Week 5: Romance

For this weeks anime/manga review I wanted to talk about an anime film thats near and dear to my heart, Doukyuusei. Doukyuusei or "Classmates" is a boys love coming of age story where 2 male classmates fall in love with each other. My favorite way to describe this film is disgustingly sweet. Kusakabe, a aloof rocker, starts to develop feelings towards Sajou, an introverted nerd, and slowly but surely they learn what their feelings are together.

One of my favorite things about this manga and film is that at no point is there an emphasis on "forbidden love" or "dirtyness" that comes with the majority of Boys Love or Yaoi. In fact the story simply revolves around the two learning about each other and exploring their relationship. Since their personalities are polar opposites its interesting to watch their characters develop through conflicts.

What makes Doukyuusei different from other animes is the fact that it unapologetically is gay. While homosexuality is viewed as taboo in Japanese society, Doukyuusei took over the big screen and made over 200 million yen at the box office. Considering the societal view this is quite an impressive number and an impactful film to break common stereotypes, a small step but an important one.


Have Read:
Mou Ichido, Nandodemo
Ten Count
Kaichou wa Maid Sama
Ouran High School Host Club
Vampire Knight
Princess Jellyfish
My Little Monster

Read these soon!:
Saotome-Senshu, Hitakakusu 
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii 

Nodame Cantabile
No Touching At All