Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo, often known in English as ‘The Pet Girl Of Sakurasou’, falls neatly into the romantic comedy slice-of-life genre, a space both beloved and crowded within anime. For enthusiasts of heartwarming character dramas and humorous situations, this label alone might pique interest. However, with numerous anime vying for attention in this category, the crucial question arises: Why should ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’ earn a spot on your watchlist? This review will explore what makes this particular series stand out, diving into its strengths and acknowledging its few shortcomings, to provide a comprehensive look for potential viewers.
One of the most compelling aspects of ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’ is undeniably its intricate and captivating character dynamics. This anime excels in weaving relationships between its ensemble cast, creating a rich tapestry of interactions that drive the narrative forward. To truly appreciate this depth, we need to delve into the core elements of the story, which will be discussed further with spoiler considerations.
At the heart of ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’ are five central characters: Kanda Sorata, the protagonist navigating the unusual living situation of Sakurasou; Kamiigusa Misaki, an energetic and eccentric animator; Shiina Mashiro, the titular “pet girl” and a world-renowned, yet socially inept artist; Aoyama Nanami, a determined and hardworking voice actress in training; and Mitaka Jin, a playboy scriptwriter and Misaki’s childhood friend. This quintet immediately sets ‘Sakurasou’ apart. Unlike many rom-coms that center around a pair or a love triangle, ‘Sakurasou’ distributes its narrative weight across these five individuals, allowing for a broader spectrum of character development and interpersonal relationships. The story primarily unfolds through the eyes of Kanda Sorata, who finds himself relocated to Sakurasou, the dormitory for the school’s “problem children,” after defying regulations by keeping stray cats in the regular dorms. His deep affection for his feline companions leads him to embrace life in Sakurasou, a place brimming with unique personalities and unexpected challenges. It is within the walls of Sakurasou that these five individuals form bonds, navigate personal growth, and create the emotional core of the anime.
For fans of the rom-com slice-of-life genre, the premise of five main characters and a 24-episode run might already sound promising. However, the anime’s approach to romance presents a somewhat divisive element. While ‘Sakurasou’ shines in many areas, its romantic storylines can be considered its weakest link. This is a point of contention for some viewers, including myself, as while I thoroughly enjoyed almost every facet of ‘Sakurasou’, the romantic developments left something to be desired.
To discuss this further, it’s necessary to touch upon specific plot points. For those who wish to experience the story without any prior knowledge, it’s advisable to skip to the [endspoiler] tag below.
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One of the initial romantic threads involves Misaki and her persistent pursuit of Jin’s affection. However, the portrayal of Misaki’s romantic endeavors often leans into comedic relief, diminishing the emotional weight of her struggles. Her repeated rejections and subsequent dramatic reactions, while fitting her character, rarely evoke genuine sympathy or emotional investment from the viewer. Furthermore, the relatively quick and somewhat simplistic resolution of her romantic arc can feel like an undercutting of any potential emotional depth.
The more significant romantic storyline, and arguably the most debated aspect of ‘Sakurasou’, is the dynamic between Aoyama Nanami and Kanda Sorata, contrasted with the central pairing of Shiina Mashiro and Sorata. Many viewers, including myself, found themselves rooting for Nanami and Sorata. However, from the outset, ‘Sakurasou’ subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, steers viewers towards a Sorata and Mashiro pairing. Early episodes establish a physical closeness and suggestive scenarios between them, signaling the intended romantic direction. This predetermination raises the question of the narrative purpose behind introducing the Nanami and Sorata dynamic. The execution of this secondary romantic subplot is where ‘Sakurasou’ falters for some. Sorata often appears oblivious to Nanami’s feelings, while Nanami’s attempts at confession are frequently portrayed as awkward and ultimately unsuccessful. This creates a sense of prolonged, unrequited pining that can be frustrating to watch, especially for viewers who favored a Nanami and Sorata pairing. Moments like Nanami’s confession being played off as “acting practice” or her hesitant, half-hearted confession after an audition feel particularly jarring and almost designed to heighten viewer frustration. It can feel as though the narrative intentionally raises expectations of a Nanami and Sorata connection only to subvert them. While this isn’t inherently negative, the execution can be perceived as clumsy and emotionally manipulative, particularly for viewers invested in Nanami’s romantic prospects. The lack of romantic realization for Nanami, despite her clear feelings and efforts, becomes a significant point of disappointment for many. The inclusion of a second potential love interest for Sorata feels somewhat unnecessary, especially given that ‘Sakurasou’ isn’t presented as a harem anime. The narrative could have effectively focused on the development of Sorata and Mashiro’s relationship without introducing a competing romantic interest, or at least handled Nanami’s feelings with more sensitivity and narrative purpose.
However, just as the Nanami and Sorata storyline reaches its most frustrating point, episode 23, the graduation episode, arrives as a powerful counterpoint. This episode is widely considered a highlight of the series and a standout moment in anime. The emotional depth displayed by all characters – students, faculty, and Sakurasou residents – is genuinely moving. Rather than relying on melodramatic tearjerking, the episode captures a nuanced sense of sadness, sincerity, and camaraderie as the characters face graduation and impending separation. The speeches, interactions, and overall atmosphere resonate with authentic emotion. This episode alone showcases the strength of ‘Sakurasou’ in character-driven drama and emotional storytelling. Yet, it also raises a question: Why wasn’t this poignant moment the natural conclusion of the series?
Episode 24, the final episode, shifts gears by introducing new characters and setting the stage for a new academic year. This abrupt transition suggests that there was more story to tell within the ‘Sakurasou’ universe. The episode hints at potential developments for Sorata and Mashiro as they navigate life without their graduating friends, and introduces new Sakurasou residents with intriguing personalities. This open-ended conclusion leaves viewers wanting more. Instead of a definitive ending, it feels like the beginning of a new chapter abruptly cut short. The absence of a second season announcement fuels speculation and a sense of unfulfilled potential. While leaving viewers wanting more can be a testament to a series’ appeal, in this case, the abrupt ending feels somewhat unresolved.
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Despite the criticisms leveled at its romantic storylines and the somewhat open ending, ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’ excels in numerous other critical areas.
Story [9/10]: Narrative strength is paramount in anime, and ‘Sakurasou’ delivers a compelling story. While the romantic aspects may be considered weak by some, they don’t overshadow the overall narrative. Throughout the series, ‘Sakurasou’ maintains a high level of engagement. Each episode builds anticipation for what’s next, and moments of drama are particularly effective in adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. The overarching narrative of personal growth, chasing dreams, and the power of friendship within the unique setting of Sakurasou is genuinely captivating.
Art [10/10]: Visually, ‘Sakurasou’ is a standout. It employs a distinct art style characterized by warm and vibrant colors. Many anime share similar color palettes, leading to a degree of visual homogeneity, but ‘Sakurasou’ carves its own visual identity. Character designs are appealing and expressive, and meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the animation. However, the animation truly shines in depicting Shiina Mashiro’s artistic talent. The visual representation of her artwork effectively conveys her extraordinary skill, allowing viewers to grasp the extent of her genius. The artistry extends beyond Mashiro’s work, with the overall visual presentation consistently enhancing the storytelling.
Sound [10/10]: The soundtrack of ‘Sakurasou’ is exceptional. The opening and ending themes are not just catchy tunes but integral parts of the anime’s identity, often finding their way onto viewers’ playlists. Initially, the first opening theme might seem somewhat generic, but repeated listens reveal its nuanced charm and its perfect encapsulation of the anime’s mood. Both opening sequences cleverly incorporate the anime’s distinctive art style. The second ending theme, in particular, complements the evolving character dynamics at that stage of the story, further highlighting the thoughtful integration of sound design.
Character [10/10]: The characters are the heart and soul of ‘Sakurasou’, elevating it beyond typical rom-com fare. For a genre often criticized for shallow characterization, ‘Sakurasou’ offers surprisingly deep and multifaceted individuals. The anime dedicates time to exploring the backgrounds and motivations of each of the five main characters. What truly sets them apart is the genuine camaraderie and acceptance they display towards each other, despite their vastly different personalities and life experiences. There is a palpable sense of genuine friendship and support among the Sakurasou residents, devoid of petty conflicts or resentment. This chemistry is the anime’s most valuable asset, making the characters relatable, endearing, and compelling to watch.
Final Verdict:
Despite its imperfections, primarily concerning its romantic plotlines, ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’ leaves a lasting positive impression. It’s an anime that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, a testament to its strengths in character development, storytelling, art, and sound. While the romance might not fully satisfy all viewers, the anime’s overall impact is undeniable. It provides ample laughter, genuine moments of drama, and a heartwarming exploration of friendship and personal growth. ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’ not only meets but often exceeds the expectations for a romantic comedy slice-of-life anime. It’s a production of exceptional quality, and it earns a strong recommendation as a must-watch for anime enthusiasts of all tastes, particularly those who appreciate character-driven narratives and heartwarming stories. If you’re looking for an anime that blends humor, drama, and compelling characters within a unique and visually appealing package, ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’ is an excellent choice.
