We all remember our first crush; that rush of feelings so intense it makes you act all kinds of stupid and giddy. There’s magic in those stolen glances, the brush of your hands, the blushing admissions of feelings. You and I Are Polar Opposites captures that first-time love in such a cutesy, starry-eyed way that you can’t help but smile and reminisce, all while rooting for opposites to attract.
The series follows Suzuki (Sayumi Suzushiro), a bubbly and outgoing high school girl who can’t help but fall for a boy who’s her total opposite. That boy is Tani (Shogo Sakata), a quiet and reserved classmate who doesn’t seem to care much about others’ opinions or the daily drama of high school life. Suzuki’s friendship group is completely oblivious to her feelings, too, offering her equal opportunities to mess up or to make the jump.
Suzuki tries her best to get Tani’s attention and keep him involved with her friends, but their opinions matter more to her than she lets on. So when Suzuki asks Tani if they can walk home together, she feels like she’s finally making progress…but her biggest obstacle may just be herself. Can these two finally admit their feelings?
From the very beginning, you can tell Suzuki is head over heels for Tani, emphasized by her bombastically adorable monologues and asides. But how does Tani feel about her? Well, he may be a bit more stoic in his emotions…but that leaves room for sweeping romantic gestures held within small moments. She’s a chaotically cute rom-com heroine, he’s charming in his introversion; it’s a tale as old as time, and yet you’ll be eating it up. Join us in squealing, won’t you?
Adapted from Kōcha Agasawa’s Shōnen Jump+ manga of the same name, You and I Are Polar Opposites is a bubble-pop daydream that mixes keen second-hand embarrassment with the dizzy hope of first love. The anime dances along classic rom-com beats set to a sugary sweet score that twinkles at all the right moments. The art style matches its romantic comedy style, remaining colorful, upbeat, and as cheerful as our main character.
If you’re looking for something cozy to keep you warm this winter, You and I Are Polar Opposites will give you all the fuzzy feels. A new year is the time for the joy of new beginnings, after all, and what better way to do it than to fall back in love with love!
Rating: B+
Level of Enthusiasm: 111%