Nisekoi: False Love

Name: Nisekoi (False Love)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Shounen
Rating: PG 13
Written & Illustrated by: Naoshi Komi
Produced by: Shaft, Aniplex, Aniplex of America

Spring's here and love is in the air! Or wait... Are those sparks? I can never tell the difference in, the rather predictable anime, Nisekoi.

Opening:

The opening of the first episode is rather impressive. Maybe a bit too impressive. It starts out with a blank film reel and then develops into an exaggerated environment of mountains and grass. It zooms in on two children, Raku and a mystery girl, from afar, only to jump to an impressively designed locket, which looks like it has some super power that'll destroy the world once it's unlocked, slowly falling from the sky and gently landing in young Raku's hand. The statement "Forever in love" is mentioned and the girl proposes that he keeps the locket and she'll keep the key. When they meet again, they will unlock the locket and get married. Young Raku agrees and the film reel falls off the screen. All of this is accompanied by a very sentimental melody. During this scene, I had to keep looking at the title to remind myself that it was, in fact, Nisekoi. I absolutely wasn't expecting such an epic and dramatic introduction for an anime of this genre. The opening song is rather generic, yet catchy. I don't feel it does the anime justice. However, the opening animation, though lacking presence, is highly impressive with the artwork and saturated color schemes. I found it very refreshing.

Intro Rating: 7/10

Opening Rating: 5/10

Plot:

Raku Ichijou is a high school student who strides to get great grades and graduate from a highly esteemed university to fulfill his dream of becoming a civil servant and walking the straight and narrow. His dream is a bit lack luster, but can you blame him? He is the son of the boss of a Yakuza family called the Shuei-Gumi. Because of this, he's had nothing but trouble with school and fitting in. Yet, he's been able to find two great friends that have accepted him for who he is. Ten years ago, he made a promise with a girl to get married once they reunited. The only problem is, he can't remember her name or what she looked like. All he has is a locket and the hope that he'll find the matching key. One day, a lovely girl named Chitoge Kirisaki transfers into Raku's class. Their first meeting was anything but smooth. They fought every time they were around each other. Like oil and water, they just couldn't mix. However, because of an odd turn of events, Chitoge and Raku end up forced into a pretend relationship. Though he has a crush on his classmate and friend, Kosaki Onodera, he must keep this facade going. His only hope is that he finds the one he made the promise with.

It's pacing is pretty good. It's plot twists are extremely predictable, though. I mean ESP predictable! Some of which are just... kind of...lame. It has it's fair share of fan service, but it's not overbearing. The comedy is interjected fairly well, but it only has a few notable moments of humor. The rest is just generic. The plot is decent and slightly unique. It has it's touching moments, but, all and all, it's just another Shounen.

Plot Rating: 5/10

Characters:

There are only two characters that truly stick out to me, Chitoge and Raku. Raku is an average teenager. Though he's weak, his heart is that of a strong willed man. This is because of how he was raised as the son of the Yakuze boss. However, he's got a realistic point of view. So, he tries to avoid trouble, though it keeps finding him. I like the contradictory traits that he has. It really helps liven up his character. At first, I didn't like Chitoge. She had a rather awful personality. I couldn't stand her! I honestly felt bad for Raku. I probably would have gotten suspended for punching her in the face. As well as a broken arm and some bruises... If I was him, I would have just given up. Later on in the story, I found out why she has such a foul attitude and I could, somewhat, relate. Throughout the story, you see Chitoge and Raku grow as their relationship gets stronger. Kosaki is the average shy girl you see in every romance that can't muster up the courage to express her feelings to the person she loves. In this case, Raku. I was actually rooting for Kosaki because I'm a sucker for the average shounen girl. These are the main characters so far. There is one more, but she doesn't appear until episode 14, which hasn't aired yet. I'm hoping for at least an interesting character.

The Character growth is relatable to average teenagers and makes sense. The most significant character growth is Chitoge. She turns from an irritating brat to a sweet, yet rough, girl. The others kind of stay the same as their attributes are highlighted while their relationship grows. There isn't anything monumentally touching when it comes to the characters. They are rather generic.

Character Rating: 4/10

Artwork:

I must say, I'm rather fond of the art style. They emphasize scenes beautifully with such saturated and, sometimes, abstract color schemes. The character designs are pretty nice as well. I wouldn't say it truly stands out, though. The small effects they add during some of the characters' interactions to express the mood is a nice touch as well. It's creative and brings the point across without crossing the line.

Artwork Rating: 5/10

Anime Rating:

When it comes down to it, I've seen better. It is a good show to mindlessly watch, but that's because they might as well tell you when the plot twists are coming. The environmental art and it's slightly unique story is what keeps me watching it. However, in the long run, it's your average Shounen.

My final rating: 4/10

Manga before Anime?
I've only read the first two chapters of the manga, but personally, I think, with an anime like this, it doesn't matter. If you're looking to get passed the anime and read ahead, go for the manga.

Do I recommend this Anime?
If you're bored and have nothing else to watch or need something to wind down to, this is the anime to watch.

Dubbed or Subbed?
This one's easy! Currently, it's only aired in subbed. I have no clue when or if it'll get dubbed.