Sakura Trick
Synopsis
Having been best friends since middle school, Haruka Takayama and Yuu Sonoda plan to attend Misato West High School together. However, despite being assigned to the same class, a cruel twist of fate has them seated on the opposite ends of their classroom! To make matters worse, their school will shut down in three years, making them the final intake of first-year students. Undeterred by this chain of unfortunate events, Haruka is set on sticking with Yuu, striving to create many wonderful memories with her. Much to Haruka's jealousy however, Yuu's easygoing demeanor quickly attracts the attention of their female classmates. Sympathizing with her friend's growing insecurity, Yuu ends up sharing a deep, affectionate kiss with her in an empty classroom. The act intensifies their bond as "special friends," gradually revealing a different aspect to their unique friendship while also inviting new conflicts. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Sakura Trick is a polarizing yuri anime. While some find it cute, heartwarming, and enjoyable for its romantic elements and unique animation, others criticize its lack of plot progression, dull characters, and overemphasis on kissing scenes. The series is further marred by the inclusion of an inappropriate relationship between cousins, leading to a mixed reception overall.
Strengths
- Heartwarming and cute interactions between characters, especially Haruka and Yuu.
- Well-placed romantic scenes that enhance the story.
- Unique animation style reminiscent of Shaft.
- Good balance of comedy and romance.
Weaknesses
- Story lacks progression and feels episodic.
- Characters, especially side characters, are dull and lack complexity.
- Excessive kissing scenes become repetitive and meaningless.
- Inappropriate inclusion of a romantic relationship between cousins.