Kei's Anime Reviews

Ai Yori Aoshi Episode 16

"Shores"

I like the fact that despite how many other girls are throwing themselves at him, Kaoru never falls into the trap of showing anything that could really be seen as romantic interest back at them. He only goes into that mode with Aoi (usually when they're alone), which is nice.

In this episode, Aoi puts on a swimsuit for the first time (one piece, no surprise) as Kaoru and gang head out to the beach. Of course, Aoi manages to make wearing a sexy swimsuit for Kaoru turn into something she has to apologize about.

I'm still very torn about Ai Yori Aoshi in general. On the one hand, I think it has moments where it's very, very good. Generally, those are parts with Kaoru and Aoi. The parts where it breaks down is whenever it involves the supporting cast (Tina is the worst offender). However, sometimes I can't get over Aoi's character, and her absolute subservience to Kaoru. If it weren't for those few gripes, I think this would be a spectacular show, as you can tell the creators "get" how to do the romance part. Not to mention the fact that the music is great, and the art is amazing for a tv show.

This was a fun episode, though, and gets added to my list of favorite romantic anime beach episodes (right, no genre stereotypes there!).

Rating: A

Posted by Kei at August 18, 2004 11:45 PM