Lovely Complex

Reviewed by: Tom
Review date: May 25, 2008: Sunday

Complex Lovely is a romantic comedy about a young man named Atsushi Otani and a young woman named Risa Koizumi. The young man is well below the average height for a Japanese male at 156 cm (5’1”). The young woman is well above average for a Japanese female at 172 cm (5’7”). The story revolves around their love-hate relationship during their high school careers and the conflict revolving around the obvious height difference between them. When they first enter the classroom their comical exchange of words causes the teacher to label them “All Hanshin Kyojin” after a popular comedy duo with the same height difference. Over time, their conflict becomes cooperative as they attempt to help each other find a date. By this they get to know each other better and their friendship begins to blossom into something more complicated.

This particular was a bit confusing at first with all the references and the style of anime, but over time it became much clearer. When I first watched it, I found it to be a bit annoying and confusing at times. After the second episode though, references became much more clear. The dynamic nature of the characters promoted an entertaining exchange of words. The other characters in the story are also dynamic with unique personalities that contribute to the overall plot. Most of the high school kids at school are also in relationships which highlight the main characters predicament further. The anime in general is rather hyper, not to the extent of FLCL, but certainly not in the style of the anime dramas like Trinity Blood. Overall though, I found it an enjoyable anime presented in a unique and yet not overwhelming style.