Toradora! (2008-2009)

[とらドラ!]

Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Studio: JC Staff
Starring: Rie Kugimiya, Junji Majima, Yui Horie
Episodes: 25

Synopsis:
A highschooler feared by his peers as a delinquent crosses paths with a a violent classmate known as the Palmtop Tiger.

Impressions:
I'd heard about this series but never checked it out until recently. To be honest, when I first started it, I wasn't quite sure how much I was going to like it, but as it progressed, I became increasingly fond of the characters and their dynamics. I've had to deal with several crappy romcoms lately and a number that I've generally liked yet still found frustrating. I think a key element where this series succeeds is that the romance is operating on more than one layer. Ryuuji isn't the sole focus. Indeed, much of the series involve our two leads trying to support each other in their respective pursuits and we get quite the tangled web (but in a good way). As a particular sticking point for many viewers, Taiga can be rather abrasive at first, but as we spend more time with her learning about her circumstances and Ryuuji's positive influence effects her, things get better. Like many Japanese romcoms, the focus shifts from comedy more to drama as the series progresses. If you prefer the initial tone, you may not be too happy about this progression, but if you're invested in how the characters are developing, it's quite rewarding. By the end, I was left rather satisfied and can easily recommend adding this to your collection.

Rating:
Own It