Sunday, June 24, 2012

Review: Kaichou wa Maid Sama! (2010)

Kaichou wa Maid Sama! ~The President Is a Maid!~ (2010) is a Japanese teen romance comedy about a female high school student who secretly balances her work as a waitress with her duties as student council president. It contains 26 episodes + 1 OVA.

Misaki Ayuzawa is the first female student council president at Seika High School, formerly an all-boys school with a notorious reputation for its wild students. She rules the school with a strict iron-clad discipline, acting as an anti-boys dictator so that the girls can feel safe in the predominately male environment. Despite her tough demeanor in school, she secretly works as a part-time waitress at a maid cafe to financially support her impoverished family.

One day, Takumi Usui, a mysterious and handsome student known for brushing off girls' love letters, accidentally discovers Misaki's secret. He is also her academic rival, always placing one-spot ahead of her in class rank exams. Takumi promises to keep her part-time job a secret from the student body if he can spend quality time with her. Suddenly, Misaki finds her reputation at Seika High School at his mercy. Little will she know that their time together will gradually lead to a blossoming yet erratic romance.

Kaichou wa Maid-sama is your typical but slightly unique teen romance story that makes you laugh, cry and smile. Besides that, it's not original but has an interesting lead (Misaki) and sexy suitor/potential partner (Takumi). Misaki is assertive girl with difficult family circumstances, but nevertheless tries to improve herself. Takumi, while seeming almost too-perfect, has a laidback, common-sense attitude and cares deeply about Misaki's well-being. Overall, they make a cute couple. The minor characters provide a lot of funny and suspenseful moments. I highly recommend this anime.

You can continue to follow the story in the manga. After you finish the anime, the arc picks up at Chapter 36. The manga further explores Takumi's family background and the reappearance of Misaki's father. Misaki continues to face obstacles that truly test her relationship with Takumi. I really hope that the producers (J.C. Staff) consider a second season. The anime gained international fanfare among many female viewers. Since it's been two years since its original run, it is becoming less likely that will happen.


Opening Theme: "Secret" by Saya Mizuno


Ending Theme: "Heidi" by Yokan


No comments: