Plot: What’s it about?
A debt to the yakuza is usually one of the worst positions to be in, but for young Kusanagi, it could work out better than he ever expected. After he has had some problems in getting his payments turned over in time, he is taken in by a yakuza member named Takamori, who has an alternate plan for the owed funds. Instead of beating or outright killing Kusanagi, Takamori conjures up a way for the young man to earn the funds sooner and by turn, the yakuza will get back the cash sooner. As he explains to Kusanagi, the yakuza might be a criminal organization, but it runs like any other business and that means it has stakes in several fields, including one that might benefit from Kusanagi’s assistance. Soon he is introduced to Sakura, a woman who runs a business in which the peculiar desires of wealthy clients are secured, via a training process that ensures the assigned woman will fulfill all of those needs. But will this work out for Kasunagi and even if so, will it perhaps work out too well…?
As Love Lessons is in the hentai realm of anime, it contains sexual images and graphic sexual content, so be warned if these elements offend you. When most people think of hentai, they think of strange machines pumping young girls, or aliens with massive tentacles probing the ladies, or even simple non-consentual intercourse, but with Love Lessons, you won’t find any of the first two and very little of the final element. This also proves to be a more refined, mainstream kind of erotica, with more focus on the romance side, instead of unusual fetishes or offbeat images mixed with the sexual content. I was pleased to find that to be true and as the plot unfolded, I was even more pleased, as Love Lessons has a solid premise and then fulfills its potential, though it remains open and draws minimal closure. All in all, this is an above average adult aimed anime release, one which might work well for couples or those interested in erotic, but extreme hentai material. As per this, I am giving Love Lessons a more than solid recommendation.
Video: How does it look?
Love Lessons is presented in a full frame transfer, as intended. I had no problems with the visual effort here, as we’ve been given a sharp and very clean presentation, with no issues to discuss in the least. I saw no dirt or debris on the print, while softness was never a factor and the image remains crystal clear throughout. The bold colors shine here, with vivid hues and remarkable black levels, simply an excellent treatment. A few minor errors keep the score down a shade, but rest assured, Love Lessons looks terrific here.
Audio: How does it sound?
Anime 18 has included both Japanese and English language options here, both presented in solid Dolby Digital stereo soundtracks. The dialogue is clean and remains crisp throughout, with no inconsistencies to note. As this material isn’t designed for dynamic sound, you won’t be blown away, but this treatment is as good as we could expect. The sound effects are solid here, with some nice right & left directional use, but again, don’t put your expectations too high. This disc also includes optional English subtitles, in case you’ll need those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes an animated artwork montage, as well as a textless version of the show’s closing sequence.
