Overview
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian is a romantic comedy anime adapted from the Japanese light novel series by SunSunSun and illustrated by Momoco. It follows transfer student Alya, a poised half-Russian high schooler, and her nerdy classmate Kuze Masachika. Unknown to Alya, Kuze secretly understands the Russian phrases she teasingly uses to flirt with him, leading to a charming tale of hidden feelings and romantic misunderstandings. The anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around the growing relationship between Alya and Masachika, set against the backdrop of high school life. It's a lighthearted yet layered exploration of adolescent emotions, self-esteem struggles, and miscommunication. Themes of family dynamics, particularly Kuze's backstory with his sister, add depth to the narrative.
While the premise is promising, the pacing is uneven, with critical backstory elements revealed too early in the series, sometimes through forced plot devices. These moments feel disconnected from the overarching tone, leaving viewers wondering about the anime's intended direction.
Strengths
Animation: Doga Kobo's animation elevates the series with crisp visuals, vibrant colors, and fluid character movements. The subtle artistic touches breathe life into everyday high school settings.
Characters:
Alya is a compelling mix of elegance and quirky charm, balancing her tsundere attitude with moments of vulnerability.
Masachika stands out as a relatable rom-com lead, complemented by the chaotic yet lovable energy of his little sister.
Supporting characters like Masha add layers of warmth and wit.
Voice Acting: Yuki's performance as Alya captures her multifaceted personality perfectly, while Sumippe's Russian pronunciation, though imperfect, delivers Alya's playful teasing with authenticity.
Weaknesses
Pacing Issues: Episode three crams significant backstory into a brief span, creating a rushed feeling that undermines the emotional impact.
Underdeveloped Themes: Alya's "loner" persona and family struggles could have been explored more deeply to strengthen her character arc.
Plot Tension: While the miscommunication trope works as a central tension, some moments feel overly contrived, making the narrative lose momentum.
Themes and Depth
The anime explores the complexities of adolescent relationships, including navigating self-esteem issues and fostering connections. Kuze's relationship with his sister introduces darker undertones rooted in their shared experience of parental divorce, adding a layer of intrigue. However, certain elements, like the borderline incestuous implications, may feel uncomfortable to some viewers.
Overall Impression
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian offers a delightful mix of humor, romance, and high school drama. While it stumbles with pacing and depth, the charming characters and gorgeous animation make it an enjoyable watch. Fans of rom-com anime will appreciate its playful approach and subtle emotional beats.
Verdict
The first season intrigues with its unique premise and endearing character dynamics, but it leaves much to be desired in execution. A solid choice for rom-com enthusiasts, it sets the stage for a potentially stronger second season.
Rating: 7.5/10.
