I’ve been looking forward to sharing my thoughts on Spicy Girl, a delightful anime I watched back in June 2024. After diving into my notes from that time, I’m excited to finally bring you this review. If you’re curious about whether this series is worth your time, read on to find out my impressions and thoughts.

What is Spicy Girl about?

• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
• Type: ONA (Original Net Animation)
• Episodes: 32
• Episode Length: Approximately 8 minutes each
• Total Watch Time: +/- 4 hours
• Age Restriction: PG-13
• Trigger Warnings: Situations of manipulation, suggestive themes
• Release Date: 2020
• Animation Studio: Tencent Penguin Pictures
• English Dub: No
• Source Material: Manhua
• Kanji: 麻辣女配
• Alternative Title: Ma La Nu Pei
• Average Rating: 7.5/10 
• Streaming Platform: Tencent Video and WeTV
• Story Continuation in Source Material: Yes

Spicy Girl follows Su Xiao, a tough, dedicated actress known for her sharp features and her “evil antagonist” roles. Determined to break free from this typecast, Su Xiao faces multiple industry challenges. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Xiao Jian, a famous actor with a hidden playful and somewhat perverse side. He quickly becomes her mentor—and later, her romantic interest. Their relationship brings both friction and growth as they work together, tackle the entertainment industry’s demands, and eventually realise their feelings for each other.

My Thoughts on Spicy Girl:

This anime is a light-hearted, enjoyable watch, ideal if you love shows like Skip Beat! or Psychic Princess. Su Xiao’s strong personality and Xiao Jian’s teasing mentorship create a dynamic full of tension, comedy, and romance. Despite the short runtime of each episode, the series manages to flesh out their relationship and gives us moments of genuine connection that keep you invested.

The series shines with its captivating characters. Su Xiao is a relatable and inspiring protagonist, while Xiao Jian’s complex personality adds depth to the dynamic. Their chemistry is undeniable, filled with witty banter and genuine affection. The supporting cast, including Su Xiao’s loyal best friend Sandy Jie and her overprotective brother Da Su, further enrich the narrative with humour and heartwarming moments.

While the plot is predictable at times, it’s the execution that truly captivates. The pacing is alright and thanks to the short episode format, it makes a perfect quick watch. The animation is decent, and the soundtrack is a standout, with catchy opening and ending themes and well-suited voice acting.

Although the anime touches upon the challenges of the entertainment world, its primary focus remains on the central romance. The series excels at showcasing Su Xiao’s growth as an actress and her evolving relationship with Xiao Jian. 

The banter and chemistry between Su Xiao and Xiao Jian are engaging. It’s refreshing to see her determination to shed her stereotypical “villain” image, while Xiao Jian’s duality—a mix of teasing yet supportive—adds depth to their romance. The side characters, especially Su Xiao’s quirky best friend and manager Sandy Jie, bring additional humour and charm.

While Spicy Girl offers a charming and lighthearted romantic comedy, it does stumble in a few areas. The fast pacing, due to its short episode format, can feel rushed, leaving little room for in-depth character development and emotional resonance. While the main characters are engaging, some secondary characters fall into stereotypical roles and lack complexity. Additionally, the anime relies heavily on familiar rom-com tropes, making the plot and relationships somewhat predictable.

Furthermore, the animation quality, while consistent, isn’t exceptional, and the simplistic plot might not satisfy viewers seeking a more intricate narrative. The series also ends on an open note, leaving several plot threads unresolved, which could be frustrating for those unfamiliar with the source material. Despite these shortcomings, Spicy Girl remains an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre seeking a lighthearted and quick dose of romantic comedy.

Final thoughts on the series:

Spicy Girl is a simple but satisfying watch. It doesn’t venture too deep into the showbiz side but keeps the spotlight on Su Xiao’s growth and her evolving relationship with Xiao Jian. It offers a delightful blend of humour, romance, and character growth, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of lighthearted romantic comedies. The undeniable chemistry between Su Xiao and Xiao Jian, fueled by their witty banter and genuine affection, is a highlight of the series. While the plot may tread familiar territory with some rom-com tropes and the animation isn’t groundbreaking, the show’s strengths lie in its charming characters, heartwarming moments, and brisk pacing that makes it a perfect quick watch. Though some may find the short episodes and unresolved plot threads a drawback, Spicy Girl ultimately delivers an enjoyable and refreshing viewing experience.

My Favourite Character: Su Xiao

I find Su Xiao’s journey as an actress inspiring, especially in her determination to overcome the “villain” stereotype. Her strong-willed nature and resilience are qualities that resonate with me and make her a character that I root for. I also appreciate how her character develops throughout the series, highlighting her growth. I enjoy watching her navigate her career challenges and her evolving relationship, finding her portrayal relatable and fun.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you’re a fan of lighthearted romance, Spicy Girl will provide an entertaining escape. The short episode length makes it easy to binge, and Su Xiao’s journey as a misunderstood actress is both relatable and fun to watch. This anime is best suited for fans who enjoy a bickering couple dynamic and a male lead who can’t resist teasing the strong-willed heroine.

What do you think about the anime Spicy Girl?

If a second season is released, I’d happily watch it, but even without one, the story stands well on its own, especially since the manhua offers more for those who want to delve deeper.

My rating: 7/10