Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian

Another interesting series from the summer of 2024.

A promising first episode with all the ingredients for success, a hilarious second episode and then the cold shower !

Episode 5 starts to show signs of running out of breath, already visible in episode 4.

The characters' development starts to slow down, and the personalities and feelings of the protagonists lack exploration.

The synopsis suggests something different : People expect more rejection from people perceived as superior. We need to go deeper instead of just scratching the surface.

The initial idea of a misunderstanding with language goes nowhere.

The ''twists and turns'' are abysmally flat.

There's potential in the male character, particularly with his memories... However, there are a few banalities and stereotypes: The guy is a larva, as is often the case. The girl is a potential tsundere... I hope this will change.

The animation is fluid and some of the shots are pleasing.

The second part will tip the series over to the right or wrong side of the road.

Watched on: 15-17 May 2025

Having been released the preceding year, this anime gleams like a rare crystal amidst languishing railroad tracks: a superb amalgamation of romantic comedy and high school drama. With all honesty, it is a delightful mix of humor and sincere moments that took me by surprise with its charm.

Let me try to break it down - from the very first scene, we can see that the heroine Alya often flirts with the hero Masachika in Russian but that she is unaware of the fact that Masachika understands the Russian language perfectly well. The whole fun begins with Alya dropping casual romantic or emotional lines in Russian, and while she thinks that Masachika is unaware, he actually understands every single word.

Many times we viewers can pretty much guess what Alya is saying from her expressions. And yes - I, myself, would pause the episode and Google for the translations for words such as:

"Milashka," "Ya tee-BYA lyu-BLYU," "ty ta-kóy mí-lyy, glúpiy, moy mál-chik, slát-kiy" - and many more. Honestly, I feel so Milashka (cute) hearing these lines that I can't even describe it with words.

Masachika understood every one of those but never let Alya know that he did. That sort of secret romance and unspoken tension made this show downright enjoyable for me.

Besides their romance, the anime also covers various school activities and gently touches upon the intrigues of student politics, so not to say that Alya and Masachika are the only things going on.

In short - if you're into rom-coms, school dramas, or slice-of-life anime, then this is the one to give a try. No anime is perfect;

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings exceeded expectations! Well-developed characters, balanced humor and heartache, and stunning animation.

Alya shines as the quirky, vulnerable princess. Masachika's complex past ripped my heart apart. Yuki's brother complex adds humor, while Maria's kindness makes her a favorite.

Character development is evenly paced; no one feels like a side character. Writing superbly balances humor and emotional depth.

Masachika's childhood history is tough to swallow, connected to a major plot point. Cliffhanger ending left me eager for Season 2!

Highlights: lovable characters, witty dialogue, poignant storytelling. Lowlights: some plot points feel rushed.

A must-watch for school rom-com fans! Comparable to "Toradora!" and "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU."

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.

(16+) A very funny series with a cast of likeable characters, some of them quite quirky. The animation is gorgeous, and the story is fast paced with a few little surprises thrown in for spice. One of the supporting characters is actually my favorite (Yuki) because some of her actions are quite unexpected. Some of her actions are a little risqué, but it's her overall quirkiness that is really endearing. This series pokes fun at itself and anime/manga in general, and it really works!

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