First Impressions / Ore Monogatari!!

「俺の恋」 (Ore no Koi)
“My Love”

Sorry to drop a Doctor Who reference on you, but it’s remarkable how much Takeo reminds of dwarf star alloy…

Which is, for the record, the densest thing in the (Doctor Who) Universe.

I feel like I’m starting to get a handle on what sort of series this is (though a certain event late in the episode makes me question my read a bit, at least in terms of realism). Make no mistake about it – if Kekkai Sensen is cooler than the other side of the pillow, Ore Monogatari!! is as sweet as caramel-drizzled sugar cubes. It’s certainly the most openly heart-on-sleeve anime I’ve seen since Isshuukan Friends, tough there are as many differences as similarities. I worry about shows like that, because of how easy it is to slip into melodrama or become saccharine – but so far this show has so much genuine heart that I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.

I may be wrong on this (and I’ll ask the manga readers to please refrain from so much as hinting one way or the other) but I don’t get the sense that there’s a deep well of darkness waiting to bubble to the surface of this series. I think the principals here are genuinely nice, and the pain they cause each other is going to be accidental (or at the worst, occasionally petulant in an adolescent way). But there is going to be pain, because people really do have a hard time understanding each other – especially kids. That’s reality. I don’t think we’re going to see nearly as much angst as in One Week Friends but I do think it’ll be there.

Again, I may be wrong on this but based on the first two episodes I’m thinking the English title of this series is a bit of a red herring. The romance (I’m not going to call it a love triangle yet) is certainly going to be important, but my sense is that this is actually a series that’s most focused on the friendship between Takeo and Suna. Admittedly it has a head start – they’ve known each other for 12 years, while they’ve known Yamato for a week – but right now there’s a lot more depth to the feelings between Takeo and Suna. Teenaged friendships can be a very powerful thing and it’s pretty rare to see an anime these days that focuses on a male one, at least beyond the superficial aspects. It’s clear that it’s fairly complicated between these two.

The elephant in the room, of course, is the question of just what’s going on with Suna. There’s a lot of conjecture out there among new viewers that he might be gay (again, I implore manga readers to restrain themselves from spoiling anything either way) and I can see why. His attitude towards girls is strangely remote, even by the shoujo “aloof bishounen” standard. When Takeo comes right out and asks him this week, Suna’s answers are strangely cagey (all Takeo gets is that Suna prefers the “Exercise Lady” to the “Song Lady”. His denials of disinterest seem non-committal. Yet while I think that would be a very interesting direction to take the story, my hunch is that Suna is simply a very good friend to Takeo, not someone with romantic inclinations towards him. Suna’s “tired” reasoning is actually a fairly persuasive anti-dating argument to a lot of young guys, and I have a hunch (strictly gut feeling) that Suna doesn’t like the notion of girls who only like him because of his looks – in a funny way, finds their continued interest in him insulting.

Whatever the truth of that is, their friendship is a great one to watch on-screen. We see that the “Blue Ogre” story has real-life roots, a kindergarten play that would set the tone for the boys’ friendship (I suspect that fairy tale is going to prove to be quite pivotal in the story). Takeo’s attempts to figure out Suna’s interests in girls are hilarious, and it’s quite telling that he finds Suna “a hard one to read” while Suna reads Takeo like a book. Not only does Takeo wear his heart on his sleeve while Suna keeps his a closely guarded secret, Suna is a highly observant kid. He spends most of his time watching others and figuring them out – and there’s probably no one outside of his immediate family (and even there it might be close) he’s spent more time watching than Takeo.

That being said, it would be hard – though not impossible – to believe Suna doesn’t see the truth of what’s happening between Takeo and Yamato. And if he does, why not do what everyone in the audience would like to do – grab Takeo by those massive shoulders and shake him like a maraca? If one were so inclined they might guess it’s because Yamato is the girl Suna has finally developed feelings for – but that’s pure conjecture. What’s not conjecture is that Takeo has completely misread the situation. Yamato is absolutely, 100% crushing on him – clearly, the only reason she didn’t want Suna to leave in the premiere was because she was nervous being alone with Takeo so soon. The colorful genki texts, the phone calls, the baking – in her adorable way Yamato is sending every signal she can, but unlike the night man at the Hotel California, Takeo isn’t programmed to receive.

Irritating as it is, I can totally buy Takeo misreading all those signals, and it’s pretty heartbreaking. Here we have a nice guy with a heart of gold, so beaten down by life that he can’t accept even the possibility that a cute girl (or any girl, probably) could like him (and not Suna). It’s nice for Takeo that Suna has had his back all these years, and I’m sure being friends with a school idol like him has spared Takeo from an even more painful childhood in an even deeper way than what we were shown in Takeo’s flashbacks. But it’s still the grim reality that he’s just the freak blocking the view – that’s all he’s probably ever been, to every girl who every tried to get close to either of the guys.

I could have done without the falling girder scene to be honest – it was so silly (and convenient) that it took me out of the moment. And the point it drives home is none too subtle, either, though it’s certainly an important one – even here, Takeo misreads the moment. Suna isn’t using the situation to take advantage of a chance with Yamato – he has Takeo’s back as always, and so does Yamato besides. Even when Yamato comes right out in her phone call (which is bold enough as is – a phone call?) and asks Takeo to come alone next time, the big lug still can’t see the truth – he’s convinced she just wants relationship advice on how to pursue Suna.

Where do we go from here? Well, given that this is a two-cour series and the manga is ongoing, it’s hard to believe it’s going to be a comedy of misunderstanding forever. Either Takeo and Yamato are going to figure it out and this will be a slice-of-life romance about their relationship (which I doubt can happen this soon), or the dynamic has to change. Suna has to develop feelings for Yamato, or she for him – or sure, Suna for Takeo. Whatever the case may be, one of the best measures of a series’ success is the degree to which I’m sorry when the episode ends – and for two weeks straight I’ve been bummed out with the credits’ arrival. I really want to spend more time with these three – they’re fun to be with and easy to love, and for a series like this one, you can’t build a much stronger foundation than that.

Preview

50 Comments

  1. Thanks for covering this anime. This is really a genre breaker right now. You have an unattractive character with a big heart and the antics that’s happening on the show.
    Because of this, I impulsively try to read some chapters and I’m not disappointed. I’ll watch this show and stay tuned to your coverage.

    ant
    Reply

      2. Did you know that this series is a shoujo manga? Did you know that school rumble is shonen manga? Then if you compare the two, there’s the statement of genre breaking. Shoujo series always focuses on girl’s perspective, and also as an added bonus, the characters there are always attractive.

        ant
        Reply

  2. Irritating as it is, I can totally buy Takeo misreading all those signals, and it’s pretty heartbreaking. Here we have a nice guy with a heart of gold, so beaten down by life that he can’t accept even the possibility that a cute girl (or any girl, probably) could like him (and not Suna). It’s nice for Takeo that Suna has had his back all these years, and I’m sure being friends with a school idol like him has spared Takeo from an even more painful childhood in an even deeper way than what we were shown in Takeo’s flashbacks. But it’s still the grim reality that he’s just the freak blocking the view – that’s all he’s probably ever been, to every girl who every tried to get close to either of the guys.

    This is one of the series where a dense main character doesn’t annoy me much since its partly justified.
    I do hope events turn for the better for Takeo in the long run.

    I’m starting to dig the OP too, its a pretty catchy tune.

    Techim
    Reply

    1. I have to agree. I don’t even see it as dense so much as just being outside of his worldview. Takeo believes wholeheartedly that no girl would ever be interested in him. With that kind of thought it isn’t so much as being dense and not understanding Yamato’s subtle intentions but that Takeo’s worldview disallows him from even considering the possibility that Yamato has an interest in him. As I said last week i have some knowledge of this way in thinking. And, that is very sad. It is interesting that for all his strong and imposing physique he is far more vulnerable and insecure than Suna is.

      Gouka Ryuu
      Reply

  4. Sorry to drop a Doctor Who reference on you, but it’s remarkable how much Takeo reminds of dwarf star alloy…

    Which is, for the record, the densest thing in the (Doctor Who) Universe.

    Hahaha, Show Spoiler ▼

    …and I’ll ask the manga readers to please refrain from so much as hinting one way or the other…

    Huh? Bu-

    …again, I implore manga readers to restrain themselves from spoiling anything either way…

    Uh, ok…:(

    LGM
    Reply

  5. If I may ask, of those who have read the manga, how long will this misunderstanding last? To be frank, I don’t like these kinds of misunderstandings. I feel they are overused in anime, but I tolerate them in anime that I like, as long as they are short lived. However, this anime has not enough clout, to test my patience like this, so I’d like, if one could be so kind, to let me know if I’ll be waiting a while, or if this will be resolved by the next episode.

    Spoiler tags should be obvious here, and thank you in advance.

    hjerry
    Reply

    1. Well, Manga reader here, Show Spoiler ▼

      LGM
      Reply

      1. But really, you say you don’t like these kinds of misunderstandings, Show Spoiler ▼

        LGM
        Reply

  6. I personally don’t believe that Suna could have feelings for Takeo. I see him more like the boy who’s just not that interested in a relationship yet. And the argument that he might not be comfortable with someone who likes him for his looks it’s also valid.

    It is a little sad that Takeo it’s still blindingly believing that Sunakawa’s the main character of the story and he’s the Supporting bro, but I think he needs this experience.

    I really don’t like when the intention of self sacrifice for the greater good or the good of others goes overboard. I mean, it’s good that you have a good sense of your role and the potential for greater good that it’s in your hands. But sacrificing yourself for others will eventually, and inevitably lead you to some sort of regret. Even if you believe that it is what will make you happy and it might do at the moment, but the regret will catch up to you. I know it looks great on paper, I mean, the greatest stories have had some selfless sacrifice in some way or fashion. But the human mentality is always tied to the past and possibilities. And I know Takeo has been shaped like this because social prejudice and bad experiences. I just hope that he gains some character with the time. I think Suna can see the red flags in his friend, and he should be a bit more forward about it.

    projectnoa
    Reply

    1. Haven’t read the manga, only judging from these past two episodes, but I feel that Suna is deliberately turning down every girl who confesses to him, because he knows that coincidentally Takeo likes them. He knows his friend well so he tries to give Takeo a chance to step in. I guess it wouldn’t hurt if Suna was more blunt and confrontational about it, but so far it seems against his character to do so.

      Isabel
      Reply

      3. i think Souma is rejected them, because all of them was only interested in how he Looks, and no of them was interested in how he is for real. At for this kind of GF he has no interest. because Takeo has taken Souma as he really is, and not for the looks

        But this is also common sense for Life long Friends. they are nearly brothers

        WorldwideDepp
        Reply

    2. But sacrificing yourself for others will eventually, and inevitably lead you to some sort of regret. Even if you believe that it is what will make you happy and it might do at the moment, but the regret will catch up to you.

      Reminds me of a certain blue haired magical girl…

      pahlavi5312
      Reply

  8. Watching this show is killing me. In a good way.

    btw, did anyone else notice that we’ve got about 5 frames missing from the ED? Watch right before Yamato jumps. Then watch it again because the ED is awesome.

    7godeohs
    Reply

  10. Never read the manga, but so far this series is looking to be predictable. Takeo is gonna be a dense giant for several episodes until he hurts Yamato. He’ll then realize she actually likes him. She’s also the first girl Suna has ever liked ( probably), putting the friendship under pressure. In the end all will be okay. Just speculating here though.

    But I don’t care, cause this series is cutier than a kitten farm.
    Go Takeo go!

    The shizard
    Reply

    1. Yeah. I kind of want a fourth or fifth party involved in this. Or another obstacle course besides Takeo’s immense density. No pun intended. Otherwise a lot of folks are going to start watching this nonchalantly.

      On a different note, why is Takeo’s lips always bee-stung? And why are his pupils always constricted? It seems that when J-animators try to illustrate that a character has small eyes, the eye balls themselves are never small but the pupils are always the size of the period at the end of this sentence. It bugs the heck out of me.

      Petit Orenji
      Reply

  11. ===
    Yamato Rinko Appreciation
    Rinko was super adorable throughout this episode! Takeo won’t have any clue at this rate unless she flat out confesses for him though.
    https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2010.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2016.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2029.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2031.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2035.jpg
    ===
    On another subject…
    https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2006.jpg
    I thought it looked like two happy trees conversing with each other…
    “Is it not a fine day today?”
    “Why yes, it is.”

    ichigo
    Reply

  12. this show, to be specific this episode, puts a smile on my face at the same time a tear on my eyes… this is the first romance anime that seriously pierced my heart because i can really relate myself to the MC.

    why? it makes me remember the HARSH REALITY…

    how? well one could ask a girl on who will she choose… a fatty/bulky but doesnt have handsome face, no, let’s make it short, UGLY… ugly but kind or a pretty/handsome guy but has ugly attitude. we all know, (i dont know or if it is the girl is just being kind to the ugly), but they will say they will choose the ugly because of the “kind”… but if we look at it, that girl is only asked she is not asked to do it… we dont know what will happen in the future but she might choose the pretty/handsome guy over the ugly specially if the ugly is seriously ugly.

    but what if the pretty/handsome guy is also kind? we can all see, MAJORITY will, of course choose the kind pretty/handsome guy over the ugly but also kind. this is also the result if the girls are being asked who will they choose (and they need to choose, LOL no buts): an ugly guy w/ ugly attitude or a pretty/handsome guy with ugly attitude… they would rather choose the pretty/handsome guy and cope with the ugly attitude… my point? the ugly always get the short end of the stick… the thing is, IRL, most current girls specially those what we consider the “high standards AKA rich/cute/pretty girls” now looks only on the face and judge. but how true? are there still girls who would choose virtues over the face? what will happen if they need to choose specially if the choices is like my second example (handsome and kind or ugly and kind)? would they still consider the ugly?

    this logic also applies on job applications. you often see “good looking” in some job advertisement. meaning if you are ugly, you once again get the short end of the stick. the ugly is also the subject of jokes and often being “harassed” in shows.

    this is something nice to discuss with fellow RC readers and hear their opinions on this.

    —- looks like i am becoming a hachiman disciple with this… (-_-)

    The Last Idiot
    Reply

    1. In my own experience, and generally speaking, good looks does give you the initial edge, but ultimately, the long term relationship is heavily determined by personality and chemistry. There isn’t a one-size fits all.

      Without a doubt, and without exception, the face will undeniably give you the initial spark to, let’s say, get the first date. But the chemistry is what really matters past the first obstacle. You’ll find that the importance of physical beauty in the relationship diminishes as time goes on.

      flCer
      Reply

    2. I am a guy, and I am saying that not all girls are that low as how you describe. Im pretty sure, there’s cute girls somewhere preferring the bulky build or “ugly” (or someone that looks like Takeo), just like what this anime shows.

      Jeffrey
      Reply

    3. Actually, I know quite a few cute girls that date guys less hot than them but I have NEVER seen a hot guy date an ugly girl. If you really want to force a girl to choose a guy by checking off a list as if we’re shopping for a computer, obviously one would choose the guy with the higher specs. But in reality, it’s not really like that. Like flCer said, there’s other factors like personality & chemistry.

      If a girl really picked a guy based on just looks, it probably won’t work out in the end.

      :O
      Reply

      1. I have one example to give you. Hugh Jackman. Now calling his wife ugly is seriously stretching it but she is clearly older and probably less popular with gents than her husband with ladies. I don’t know them personally but Wolverine seems to be a very nice guy with good looks and I would expect his wife to be an amazing person as well.

        The story could be about friendship more than romance. I believe Suna is a nice guy with good looks, Takeo is a nice guy without the general good looks and all the cute girls Takeo liked are just too shallow. But so is Takeo which is something Suna has noticed very clearly. So far, I’d say Suna is the better man, not for being handsomer but because he is very observant and less impulsive. The way he rejects girls is also the best way to disintegrate lingering feelings. Also not playing matchmaker is the best thing you can do for your friend. Takeo is well-intentioned but lacking judgement which could destroy his frendship with Suna.

        Minami
        Reply

  13. I have an actual friend who resembles Takeo’s build and description down to the tee, and he always has problem with girls. But thankfully, he’s not as dense when it comes to signals, but he still has problems interpreting them correctly.

    (Manga spoilers deleted)

    And lol, random steel beams falling out of the sky – seriously what are the odds?

    Azsurance
    Reply

  14. https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2001.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2007.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2009.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Ore%20Monogatari/Ore%20Monogatari%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2011.jpg

    This guy has as many entertaining facial expression as Tohsaka Rin.

    He may lack Rin’s tsundere moe, but he is just as lovable. ~No homo~

    Ginobi47
    Reply

  16. This is shoujo? Then anything can be shoujo. Mikagura Gakuen Kumikyoku can be shoujo. Nanoha can be shoujo. Clannad can be shoujo. Hibike can be shoujo. Actually, most of KyoAni’s stuff can be deemed shoujo. Instead, I just call these such anime series as “slice if lives”. Like Honey and Clover.

    Petit Orenji
    Reply

    2. You understand Shoujo is not really a genre, but more like a demographic, and actually any manga that is published in a Shoujo magazine receives the label of Shoujo. They happen to (most of the time) share common characteristics only because they target the same audience, but that is not a requirement to being called Shoujo.

      swa
      Reply

    3. Dude, shojo means “girls” or “young woman” in Japanese. Get your facts straight before saying stuffs like Nanoha & Clannad is shojo. Like, really?

      Clannad was a H-game for man before becoming an anime & you say its a series for girls?

      Seriously.

      LGM
      Reply

    4. then let’s label them shojo, give that anime shojo, give this anime shojo, actually make everything shojo. If you want to know which magazine this one came out, it’s not jump nor gangan comics but actually a magazine for the young ladies.

      ant
      Reply

    5. And also we’re at the age of info. Dont be lazy to have a light background info on stuff like this. Just a simple google of the anime title and you’ll instantenously get your required results. domo roboto arigato

      Ant
      Reply

  17. Suma gay?

    We Gotta Get You a Woman
    — Todd Rundgren

    In a way, that’s how I see it. He’s already stated that
    he likes girls, and there’s no hint of his ogling any guys
    in the series. All of his relationships to date have been
    about being liked for his looks, not for him. So, maybe
    he waiting for his friend to find that special one before
    he gets serious with anyone. Just my 2 cents.

    Anyway, if it’s going to be a series about silly love mis-
    understandings, it’ll bomb unless the two main characters
    move beyond this. Rinko is pretty forward and Takeo is
    confusing that / thinking that she’s like that with him
    because she really wants to get close to his friend, Suna.

    Excellent post Guardian Enzo, I agree with everything said!

    mac65
    Reply

    1. Suna is really a deep character, just watch for it on future episodes for his reasons on dealing with girls on regards to relationship. He has really a valid reason for it and maybe based on the speed of coverage of the adaption of the material, it’ll be revealed maybe next or 2 eps from now.

      Ant
      Reply

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