Review of Hyouka

(Spoilers Included): A bit late to the show but I am writing this to help resolve/ relieve my frustrations with the show. After finishing Hyouka, I could not help but feel a bad leftover taste in my mouth, feeling let down by the lacklustre ending. The Journey of the Classic Lit club ended with me feeling rather dissatisfied. In the end, romance never develops in any significant way between Chi and Oreki, which honestly was what kept me watching throughout. I don't know if this is what the author intended, but for me was really anti climatic. The story itself was monotonous. Riddled with mysteries that attime feel trivial and other times feel like they are ripped off from classical literature rather than inspired by. Other times, my own knowledge about Japanese tradition and culture stopped me from being able to understand fully grasp the situation at hand (at no expense of the author).

However, there are a flurry of positives from this show. Firstly, the art is amazing. The minimalist style of slice of life allowed Kyoto Studios to really focus on the art and they delivered. From captivating scenery and backgrounds to subtle but exceptionally crafted character design, they hit the nail on the head. The music was also a very good factor, with the openings nicely fitting with the show. However, with the plot being dialogue heavy its not that important (in my opinion) to hold that much significance in the music, as long as it fits.

The Characters were the main driving factor in this show and what ultimately helped me finish it. Oreki, the main character, is very lazy and does not wish to do anything that he doesn't. However, apart from his aptitude at solving mysteries using incredible deduction skills the character is very dull. With no real ambitions bar from saving energy, the only development is his hinted feelings towards Chi which could be the basis of his actions. Chi, the extremely cute, always curious girl from a prestigious farming family. Who always annoys Oreki into helping satisfy her curiosity. At times she can come across as annoying but once again she has a lack of development bar possible feelings for Oreki. Next is Fukube, the database, who prides himself with his extent of knowledge. However, accepting he will never be the best at anything and lacks conviction to draw conclusion. He secretly envies Oreki. He is one my favourite characters, who we see develop and get to explore his thoughts and why he acts in certain ways. At this point we have Oreki, who solves mysteries, Chi - who instigates them and Fukube who provides critical knowledge to give direction to the solution. Finally, there is Ibara. She is also a member of the manga club and holds feelings for Fukube. She is not pivotal in solving most cases but rather a plot device for her and Fukube's relation and as a friend to Chi.

Overall, I can say that maybe I was sad, not at the lack of romance but because of the sad realism that this anime puts on you. Chi accepting that she is bound to her traditional, rural lifestyle even if she does go to College. This for me was really depressing. Then there is Oreki who in the final moments only imagines confessing his feeling which was a frustration in iself. These are two people who lack ambition but are content with the life they have and would have been nice if they were content with their lives as long as they have each other. This is a subtle reminder that there are people in the world who don't have massive ambitions and are happy with the situation given to them despite from another perspective being anti-climatic.

I would recommend watching this anime, as it is easy going, amazing art and music but do not get your hopes up on the romance.