REVIEW: ‘Cherry Magic!’ Episode 11

Things get heated in Cherry Magic! Episode 11 is yet another terrific installment of the series from Satellite. Based on the manga by Yuu Toyota and directed by Yoshiko Okuda, the series is at its very best in episodes like this, where the characters become emotionally open and vulnerable. While Adachi (Chiaki Kobayashi) and Kurosawa (Ryōta Suzuki) enter a new stage of the physical part of their relationship by episode end, it doesn’t even take the top spot of most intimate moments of the episode.

Picking up where we left off in Episode 10, Kurosawa is still beating himself up over how he last approached Adachi. His version of the events paints him in a much more negative light than Adachi does. He sees the interaction as proof of his jealousy and selfishness. It’s an impossibly human moment for a character who could easily be seen as perfect. It’s something even Adachi admits to having done, always seeing Kurosawa as impenetrable and flawless. These moments of self-doubt perfectly lay the path to the emotionally stirring ending.

But before that, the episode deals with the fallout of Minato (Gen Satō), who has debuted in an idol group, and what that means for him and Tsuge (Makoto Furukawa). Understandably, Tsuge is hurting but understanding of Minato’s silence. As he struggles to capitalize on his heartbreak for the sake of good storytelling, hoping his unrequited love story could inspire his latest novel, his thoughts continue to return to Minato. In the end, unable to thoroughly shake the effect Minato has on him, he delivers a gift, the pair of sneakers Minato had been eyeing up episodes ago. It’s a sweet gesture that speaks to his character and the thoughtfulness beneath his dry demeanor.

It also makes Minato’s pursuit of him that much more satisfying because of it. Tsuge has often been the one charging ahead in their relationship from strangers to friends. But now, flustered as he may be, Minato is allowed to confess. He needs to know if Tsuge meant it when he said he had ulterior motives for being nice to Minato. Tsuge confirms it, telling him that he loves him, and, in one of the best moments of the episode, says, “There’s no story that compares to the real you.”

Although initially seeming like a light, comedic support character, Tsuge has become immensely relatable. This makes Minato reciprocating his feelings all the more satisfying because we know he deserves a happy ending. Their sequences also have some of the nicest animations of the episode, from nighttime walks along the river to the sunset glow that touches Tsuge’s desk. It also helps that Gen Satō’s (Dr.STONE, Heavenly Delusion) performance as Minato is endlessly charming, enlivening an already spirited character.

That said, as much as their story captivates, Adachi and Kurosawa steal hearts. Cherry Magic! Episode 11 leans heavily into their mutual affection for one another. In a moment of bravery, Adachi writes Kurosawa a letter while away on his 10-day work trip. He wants his apology and confession to hold more weight than a simple text. In the message, he apologizes for their mix-up and over-reliance on his powers. He admits to his anxieties but punctuates them by saying his anxiety stems from how much he loves Kurosawa. It’s adult and communicative in a way that so many romantic comedies could do well to emulate. We don’t need forced conflict when the central relationship is so good.

The animation captures the character’s longing and sparks of electricity when the two regroup upon Adachi’s return home. It’s here where the true intimacy of the episode arrives. Yes, there’s the physical intimacy. From the sweet domesticity of Adachi drying Kurosawa’s hair to the activity that questions whether Adachi will still be a wizard in Episode 12. But it’s in Adachi’s speech to Kurosaw where the two’s love lays itself bare.

Adachi is an interesting character because of his insecurities and how we’ve watched him slowly overcome them throughout the season. It’s never overdone or too on the nose. He steps up at work more and takes the lead on problems. He still lacks confidence, but he’s much different than who we meet in Episode 1.

It makes narrative sense why he’d understand Kurosawa’s struggle and need for verbal affirmations and positive reinforcement, as well as expose his vulnerabilities to absolve his. Adachi shares all of his embarrassing thoughts. He does so to try and make up for all the ones he hears through his powers, from thinking Kurosawa is handsome and thoughtful to admitting he sees his jealous side but finds it cute. It’s a beautifully reflective moment of the series that speaks to the substantial character work.

And while they kiss and then move to something more, it’s the entangled hands on which the episode ends. And that shot of their fingers interwoven together drives home the triumph of the episode. There are no lingering doubts or worries about unresolved tensions. Instead, two adults worked things out and declared their mutual love for one another.

Cherry Magic! Episode 11 stuns with its relatability and well-earned character work. These four characters and their love stories are nestled in our hearts as we watch them develop and grow. With some strong moments of animation and even stronger writing, the episode proves why Cherry Magic! is one of the best anime of 2024 so far.

Cherry Magic! Episode 11 is out now on Crunchyroll.