scenarios, along with the power dynamics of the bedroom leaking into their normal lives. The worst in this aspect was the main couple, Misaki and Akihiko. Misaki's nonconsent is verbal and physical, yet Akihiko continues like nothing is wrong at all. In the end, it's kinda a rape scenario.

Overall, I hate myself for enjoying this. There is no other way to put it. This show perpetuates the seme and uke stereotypes-- the idea that there's always a submissive, feminine partner in a gay relationship, and a forceful, masculine partner. As a straight woman myself, this is catered directly towards me-- two men, both of which are reasonably attractive, engaging in a dynamic that's usually meant for me to be on the receiving end. Somehow, it's nice not to have to worry about the woman in the relationship (which I personally always do when it's a romance anime). On the other hand, the more humane and less primal side of myself sees that the complete and utter domination and submission dynamics going on are unhealthy and abusive... yet I can't stop watching because there's a part of me that likes watching it.

If you can't tell by my scores, I'm awfully conflicted and I honestly can't decide how I proceed with this. I'm honestly disgusted with myself but I can't stay away from this show either. If you feel in a similar way about this kind of subject material, you might enjoy this to an extent like I did.

I would recommend this if you: like BL (this is ultimate BL), like submissive/dominant roles, like the seme/uke stereotype, like 'jealousy' and possessiveness, get bored when an entire show is about only one couple

I would NOT recommend this if you: like realistic representations of gay men, do not like fetishizations of homosexuality, don't like hetero-normative gay anime, don't like the idea of sub/dom, like character development and plot, are touchy about clear verbal consent, the idea of technical sexual assault really bothers you

Have a great day everyone! :)