Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 4 review: Doga Kobo’s clinical production nails Alya’s confession scene

Produced by Doga Kobo, episode 4 of “Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian” aired on July 24, 2024. The episode titled “An Outpouring of Emotion”featured Alisa Mikhailovna Kujo, also known as Alya, finally confessing her feelings to Masachika Kuze. This came after Masachika promised to support her and help her win the student council’s presidential election.

Although Alya’s emotions were often concealed, episode 4 of the Russian series showcased the notable scenes from SunSunSun’s light novel, including Alya’s declaration of love and Masachika Kuze’s brave actions. Nevertheless, the success of the anime can be attributed to Doga Kobo’s production, as they elevated it beyond its original source material.

The central focus of the episode was the relationship between Alya and Masachika. Every aspect, from the carefully chosen OST to the detailed storyboarding, served to enhance the important moments and create a truly remarkable viewing experience for the audience.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings: Russian Episode 4 Review

The confession scene was not the only factor that made Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings stand out in Russian episode 4; the way the story built up to that pivotal moment also played a significant role.

Kenzaki, the president of the student council, tasked Alya with resolving a conflict between the baseball club and the football club. Kenzaki believed that Kujo, a crucial member of the student council, would benefit from the experience.

Despite her constant self-doubt, Alya’s lack of confidence was a result of her own abilities. She remembered how she had distanced herself from others in the past, feeling unworthy of influencing them. Overwhelmed by the situation, she cried out for help in Russian, her voice weak and faint.

Masachika Kuze in Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 4 (Image via Doga Kobo)

Alya, in episode 4 of Russian, witnessed the moment when Masachika Kuze made a heroic entrance. With confidence radiating from him, he skillfully handled the situation and cleverly resolved the dispute. Doga Kobo certainly did justice to portraying Masachika as the hero he truly is.

Doga Kobo masterfully portrayed Masachika as the “Knight”for Alya, leaving her in awe of his dedication. From a production standpoint, they expertly crafted the scene between Masachika and Alya. The boy’s arrival came just in time to save Alya from danger.

Despite his initial intention of allowing Alya to go through the situation herself, the sound of the girl’s faint cry tugged at his heartstrings. He was well aware of how vulnerable Alya felt when she expressed her emotions in Russian. Ironically, this was also the very reason why she struggled to connect with others in general.

Alya and Masachika, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

The storyboard created by the renowned studio for the episode was of exceptional quality, as each scene played a vital role in the overall narrative. Viewers were introduced to Kenzaki, the student council president, who underwent a transformation in order to win the heart of the girl he loves. He reassured Masachika that having grand ambitions was not necessary to join the student council.

In episode 4 of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, there was a brief flashback that offered viewers a glimpse into Masachika’s past as the vice president of the student council during his middle school years. Despite his calm demeanor, Masachika is aware of his own strengths, something that Alya may not fully recognize.

In Russian episode 4, Alya’s tendency to conceal her emotions was skillfully explored. The episode also delved deeper into the personalities of Masachika and Alya, revealing how people can often hide their true selves behind a facade.

Masachika helps Alya (Image via Doga Kobo)

Later, we witnessed the addition of Masachika Kuze to the student council. Alya inquired if he had agreed to run for student council president alongside Suou Yuki. Masachika responded by asking what his role would be if he did decide to join the election.

During the fourth episode of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, the narrative truly highlighted the character of Alisa Mikhailovna Kujo. Despite being portrayed as a damsel in distress at times, Alya proved to be anything but.

Despite potential challenges, the girl remained determined to confront Masachika and run against him in the election. Her unwavering resolve and passion may have even resonated with Masachika, as he promised to assist her in winning the election.

Kuze offers his hand to Alya (Image vai Doga Kobo)

During that moment, Doga Kobo’s talent as a production studio shone brightly. As an enchanting OST filled the air, Masachika Kuze reached out his hands to Alya and professed that he would always be there for her.

Alya was deeply moved by Masachika’s words, causing her to express her raw and unfiltered emotions of love in Russian. She was unaware that the boy actually understood the language. The way the scene was directed, with camera movements and exposition, only added to its significance.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Episode 4: Evaluating Animation, Voice Acting, and Adaptation

In Russian episode 4, Alya’s tendency to conceal her emotions was faithfully portrayed, following the events of SunSunSun’s original light novel series. The episode director, Hiroshi Haraguchi, skillfully orchestrated the events to lead up to the pivotal moment of Alya’s confession.

Additionally, it is important to acknowledge the studio’s approach in storyboarding the concluding moments of the episode, which followed the confession scene. Following the end credits, viewers witnessed Alya returning home and feeling embarrassed about the entire situation.

Despite potential arguments, the studio’s decision to include the scene in the current episode was necessary as it allowed fans to witness the girl’s reaction. Furthermore, the appearance of Maria in the final moments, warning Alya about the potential loss of Masachika if she doesn’t confront him directly, adds significant depth to the storyline.

Maria, as seen in Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 4 (Image via Doga Kobo)

Ryota Itoh should also be credited for their scripts in episode 4 of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian. As for the animation, Doga Kobo once again excelled in every aspect. The art quality and fluidity in animation added a special touch to the episode.

The voice actors have all done a commendable job, with special mention to Kohei Amasaki as Masachika Kuze. This was the first time that Sumire Uesaka’s performance was overshadowed in the series. However, Alya’s voice actor did an excellent job portraying the character, particularly in the scene where the Russian-Japanese girl softly pleads for help in Russian.

Conclusion

Alya, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

Doga Kobo’s exceptional production in Russian episode 4 of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings perfectly captured the essence of SunSunSun’s light novel in animated form. The renowned studio did justice to Alya and Masachika’s iconic moment.

The episode not only excelled in animation, but also elevated the source material in a spectacular manner. By delving deeper into Alya and Masachika’s relationship, the production added a new level of intricacy that resonated with the audience.