Nobuko: I… can I become a bigger tree? One that no one can pull out? Can I?
Shuji: You have to become one.
The first episode of Nobuta wo Produce was very entertaining. The story is actually not so original, but the acting and premise seem different.
Shuji is a popular high-school student that everyone likes and listens to, even the spoilt brats. But for him, high school is a game – something that he must do in order to not feel bored or fall in a downward spiral. His internal clock is like a critic, judging others’ action, while he himself will plays the part of an interested host.
However, he feels threatened by Akira, his classmate, who acts goofier than him and always says the wrong or most embarrassing things.
One day a new student, Nobuko, is transferred in their class and immediately becomes the object of ridicule. A group of girls tease her because of her “attitude” and her downy unkempt appearance, even going as far as keeping a dying plant on her desk as a reminder of herself (I gather).
With hair like that, who needs enemies?
Shuji and Akira decide that Shuji will produce a top-ranking Nobuko who will be popular in school, and thus, will end up silencing her critics and bullies. Shuji, however, points out that socially-awkward Akira himself needs to be produced properly.
Nobuko is approached by Shuji and Akira, who tell her to adapt/change herself. Shuji even goes as far as to tell her that if she doesn’t change, she’ll be pulled out like the willow tree, which both of them associated with and was torn down in the first few minutes of the show.
While reluctant at first to change herself for others, Nobuko soon realizes that she can’t go wishing people dead or asking her world to change, if she herself is static. She says yes to change, of being a stronger tree. Shuji and Akira decide that they are going to produce a Nobuko, who is nicknamed as Nobuta (or a pig from what the subtitles said.) But for Shuji, this is just a game – another challenge to avoid a dull life.
The christening of Nobuta
First Impressions: Of all the three, Akira is the most difficult to read. His manner and behaviour are surely signs that he hides a heavy past or secrets. But I am sure that all will be revealed soon.
Premature rating: 3.5/5
Strengths: Internal dialogue of Shuji was wonderful, acting is mostly good, music score (especially the end) was decent, most other characters seem fleshed out
Weakness: Some loose overacting by Shuji and his family, Some forced situations (well, all of it actually), that duo called Destiny, which is like a two-cell gossip club!
Could haves: More background score, more to come.
