Review: Ouran High Host Club
Episode Reviewed In: Episode 18
Alternate Titles: None
Original Japanese Release Date: 2006
Episode Length/Run-time: 26 Episodes
Summary:
Haruhi, a poor yet bright girl, attends an affluent school entirely on scholarship. One day she accidentally breaks a vase which costs far more than she can afford. In order to repay her debt to the school, and mistaken for a boy, she agrees to be a part of the school’s Host Club, a group of affluent, charming and good looking young men who entertain the ladies at the school.
Review:
Ouran High Host Club is a fun ride that’s near and dear to many people’s hearts, or at least many girls. It is a fun and fantastical ride through the lives of the cast members. Each of the characters, while cliche, has a distinct personality which is lovable. Each character has something which people can enjoy and relate to.
This anime was not reviewed by myself. I understand the love and fandom which a lot of people hold dear to their hearts. From a critical perspective though I can’t justify a 5. I personally see this anime more as a 4 at best.
The reason for this is, while it is a fantastic series with lots of memorable moments it floats from one antic to the next. They are very well made antics that are entertaining and engaging for the viewer. But this whole series, however fantastically executed, exists entirely on what’s basically filler. Random small arcs start and end, develop the characters a little more, entertain, bur do little to create an overall plot. While there is a conclusion, because there was never all that much going on in the way of a major story there’s little to conclude. The series basically ends as it began.
But, for what the series sets out to do, it does it well. As mentioned before it’s entertaining, enjoyable, and evokes an emotional connection from the viewer.
Perhaps you see a side to the series more on the 5 side than I do. Either way, I highly recommend it, especially recommend it for you romantic-comedy lovers.