Review of Teasing Master Takagi-san
Who hasn't been teased by a girl before!? Not unlike Danshi Koukosei, Karakai Jouzu no Takagi san is one of the most relatable slice of life for any teenager around the world. The show involves a very simple yet relatable plot: a boy named Nishikata that constantly tries to outwit a girl named Takagi-san but ends up always being outwitted and teased instead. Plot: 8/10 The show's biggest selling point for me was how relatable it was to my teenage life. Even in college, i am always looking for ways to tease people (family and friends) or am always on the receiving end of being teased.Karakai's way of portraying teasing is attractive, interesting and SOOO relatable it's ironic. It's like getting to see yourself in the main protagonist's shoes as he plots his plan meticulously only to have them thwarted effortlessly by Takagi-san. Throughout all 12 episodes, there is so many ways of teasing introduced that it always feels fresh, and rarely boring. Even though some of the teasing methods were familiar to me and predictable, i never once found the desire to skip ahead. Seeing Nishikata's inner monologue and thought process is a treat and a very different perspective you never expect to see when you think about teasing in real life. Most time, I find myself comparing Nishikata and myself from years ago and laughing at the antics that he pulls or plan he fails at, just because i understand his desire to get back at Takagi or his humiliation at Takagi's hands. This relatable feeling to the protagonist is what kept me interested and eager to watch the continuing episodes, be it to reminisce about my life or see what my life could have been like if it were full of tease like Karakai. The little romantic gestures between Takagi and Nishikata is also portrayed so sweetly in this show. The way Nishikata looks at Takagi and the way Takagi hides her true feeling by teasing him is so sweet and nice to watch. It's like watching how a secret crush between 2 people progress and develop, while also seeing how both of them cope and feel towards one another.
The side story about the 3 girls is also one of my favorite things about the show. Each of the 3 girls's unique personality is something to adore and adds something a little more to the already fun show. Not only is it funny, and adorable, but it also serves as an interesting distraction from the overloading of teasing the show already has. Rather than suffocating you with overabundance of teasing, the show cleverly inserts the daily lives of these 3 girls, to satisfy you before being pulled back to the main story.
Sound: 8/10
I LOVE THE OPENING THEME. The opening song to Karakai jouzu is so smooth and sweet. It's so relaxing and fitting to the theme of the story. It's a nice pace away from the fast paced / rock / pop of the usual anime openings. I'm not so sure about the Ending songs though. Some of it were nice, some of it were ok, but it's not long enough to have a long lasting impression on me.
Character : 10/10
What else do i have to say. The characters are adorable. I honestly have no reason to dislike any of them, probably couldn't find any if i try. Nishikata is an extremely relatable character to me (and probably most guys out there). Always getting teased, having such a complex thought process, always failing at plans, gets embarassed easily, not knowing how to express himself. Takagi is like that girl is our lives. THE ONE WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR. Cute smile, always getting on our nerves and yet we can't live without them. She's the girl we don't want other guys looking at / talking to, and we want her all to ourselves, despite not being able to stand her. The trio girl group always has great personality, with a fun/ clumsy one (Mina), a cool one (Sanae) and the sensible one with the biggest headache taking care of the other two. (Yukari). Apart from being lovable, the best part about these characters is the relatability i have with them. All the characters shown in the show are characters we could easily understand. We could also just as easily have been in their shoes at any point in our lives.
Enjoyment: 9/10
Really nice slice of life.
Unexpectedly funny comedy value.
Relatable plot and characters
Relaxing and nice opening theme
Creative way of portraying teasing.
Recommended: Yeah, a very nice and relaxing anime, and suitable for everyone.