Watch Lovely Complex

Lovely Complex is a romantic comedy anime series that aired on TBS Japan in 2007, based on a manga of the same name by Aya Nakahara. The show follows the lives of two high school students Risa Koizumi, a tall and outgoing girl, and Atsushi Ōtani, a short and cool guy. Both are constantly teased by their classmates for their height difference and are labeled as “the comedy duo” of the class.

The first episode of Lovely Complex sets the tone for the series as Risa and Ōtani initially cannot stand each other but end up bonding over their shared struggles. From the start, the show takes a lighthearted approach to romance and doesn't shy away from poking fun at the characters' height differences.

Throughout the series, Risa and Ōtani navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, including school, friendships, and love interests. One of the show’s defining features is its portrayal of the characters’ struggles with self-esteem and self-worth. Risa is initially insecure about her height and thinks she will never find love, while Ōtani is insecure about his height and worries he won't be taken seriously. Both characters go through a significant transformation as they learn to accept themselves and find confidence in who they are.

Despite its comedic approach, Lovely Complex touches on some heavy themes related to body image, self-confidence, and self-worth. The show's ability to handle these topics in a way that is both funny and relatable is a significant part of what has made it so popular. Throughout the series, Risa and Ōtani face challenges both individually and together as they grow and mature as people.

The show's visual style is bright and colorful, with exaggerated features that add to the comedic feel of the series. The characters are drawn in a way that emphasizes their height differences, with Risa shown towering over Ōtani in many scenes. These visual choices play into the show's themes of acceptance and embrace the characters' unique quirks and characteristics.

In addition to Risa and Ōtani, Lovely Complex features a cast of supporting characters who add depth and humor to the show. One notable character is Nobuko Ishihara, Risa's best friend, who is always there to offer support but isn't afraid to call Risa out when she's being unreasonable. Other characters include Ōtani's basketball teammates, who provide a source of comic relief throughout the series.

Lovely Complex is a classic romantic comedy anime that has stood the test of time. The show's memorable characters and relatable themes have made it a beloved series among anime fans. Despite its lighthearted tone, the show tackles some heavy topics with sensitivity and grace, handling them in a way that is both entertaining and meaningful. Overall, Lovely Complex is a show that is sure to make viewers laugh, cry, and fall in love.

Lovely Complex is a series that ran for 1 seasons (25 episodes) between April 7, 2007 and on TBS Japan