Watching the first episode of this romance was absolutely adorable, and I am 100% happy that shojo anime is making a comeback!
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Episode 1 Review
There was so much buzz surrounding this anime leading up to its premiere. Apparently, it is a very well-known manga adaptation written and illustrated by Mikami Saka. Maybe I am secretly a sucker for these types of anime, but I can never not be interested in a misunderstood delinquent failing in love with a kind and sweet girl.
Sure, something usually goes horribly wrong in the story (or in years prior, the girl would always get cancer and die – looking at you, Your Lie in April) but I am hopefully optimistic this time around.
Chidori High vs Kikyo Private Academy
I think what’s interesting within this story’s premise is the social dynamic between the two schools, and Tsumugi Rintarou himself.
Although it didn’t explicitly state it was an all-boys school, Rintarou’s Chidori Public High School didn’t seem to have any female classmates. Either the girls at his school are unattractive, or just the sheer aura of the prestigious Kikyo Private Academy repels any “low-born” female Chidori students away!
I mean, really – Chidori looks like a literal box (filled with delinquents) while Kikyo Academy looks like it was straight out of an Edwardian novel.
Despite the clear socio-economic differences, I don’t quite understand why the ladies at Kikyo would hate the boys from Chidori, when being hateful and judgmental is very unlady-like? Although based on Waguri Kaoruko’s personality, I’m sure not all of the ladies are that judgmental.
Unless…Waguri is simply an outlier.
After all, she did get embarrassed that she was caught (over)indulging on delicious cakes in public. Maybe it’s frowned upon to eat so much in one sitting at her home or during school hours, but then again, the cakes from Rintarou’s family’s bakery did look tasty.
Maybe the atmosphere of the school stifles Waguri, and that is why she never approached Rintarou until now. It seems like she has been watching him for a while, and even though she seemed surprised – I’m pretty sure Waguri had to know that was Rintarou’s classroom.
If not, that was a hell of a surprise for both of them. I mean, why would she decide to open the curtains so early in the morning when usually it is implied, they are always kept shut all day?
Before I finish up, I just wanted to point out that it’s cool Waguri wants to know who Rintarou is aside from the baseless rumors swirling around about him.
It was awful to see Rintarou develop this complex about his appearance due to rumors about him in middle school that followed him all the way to high school. Although his mom tried to tell Rintarou that his own perception of himself is off, I guess hearing it from somebody outside of his family helped.
I hope the show covers Rintarou coming to terms (and healing from) his low self-esteem and inferiority complex he developed based on rumors from his past, and his current association with the “dim-witted delinquents” of Chidori.
But, tell me your thoughts: Do you enjoy the formula of delinquent and honor student/popular girl/rich girl getting together? Why do you think the show’s release is being delayed?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, we’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Reviews!
☆ In Asian Spaces
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