Review of Horimiya

Do you like Romance and Slice of Life genres? Do you like engaging stories that are easy to finish? Can you watch something without trying to find fault to write a scathing review? If you answered yes to these questions, then give this show a try. I'm not promising this is a perfect show, most are not. And of course Horimiya has its faults. But at the end of the day it's a simple story that's easy to enjoy. And that's what most of us are after. If you are ready to give the show a try already, then by all means stop right here. But... If you'restill undecided and want a little more information to know what you're in for, here's a simple breakdown:

Story and Character:
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The story is composed of scenes where we get a glimpse into the unfolding events of the main and minor characters as they live out their high school lives. There's nothing that stands out as life changing, but with each scene it's easy to fall in love with the characters a little more.

The main guy and girl are easy to like in their own way and even more so as a pair. I especially loved the lively family atmosphere of Hori's home. It's romance at its simplest and most enjoyable. Do the two main characters experience problems as they work to grow closer? Of course.

But this show is free of the melodramatic conflicts created out of thin air you'll see in many inferior romance anime. It's free of long, drawn-out battles between love triangles, where both sides compete at full force to win. It's free of the average guy loved by every girl alive harem bs.

Instead, it's a simple story about the main guy and girl learning about each other and growing closer together. And that's all romance needs to be.

The remaining portion of the story is a balance of other slice of life elements among the other characters. Whether these take the tone of romance, comedy, or just everyday events, those chosen are easy to enjoy. This show does not contain one scene that doesn't add something to the overall story or world.

Art and Music:
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Even the harshest critics can't fault the beautiful art in this show. The only comparison that can make it look bad are some of the Shinkai films, but the art in all of those in on another level. This is better than you'll find in 95% of anime.

I didn't take particular note of the music. it didn't stand out, but it didn't get in the way. It added to the show in a pretty typical way. One musical element that definitely did stand out was the ED song which I found myself listening to even though I wanted to get to the next episode.

Overall:
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I'm not gonna sit here and pretend like I'm some professional reviewer. Nor will I try to impress you with some fancy language to make you feel like I have so much authority that you have to watch this show. Frankly, that's all bullshit.

Reviewers love to bitch about the details. And pick apart every little story element until the overall picture is blotted out and unenjoyable.

Forget all that noise. At the start of this review I asked you all three questions. And even though I spent the remaining time rambling on about the good and bad of this show, the answers to those three questions were all you needed to know.

If you want to watch an engaging and enjoyable romance anime that has: beautiful art, makes you fall in love with the lead couple, and leaves you feeling satisfied. You don't need to look any further than this show.

Forget all the reviews; even this one. Just watch this show and develop your own opinion. If you come at it with an open mind and intention for enjoyment, the thirteen episodes will fly by and you won't regret your initial decision to hit play.