When diving into the rom-com slice of life anime genre, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The market is saturated, and quality can be inconsistent. So, why should “Sakurasou No Pet na Kanojo,” also known as “The Pet Girl of Sakurasou,” capture your attention? This review explores what makes this anime stand out, delving into its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s your next must-watch.
One aspect where Sakurasou truly shines is its character dynamics. This anime elevates itself from the crowd through the intricate and engaging relationships between its core cast. Let’s delve into the residents of Sakurasou and what makes their interactions so compelling.
The heart of “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” revolves around a vibrant group of five main characters: Kanda Sorata, the protagonist by circumstance; Kamiigusa Misaki, the energetic and eccentric animator; Shiina Mashiro, the prodigious but socially unaware artist; Aoyama Nanami, the hardworking and aspiring voice actress; and Mitaka Jin, the playboy and talented playwright. Unlike many anime that focus on a duo or trio, Sakurasou strategically balances these five personalities, offering a richer tapestry of character development and interactions.
The narrative lens is primarily focused on Kanda Sorata. His exile to the unconventional Sakurasou dormitory, nicknamed “Sakura Hall,” stems from his unwavering dedication to his feline companions – regular dorms prohibit pets. Forced to reside with other students deemed “problematic,” Sorata finds himself amidst a group of unique individuals. These relationships forged within Sakurasou form the emotional backbone of the entire anime.
With five central characters and a generous 24-episode run, viewers might anticipate a character-driven masterpiece. And in many ways, Sakurasou delivers. However, there’s a notable point of contention: the romance. While the character interactions are a major draw, the romantic storylines within “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” are arguably its weakest link.
Let’s delve deeper into the narrative, but be warned, spoilers are ahead for those who wish to experience the story unspoiled.
[startspoiler]
One of the primary romantic arcs involves Misaki and Jin. Regrettably, Misaki’s pursuit of Jin feels largely comedic and lacks genuine emotional depth. Her repeated romantic setbacks are presented more for laughs than for eliciting viewer sympathy. Even the resolution of her romantic endeavors feels rushed, further diminishing their impact. Misaki’s love life, while present, never achieves significant emotional weight within the overall narrative of “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo.”
The more central, and arguably more frustrating, romantic entanglement is between Aoyama Nanami and Kanda Sorata. For many viewers, including myself initially, this pairing held considerable promise. However, “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” frequently receives criticism for its predictability, and the Sorata-Nanami dynamic exemplifies this. From the outset, the anime heavily implies a connection between Shiina Mashiro and Kanda Sorata. Their early physical closeness, suggestive humor, and voyeuristic moments all point towards an almost predetermined pairing.
This begs the question: why introduce a seemingly significant second romantic interest in Nanami? It creates a forced and somewhat clumsy love triangle. Throughout the anime, Sorata remains remarkably oblivious, while Nanami’s affections are often portrayed as almost pitiable. Watching Nanami’s attempts to confess her feelings to Sorata can be genuinely uncomfortable. Her repeated failures feel less like dramatic tension and more like unnecessary heartbreak, especially for viewers who find Nanami a more relatable or appealing character than Shiina – a sentiment shared by many, although Shiina herself is undeniably charming.
Nanami’s unrequited love arc features particularly cringeworthy moments. Her confession disguised as “acting practice” and her subdued, almost hesitant confession after an audition feel like deliberate narrative manipulations, raising viewer expectations only to cruelly dash them. It’s as if the writers intentionally built up the possibility of a Sorata-Nanami pairing only to undermine it repeatedly. Two key moments that could have led to a genuine confession and potential relationship progression instead devolve into missed opportunities and emotional setbacks for Nanami. The chemistry, or lack thereof, between Sorata and Nanami feels not only poorly executed but also narratively redundant. “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” isn’t a harem anime; focusing solely on developing the Sorata-Shiina relationship would have been a more streamlined and emotionally satisfying approach.
However, just when frustration with the Nanami-Sorata dynamic reaches its peak, episode 23, the graduation episode, arrives. This episode is a masterclass in emotional storytelling and arguably one of the most impactful episodes in anime history. The raw emotion displayed by every character – students, faculty, and Sakurasou residents alike – is profoundly genuine. This episode doesn’t rely on forced melodrama to evoke tears; instead, it authentically captures the bittersweet sadness of farewells, the weight of shared experiences, and the deep affection these characters hold for one another. The graduation scene in “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” transcends typical anime sentimentality, delivering a truly resonant emotional experience. After such a powerful episode, it’s natural to wonder: “Why wasn’t this the finale?”
Episode 24, the actual final episode, unexpectedly shifts gears, setting the stage for a continuation rather than providing closure. It introduces two new characters and marks the beginning of a new school year, a fresh start. We see Sorata and Shiina facing a new dynamic, separated from their graduating Sakurasou companions, hinting at further relationship development. The introduction of new Sakurasou residents also suggests potential new storylines. In essence, the ending of “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” feels less like a conclusion and more like the start of a new chapter, leaving viewers wanting more. It feels incomplete, as if a second season was planned but never materialized. While this open ending could be interpreted as a glimmer of hope for future content, as of now, it remains just that – wishful thinking.
[endspoiler]
Beyond the romantic missteps, “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” excels in nearly every other aspect.
Story [9/10]: Narrative is paramount in anime, and despite its romantic shortcomings, Sakurasou boasts an exceptional story overall. While the romance may falter, it doesn’t significantly detract from the compelling narrative. Even with minor critiques, each episode remains captivating. The desire to know what happens next, coupled with moments of genuine suspense and impactful drama, makes the story of “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” highly engaging.
Art [10/10]: Visually, Sakurasou is stunning. The art style is distinctive, utilizing a palette rich in warm and vibrant colors. Many anime share a similar aesthetic, but Sakurasou carves its own visual identity. Character designs are meticulously crafted, and the animation is fluid and detailed. However, the true artistic triumph lies in the portrayal of Shiina Mashiro’s artistic genius. The anime’s art direction effectively conveys the depth and breadth of Shiina’s talent, allowing viewers to visually appreciate her extraordinary abilities. Moreover, the artwork attributed to Shiina within the anime is itself remarkably well-executed.
Sound [10/10]: The soundtrack of Sakurasou is undeniably memorable. The opening and ending themes are not just anime tropes; they are genuinely captivating pieces of music, evidenced by their frequent replay status on personal playlists. Initially, the first opening theme might sound somewhat conventional, but repeated listens reveal its nuanced charm, perfectly encapsulating the anime’s overall tone. Both opening sequences cleverly incorporate and showcase the anime’s distinctive art style. The second ending theme, in particular, harmonizes beautifully with the evolving character dynamics at that point in the story.
Character [10/10]: The characters are the soul of Sakurasou, adding layers of depth rarely seen in rom-coms. Each of the five main characters is surprisingly well-developed. Through the narrative, we gain insight into their backgrounds, motivations, and personal struggles. What truly elevates the Sakurasou characters is their profound acceptance of one another, despite their diverse personalities and upbringings. There is a palpable sense of genuine friendship and mutual respect among them, devoid of underlying animosity or resentment. This authentic chemistry is the magic ingredient that makes watching their interactions so rewarding.
Final Verdict:
Rating “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” requires careful consideration. While the romantic aspects are flawed, the anime’s strengths in story, art, sound, and especially character development are undeniable. “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” leaves a lasting impression, creating a desire for more content – a testament to its overall quality. Throughout its run, the anime delivers consistent humor and moments of genuine emotional resonance, ensuring viewer engagement. Ultimately, “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo” not only meets but surpasses the typical expectations for a romantic comedy slice-of-life anime. It’s a truly exceptional production and a strong recommendation for anime enthusiasts of all genres, but especially for those who appreciate character-driven narratives within the rom-com and slice of life sphere. It stands as a must-watch anime that transcends genre limitations.
