Ouran

This show is a culture shock, especially for countries that are unfamiliar with host clubs. The overall plot is about Haru attending school, where only the rich and powerful attend. However, an accident occurs and now Haru is force to be part of the host club. The show revolves around the host club adventures showing us the life of rich people.

Haruhi Fujioka
The smart high school student that tries to be calm and logical in everything that she does. She is identified as the natural of the host club. However, Haru can be kinda dense, not realizing other's love interest in her. Even though she is unlike the other students (rich), she is not bothered or prideful. If you haven't guessed, Haru is a girl...SPOILER.

Tamaki Suou
The flamboyant boy who does everything in a grand style, EVERYTHING. The prince or king of the host club, due to his looks and "host" talking skills. But he has little respect from the members, whether because of his obnoxious behavior or outrageous personality. However, he is kind and respects everyone, hardly ever getting mad.

Kyouya Ootori
The glasses character, who is more cunning and calculating compare to all the other members. Known as the cool type, but in reality he is the the shadow king, managing and maintaining the host club. Serious but he always get swept into Tamaki's insane plans. However, through that tough facade, he does care about the other members.

Hikaru Hitachiin
The older twin brother of Karou, even though they are pretty much identical, they are also different. Hikaru is a bit more stubborn and rude compare to his younger brother. The two are known as the mischievous type, always playing tricks on everyone. However, he deeply cares for his brother, but not in the gay way.

Kaoru Hitachiin
The young twin brother of Hikaru, almost no one can tell the twin brothers apart, except Haru. But Karou is a bit more fast when it comes to reading the situation. He is the mischievous type, along with his brother, being playful with everyone. He is shown to be giving, willing to sacrifice for the better, especially for his brother.

Mitsukuni Haninozuka "Honey"
The sweet boy of the group who looks like a elementary school student. But he is one of the oldest of the group. He is the lolita type, showing cute charms due to his looks and attitude. Even though he acts young, he is wise and mature. But don't mess with his sweets, especially his cakes. A mastery in karate, he is probably the strongest student in school.

Takashi Morinozuka "Mori"
The strong and silent man that pretty much never says any words. The tallest, he is the dark horse of the host club. The wild type, for the girls, but shows little emotions or drastic change compare to the other members. Part of the Karate club, he joined the host club because of Honey. He takes care of Honey like a little brother, making sure he is safe and sound.

Though these are the main members of the show, there are "guest" that appear in each of the episodes. They bring there problem before the host club, who tries to come up with a solution. However, SOME of the side characters are a bit annoying. So the main characters are probably the most interesting to watch.

Host club, seen in Japan, is where the males or females host engage with clients. SO, a real host club is where the clients drink and talk with the host (both genders) until they are ready to go home. Usually, people go to hosts because they want to be loved.

The plot of the show is overall different, containing mix of princess fairytale and school life. However, it is not cliche where the girl is sweet and the males are prince charming. The characters struggle because of past and current problems. SO this is a show that everyone can enjoy, if not, girls who love to watch pretty guys. Also the show tries to make things obvious to the audience. So if the show is going to fast, don't worry, there are text boxes to help you understand the show even better. Another thing, LOTS of cosplay/costumes...

The English and Japanese dub are overall a decent anime. The voices actors are both great, showing a range of emotion and matching well to the characters. Especially Haru, in the English dub, she is not so girly. SPOILERS. However, the English dub does seem a bit awkward with transitioning compare to the Japanese dub.

The songs are decent, the opening is far more superior than the ending. But when you hear the English dub of the songs, not the best thing. The voice is nice but for some reason the song is just not as good as the Japanese dub. For the music, it has a nice classical feel, gives that rich and up class vibe. Also it has that trademark Ouran music, where it has this one melody played into different tempo, instrument, arrangement, etc.

The animation is pretty well drawn. The character design is overall skinny with almost nothing that makes the character unique except for their hair. But the personality is what truly makes the characters. Also there is the awkward shoulder padding for this school uniform, looks more like spikes. Even though the character design is not that amazing, the background and scenery is fantastic. Having beautiful buildings and details that you expect from a rich school. And yet sometimes awkward, especially with the first episode. Why is there a fountain like that in a rich school? So character design is alright but the scenery is awesome.

This show not only does well with animation and music, it also does well with item placement or symbolism. So people may notice an item or two being place at some random times.

Manga and anime differences are quite numerous. Even though the anime does follow the manga, there are some differences. Either because the anime added some of their own style or left out some manga scenes. But the plot overall is the same. Also, if you want more of a conclusion, read the manga, where they have more adventures and love starts to show. Definitely a read for girls where more of the past and current problems show.

This show is a great watch, not overly too romantic so even males can watch it as well. Also, girls don't have to be frustrated with the heroine's stupid mistakes she makes. The show truly shows behind every character there is a difficult life. Even the rich have it tough. As a result, don't judge someone because of looks and status.

I have to say is this show shows the importance of club activities. Even though they may seem like a waste of time and effort, but they do help build connections. Clubs and activities is where most people make friends and enjoy life more. Haru would have been alone just studying if she had not join the Host Club. And the members would probably not have much fun without her. So clubs are good both ways, have fun or get new members that you can have fun with.

Verdict: Girls will definitely love to watch this anime, especially if you are sick of those shows where the girl act stupid. Might be weird with the whole Host business, but it is more of an element. The plot is more concentrated on bringing happiness to people.