Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Review

• Alternative Title: Regardless of My Adolescent Delusions of Grandeur, I Want a Date!
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice-of-Life, School
• Length: Television series, 12 episodes, 23 minutes
• Anime Studio: Kyoto Animation
• Director:  Ishihara, Tatsuya [Clannad, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu]
• Original: Light Novel

There are times when we look back in the past, particularly in our childhood years that we want to punch our past selves in the face. We did some stuff unaware that we will be embarrassed in the future. Some of us even created our own persona and thought of possessing some supernatural powers. We even created our own little world where we can be someone else we want to be. Japanese termed this as Chuunibyou or the 8^th Grader Syndrome. It is an adorable yet dreadful disease resulting from a newfound self-awareness mixing with overly active imagination.

The show is all about growing up, accepting reality and the transition from childhood to adulthood. Though there’s no true and correct process for such transition, the show tackled this issue in an effective way.

The story starts with our ex-Chuunibyou, Togashi Yuuta. In the past, he named himself as the Dark Flame Master aiming to rule over the world. He did some stunts and dialogues, even in public, unaware that it’s embarrassing. Now that he’s entering high school, he wanted to forget his thwarting past and live a normal life. He even chose a school wherein no one from his middle school will go into. Everything’s going according to his plan except that he met a current Chuunibyou in his balcony one evening. Her name is Takanashi Rikka, wielder of the Wicked Eye, or so she says. She had taken an interest in the Dark Flame Master Yuuta and it threatens his supposed normal life.

This was a really good show and I think I regret not following this one last Fall season. The first half of the show was so entertaining with its light and comedic atmosphere. The character interactions, especially of Rikka and Yuuta, are so fun to watch. It feels a little bit nostalgic watching them doing those silly stunts. Wielding magic out of nowhere, fighting an invisible opponent and stuffs like that. Oh my, I miss my childhood. Eventually, Rikka and Yuuta became friends and their circle expands as the show goes on.

I teared up a bit…

Then enter the drama and the romance part of the show. This is where we discovered the reasons for the existence of the “Wicked Eye” and the true meaning for her search for the Ethereal Horizon. The topic of growing up and facing reality were raised. What does it takes to be an adult? Just how responsible you should be to be considered as one? How far shall you accept the reality that will eventually hurt yourself?

I think the show did a pretty decent job with the transition from light-hearted and cute comedy to drama. It does feel awkward at first that all of a sudden, we’re switching to drama but eventually you’ll get used to it. It was like two shows in one show.

Anyway, the show doesn’t lack in the romance department as the friendship of Yuuta and Rikka takes into another level. It was not forced and I really enjoyed watching their relationship bloom.

The side characters fulfilled their own roles in the series as well. They’re all likeable and entertaining to watch. They added some spices in this show. We have another ex-Chuunibyou Nibutani Shinka, known as Forest Summer, who, like Yuuta, did all her best to forget about her embarrassing past. She played the straight man in the show and became a foundation for some other characters. We also have Sanae Dekomori, who is also a proud and current Chuunibyou and behaves as a servant to Rikka and her Wicked Eye. She’s a lot of fun to watch. Kumin-senpai also plays a role in the show, though she’s a little bit lacking in her presence. She was the love interest of Yuuta’s bestfriend, Isshiki.

The production is great. The quality of its visuals and character designs is beautiful and appealing, as expected from KyoAni. The eyes are very expressive and the movements were very detailed. The animation from the supposed “fight scenes” was such a tease! The background music used added to the dramatic atmosphere in the series. I just have a little bit of a problem regarding the OP and the ED though. Both are very catchy and upbeat. I really like them. However, by the time the show reached the dramatic part, the ED felt a little bit out of place. It really showed the transition from light-hearted comedy to drama.

… ah, what a beautiful scene…

This show teaches us that growing up doesn’t mean you have to leave all of your childhood hobbies and interests behind. Though a lot of childhood memories are a little bit embarrassing, it constitutes your fun and lively childhood. Don’t force someone to grow up, let them enjoy the moment until they can. Because once they reached their adulthood, they’ll surely miss it. However, one must learn not to dwell into their dreams and fantasy too much. Learn to accept reality, as it is.

Anyway, overall, it was a nice and heart-warming show. In addition, it can make you remember your embarrassing yet fun childhood. Looking forward for the 2^nd season!