Jun 7, 2025
Kunigei - Okuni University Art Department Film Program is a story that I wasn't expecting. I read it on a whim. It was available on MangaPlus and I wanted to read something new. I'm glad I did, because the Kunigei surprised me in the best of ways.
The plot in itself is fairly simplistic. Kagami Daisuke is a first year film university student. After winning an award in high school for his film, Daisuke feels like this is just the beginning of his story. And while he right, he'll soon learn that his story will involve bumps on the road, heartaches and a determination that only
...
a rival bring out in you.
The set up is something we've seen in many Shonen stories, but what Kunigei does differently is that it feels rooted in reality. The rivalry here is a one sided one that awakens Daisuke's feelings of insecurity and uselessness. That feeling of thinking you're good at something, only to come across someone gifted is heavy. That tension fully saturates the story and instantly connects you with Daisuke's journey.
It's one that does feel immature and the story does say that. It doesn't shy away from showing this. As I said before, it's a one sided rivalry with Osawa Kado who doesn't, or refuses for his own reasons, acknowledge Daisuke.
It's an interesting dynamic, because you'd expect the rival of this rivalry to be more in the story and he's not. Sure he plays a heavy in what Daisuke does, but most of it comes of Daisuke and his own feelings of wanting to beat Kado. That obsession is rooted in Daisuke's own feelings of worthlessness and it just resonated with me. While I've never felt this, I couldn't help but understand and pity Daisuke in making Kado his world.
The story in itself is very simple. It's a short simple story about an ordinary man trying to accomplish his goals, only to come across someone gifted and talented that shakes him to his core. Being simple isn't a criticism here though. It's simplicity allows it to become something beautiful.
It's a short story. Only 28 chapters, but it feels full. Do yourself a favour and check this one out. I know I'm glad I did.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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