Review of Kaguya-sama: Love is War -Ultra Romantic-
"In this game whoever confesses first, loses" Kaguya-sama Love is War; TLDR : I love them but I'm not going to confess but I want to confess but I can't confess but I should confess but I'm- So I just finished watching the 3rd season, Ultra Romantic and boy oh boy what a ride it was. There are so many scenes replaying in my head I don't know where to begin. This whole season was such a masterpiece it was almost a no brainer to score it a 10. Story: 10/10 Literally every episode has a new theme to it and none of them were boring. Keeping the viewersguessing and just surprised if anything at just how much depth the characters have, to be able to bring about such a storyline. The episodes felt disconnected and independent at a certain dimension but also somehow coalesced into this perfect crystal that made up the whole season keeping them all interconnected.
While the earlier seasons showed Shirogane and Shinomiya trying any underhanded method to make the other person confess, this season was a lot more mellow and there were hardly moments that 'cornered' either person. It goes to show how they have come to terms with their feelings towards each other and want to make things work out and try to play it off more subtly. Shinomiya almost never looks at Shirogane with her signature cold eyes that we have been used to.
Art: 8/10
Guess I'm not really one to critique the art (or animation rather) so the scoring here is just a lack of knowledge from my side. But I suppose it continued to follow the same style and camera angles as the first two seasons along with the occasional chibi here and there making them (Shinomiya) look so FREAKIN CUTEEEASJHXA!!!
Sound: 10/10
Masayuki Suzuki did NOT hold back for this opening either. He's produced yet another banger! This man simply does not miss, what an actual legend. Not to mention, Suu was very much noticeable and pulled her parts off really well. The endings had a different art style that made the characters look a bit more older and realistic. Absolutely loved it.
I don't know if this is the best place to put it, but the narration that pops up every now and then in every episode definitely adds flavour to the show and makes it more engaging while very subtly also reminding the viewers the whole theme of the series is in-fact "Love is War".
Character: 10/10
Okay this is a bigggg one. We got to see so many different sides of not just the student council but a bunch of supporting characters as well.
The romantic interactions between Shinomiya and Shirogane were so much more deliberate and 'out-there' that you can't help but feel the tension as it built between the two of them with each passing episode. Shinomiya was especially more vulnerable and honest about her feelings towards Shirogane this time around and that goes to show how she's really no different from any young student in love.
Hayasaka. Finally getting all the screentime and character development she deserves. She played a major role in most episodes and was seen as much more than simply 'Shinomiya's butler'. The episode where she admits what's truly in her heart in a rap song really reminds you about how she's going to be at this age only once and simply wants to enjoy her student life as well.
Fujiwara was still the same while Ishigami was shown more as someone that's a bit more confident, responsible and thoughtful all while still keeping the elements of what makes Ishigami, well, Ishigami. In Tsubame's words, "He really is thoughtful and serious.*soft smile*"
Enjoyment: 10/10
Did not get even the slightest bit bored at any point during the show. The sheer thrill and anticipation of watching how one of them is sure to be exposed and make a confession or do something that incites a confession out of the other directly or indirectly will keep you glued to the screen without you even realizing it.
And the final episode was such a roller-coaster don't even get me started. I was bawling my eyes out, biting the collar of my shirt, throwing up as I watched every second unfold right in front of me. AHHHHHHHHHHH- the final scene as the camera panned down before fading to black I jumped up and started punching the air. Oh yeah, while crying the entire time too obviously.
Overall: 10/10
Peak. Actually peak. If you watched it and didn't enjoy it as much as I did, I suppose we have different tastes and opinions but that's okay (really isn't you probably have to go get yoUR BRAIN CHE-)
Love and peace my friends :)