Anime Review: Ao-chan Can't Study! (2019)

This series is a fantastic hidden gem that far too many people overlook. I was laughing through the whole thing because of how crazy and funny it is.

The story follows Ao Horie, a high schooler whose world perspective has been hilariously messed up by her upbringing. Her father is a famous erotic novelist, and growing up in that environment has left deep scars on her psyche. Because of him, Ao is convinced that all men are "sexual beasts" who think about nothing but perversity 24/7.

Honestly, can you blame her? When your dad spends his day eating desserts shaped like women's chests and talking about erotic book plots all day, your worldview is bound to get a little skewed.

The Conflict: Pure Intentions vs. Dirty Imaginations

The heart of the comedy lies in her interaction with her classmate, Takumi Kijima.

• Takumi’s Reality: He is genuinely, purely in love with Ao. He’s a kind, straightforward guy who just wants to spend time with her.

• Ao’s Perception: Every time Takumi breathes or reaches for a pencil, Ao’s brain goes into overdrive, imagining the filthy ulterior motives she’s sure he has.

It takes the entire series for Ao to finally realize that Takumi isn't a beast. Watching him slowly dismantle her false beliefs about men, unintentionally, just by being a decent human being, is both heartwarming and hysterical.

In conclusion

The show offers a surprisingly interesting commentary on how our upbringing shapes our reality. It’s a fascinating (and funny) look at how a person’s internal ideas of the world can differ so drastically from actual reality that it makes their behavior completely irrational.