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In a Nutshell
Love Hina is probably one of the most recent and popular of the romantic comedies. Telling the story of Keitaro Urashima who is a 3rd year reject from Tokyo University, he takes on management position at his Grandmother's inn. However, Hinata Inn is not what it used to be, it's now an all-girls dormitory. Keitaro's klutzy antics get in the way all the time and only humor ensues.
The Review
When
Keitaro assumes the Kanrinin job at Hinata Inn, he is merely a prospective
student who needs a part time job during the off season. But the girls at
Hinata are taking a different opinion towards Keitaro's presence. Will his
class-mate at study sessions Naru Narusegawa consider helping such a
cowardly klutz? Or will the ever female warrior Motoko be willing to defy
her ideas against men? Whatever the case, Keitaro gets beaten, abused,
picked on but is well appreciated by the girls of Hinata, even if they
don't show it. As the days go by, Keitaro gains a warm spot in each
resident's heart. Despite his clumsiness, he is able to word things
correctly in the end and come to terms with everybody. WIth Naru helping
him, Keitaro has a chance of being admitted to Tokyo University and
fulfilling his promise that he made as a child.
Love Hina is absolutely beautiful. Each cast member is distinctly
different from the very kawaii look of Naru, the intelligent look of
Kitsune or the bold look of Motoko. Each person stands out by theirself
with their appearance and their individual personalities. While the
violence withstanding Hinata Inn always looks the same, it is very pretty
as are the other locations where Love Hina goes to. But the animation in
Love Hina is incredibly good, especially considering that this is a TV
series, it has OAV quality written all over it. There are times when the
animation looks like it would on a TV series, but upon closer inspection,
there is great frame by frame detail occurring all the time instead of
just two or three frames repeating endlessly. This is made especially
obvious in the first episode when Keitaro is knocked down the hallway by a
girl.
But
don't think that just because it looks good, that's it. Nope, there's a
great story here thanks to the manga that came before it. While the repetitive
nature of all the women abusing Keitaro for being in the wrong place at
the wrong time (you think he'd learn after a while), does get rather
irritating, the plot develops fantastically throughout the series.
Starting off by pointing out the main struggle then introducing new wild
cards to the situation. Seta & Otohime to name the most obvious. But
all in all, it is very entertaining from episode to episode, although
there are some episodes that are just pure fun, like their homage to
old-school console RPGs 'ala Final Fantasy, chibi-characters and all. Each
person has a separate plot that intertwines beautifully with the other
characters.
As far as the music goes, I love it. There are distinct themes that begin
to play during events that are repeating, but there are also original
songs that all the female seiyuu sing together, not to mention the episode
where Naru becomes a pop idol. If I could find a place to get these on
mp3, I would love it because the soundtrack is outstanding.
So where can I find something wrong with this? Well, besides the minor
annoyances here and there, there is nothing wrong with this series at all.
It's a sheer joy-ride from start to finish and brings back the flair that
only Rumiko Takahashi's works have been able to pull off with Ranma 1/2,
Maisson Ikkoku and Urusei Yatsura. A definite must watch.
Slacker's Final Thoughts
Wonderful characters in a simple but intricate plot.
Incredible animation considering it's TV series status, flawless character
design and a beautiful soundtrack. A lot of laughter, but a bit of
annoyance at times, but you can't hate the Hinata girls.
Story: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Animation: 10/10
Sound & Music: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Awards:
