Say I Love You

Say I Love You is a Japanese animated television series from King Record Company Limited that premiered in 2011. The series is an adaptation of the highly successful manga written and illustrated by Kanae Hazuki.

The story centres on 16-year-old Mei Tachibana, who, due to a traumatic experience with friendships during her childhood, has spent her high school years without making any friends or even having a boyfriend. She has convicted herself under the belief that people would betray each other sooner or later.

This self-inflicted isolation is drastically changed when she accidentally kicks Yamato Kurosawa, the most popular boy in school. Instead of getting angry, Yamato becomes interested in Mei and starts a friendship with her, which develops into a romantic relationship.

Yamato is well known amongst his peers as a heartthrob, and he has a kind and friendly personality. He doesn’t let high school hierarchies dictate his friendships and is known to hangout with anyone regardless of their school status. His magnetic charm is not only what gets Mei’s attention, but it also plays a large role in breaking down Mei's walls, allowing her to open herself up to the idea of friendships and relationships.

Throughout the series, we get to see how Mei begins to experience the world she has closed herself off to. She begins to understand that not everyone will betray or disappoint her. Say I Love You masterfully explores the complexity of teen emotions, the insecurity, the vulnerability, and the confusion.

One significant aspect of the show is its effective storytelling, which accurately portrays anxieties and fears associated with opening up to others. The budding romantic relationship between the two main characters is also depicted in a sensitive and honest fashion. Rather than focusing on the dramatic, this show is refreshing in its portrayal of a simple and sincere love story. The authenticity of the characters’ feelings is palpable, which in turn creates a moving and engaging viewing experience.

Secondary characters in the series are not just fillers either. Say I Love You takes time to flesh out even those characters, giving them their own, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes healing, narratives and personal growth. Each character in the series adds to the overall depth of the story.

The animation and art style contribute significantly to the emotional depth of the series. It's simple yet beautiful, and the series leverages this visual appeal to create a deeper emotional connection with the audience. The music score complements the narrative well, enhancing both romantic and dramatic moments.

Say I Love You is a coming-of-age story at heart. It takes the audience through Mei and Yamato's personal journey of growth - navigating through emotions, friendships, and love. It wonderfully captures the universal feeling of adolescence and the craving for connections.

The show is not just about romance, it's about self-growth and rediscovering oneself. Say I Love You sends across a significant message about the importance of stepping out of your comfort zones and embracing the world around you for all its ups and downs. It's about the risk of opening your heart and the rewards that come with it.

Overall, Say I Love You is a heartwarming and honest anime series that offers a realistic take on high school love and friendships. It's a show that will make you reminisce about your adolescence and relate to the characters' struggles and triumphs. Whether you're new to anime or a long-time fan, this series will captivate you, reminding of the nuances, struggles, joys, and sorrows of love and life.