Ôran kôkô hosutobu

This is by far one of the most enjoyable animes i've seen in a long time. Following the popular idea of a girl having to pretend to be a guy at school, the show follows Haruhi, a 'commoner' at an elite school for the rich and powerful. After breaking an expensive vase, she must pay off the debt by working as a host in a club created to entertain girls. However, to do this, she must keep up the pretence that she is a guy. The plot lines are hilarious, with moments of sadness or sweetness thrown in. There are a few taboo-ish themes, like homosexuality, incest and rape, but they are dealt with in a non-confrontational manner, so it is unlikely a conservative viewer would be particularly offended by anything.

Particularly of note are the characters and their development throughout the series as we learn more about them. In the club is the 'Lord', Tamaki, a perceptive, empathetic leader who often comes across as a bit of an idiot (but there is more to him than meets the eye); Hikaru and Kaoru, the mischievous, incestuous twins who use their closeness to appeal to girls; Kyoya, the money-minded, enigmatic shadow-lord; Hunny, the loli-shota obsessed with sweets, and his loyal friend Mori, a silent, stoic type. Haruhi herself is bookish and immune to the charms of the guys, yet becomes entangled in a (very light) love-triangle, which is vaguely resolved by the end of the series. It's easy to relate to and fall in love with all of the characters, and OHSHC is one of the rare shows where you find yourself caring about every character, not just a few.

I would recommend OHSHC to anyone above the age of 13. It seems like a show aimed more at girls, but I gave it to my brother to watch and he loved it. I haven't read the manga (yet), so I can't compare; also, I hear that there will soon be an American-dub version released. As American dubs are notorious for their censorship, i have no idea how that might change the show (probably for the worse), so i'd recommend going and watching the original Japanese version with subtitles: the voice acting is pitch-perfect!

What a surprise! I've just recently gotten into anime, always trying to find new and unique dimensions to this genre; had seen a few of the classics and essentials. I assumed this would not be something for me, until I watched the first episode and there I was, a 33 year old, bearded American guy, laughing his butt off at a "teen comedy". Though I don't know much (or care much) about shoujo(?), I LOVE a good satire in any medium and this, folks, is up there, at times, with the best. The themes are familiar to Americans: the "plain-Jane", rebellious type, gets dolled up; the girl masquerades a boy for some reason; the lower-class student strives to survive or "pass" amongst snobby rich peers; the fish-out-of-water scenario. But here, they are combined in a very well conceived and, at least in our cultural context, highly subversive cocktail made from all of these generic themes.

And it is quite an intoxicating and addictive cocktail. I even find myself thinking, "dear gawd, I can't tell anyone about my taboo love-affair with this show, can I?", but then I realize it is usually 5x more intelligent, well written and poignant than anything on American TV since the Simpsons of the early/mid 1990s.

This anime is the tops. I have never seen a shoujo anime that I have enjoyed as much as Host Club since I saw Fruits Basket. Do yourself a favor and buy the DVDs of it, plus the manga. You will not be sorry, especially if you're a shoujo fan, or even if you aren't one...the characters are so vibrant, cute and fun that anyone, yes even a non-anime fan would fall in love with the Host Club. Outrageous, dashing, handsome, and idiotic Prince Tamaki, the crazy Hitachiin brothers (who put on a fake incest act that the girls seem to love??), Kaoru and Hikaru, Cute Momiiji Sohma-like Hunny, Mori, the silent strong host, and my absolute favorite and the HOTTEST host...cool and evil Kyoya, the "shadow prince" of the club. Haruhi, the heroine is refreshing, because way too many shoujo heroines are too bright and bubbly and in-your-face, Haruhi is calm and practical. I really hope they bring Host Club to America and dub it, but for now, watch Host Club any way you can, this series is too too amazing to miss!!!

This show tackles many social problems in a teenagers life nowadays. The first dozen episodes explains and dissects the characters for the audience and also creates some mini plots in the series that they elaborate on later. A few topics of taboo they encounter is, Lesbians, incest, rape, bullying, love triangles and gender oriented problems. No show in North America covers these things, yet maybe they do , but for me its too subtle. If America or Canada do make a show this risqué for kids then , wow! I kind of like Japanese animation better than what N.A. does.

But not all of the ones listed are taken very seriously, so it keeps the environment light and comedic. Great show even if I'm watching it from the other side of the planet. July, 5 2006 Ontario, Canada.

Ouran High School Host Club was one my first romance animes and it was a amazing watch.

Great characters, a cute story, hilarious comedy and lovable characters.

However it is not the perfect anime, a shojo classic but no 10/10.

The shortage of episodes is really an issue with this anime. After the last episode I began reading the manga.

This anime should of got an extension, if it did definitely would get a point up to a 9. Why not 10 you probably ask? Well here's why...

Like it or not the title should really be: Haruhi's harem. Even if you like harems it does get annoying the fact that everyone adores the main character.

Listen, is a great character her cheekiness is awesome but why can't at least someone not like her?

Not in a second (at least what can recall) does any of the host club members hate Haruhi.

They ADORE her, personally I wouldn't. She has a great personality and all but she has flaws that get in the way of liking her, I mean, come on. Why does everyone love her at first glance?

You may not agree with his review which is perfectly fine. Ouran High School Host Club is great and one of my favorites.

A great shojo, a awesome English cast, good animation, and a catchy theme song.