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Intrigue, strategy, competition
CAPS TITLE
Crunchyroll
Classroom of the Elite
Intrigue, strategy, competition
2017
3 seasons / 38
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Image source: Crunchyroll / Classroom of the Elite © Crunchyroll
"I seek neither friendship nor enmity. I choose what benefits me most."
- Kiyotaka Ayanokoji
Contents summary:
Classroom of the Elite is set in an elite school that aims to provide its students with the best opportunities for a successful future. The story follows Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, a quiet and seemingly unassuming student who is placed in Class 1-D—a class considered the worst. The school follows a unique system in which students are evaluated not only on their academic performance, but also on their social interactions and behavior in competitions, which often result in a merciless hierarchy.
Ayanokoji, who deliberately keeps a low profile, reveals himself to be exceptionally intelligent and manipulative. He begins to clash with his classmates, particularly the ambitious Kikyou Kushida, who strives for recognition, and Ryuen Kakeru, a rebellious student who seeks success by any means necessary.
The series focuses on the psychological games and intrigues between the students, who are increasingly drawn into a maelstrom of power, deception, and moral conflicts. As Ayanokoji gradually reveals himself to be a brilliant strategist, the true nature of the school and what really happens behind the scenes becomes increasingly unclear.
Review:
8/10
Although this anime doesn't really fall into my preferred genre, I was pleasantly surprised. The secrets and intrigues that characterize the plot immediately captivated me. Despite expecting that the genre wouldn't focus on romance, I still began to hope that a love story could develop between the two main protagonists. Unfortunately, the story took a completely different turn. Now I'm curious to see if there will be another season and if the plot will develop in a direction more in line with my expectations.
1. Plot: The plot is captivating and exciting, as it focuses not only on the academic aspects, but also on the psychological intrigues and power games of the students. The competition and the class system create a complex and often unpredictable narrative that kept me captivated time and time again.
2. Character Development: The character development is interesting, especially that of Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, who initially keeps his true intelligence and intentions hidden. The other main characters, such as Suzune Horikita and Arisu Sakayanagi, also offer interesting development as they increasingly grapple with their own goals and moral conflicts.
3. Emotional Impact: The anime creates a subtle emotional impact, particularly through the constant psychological tension and pressure the students are exposed to. There are moments of surprise, confusion, and even anger, as the characters are caught in a game of power and manipulation. It's truly exciting how unexpectedly the plot unfolds.
4. Production and Cinematography: The animation is good, with clear and precise designs that underline the dark and strategic atmosphere of the anime. The character designs are striking and well-matched to the characters' personalities. The scenes and color scheme contribute to the intense atmosphere without being overly pretentious.
5. Social Critique: The anime offers a social critique of the systematic hierarchies and competitive pressures that prevail in a performance-oriented society. It shows how deeply people are entangled in a system of power, status, and manipulation, and addresses the dark side of educational institutions focused on success and winners.