AkAkaSenshi
September 13, 2018
Recommended
As you will have seen, yes, my score for this anime series is high; there is a reason for it. This anime has also compelled me to write my very first review, so please be forgiving! ~~ Story ~~ This story is full of optimism, every episode has left me wanting to watch the next and once you get into it, it is very easily binge watched; especially with some of the cliff-hangers they have later on. Obviously, as this is an anime, there are over exaggerations present, such as training times and rapid advancement in skill (this issue is present in every single sports anime you view,but for viewing purposes you can't complain.) I do however find that they actually take these advancements in skill very well explained, so I can't complain as they are potentially feasible, such as mastering a core gymnastics skill in one week (I say feasible as the characters in question dedicated enough time towards this goal.) Actual story wise, I do like the routes they took, the way the story progresses is sometimes unexpected, but it is welcome and still great and comical.
~~ Art ~~
The art style is certainly different from what you'd see today! At first I was taken back by this quite a lot as I had not watched anything with this art style before. The anime was produced in 1996, so the art style prevalent then was not as refined and perfectly animated as it is today (as of 2018 haha!) The anime does look old and you can certainly tell that it was before the boom of the technology era, from an age of dial up internet, computers the size of a bed-side table, and when telephones were attached to the wall. If you don't understand this and expect a CGI like anime with unbelievable graphics, you're going to be in for a shock. This anime's style I find is actually classical I feel; it has the feel that is homely and comforting. Think early Ghibli animation. This anime has made me appreciate this art style and I have to admit, I adore it and I couldn't ever imagine this anime in a more modern style. Oh, and I know in a lot of animes you tend to get same face syndrome, but this anime has seemed to always show different kinds of people, face shapes, colours, and so forth. The characters can easily be recognised from each other (even characters who aren't important to the story or who are only present for a single episode.)
~~ Sound ~~
Alright so the way I watched this anime had some issues, the host I watched it with sadly didn't have a great quality and the audio and visuals were delayed. That is to say, there are no issues with the sound itself, there isn't anything missing from the audio, all of the voice recordings are beautiful or hilarious, but the quality is high (for the era.) You don't hear anything that you shouldn't, such as things sometimes heard in other animes, such as voice echoing, or voices projecting in a recording studio or a grainy sound. Do the voices sound natural? Not all - but I feel those voices are meant to stand out and relate extremely well to their character's persona; without these unique character's voice's you wouldn't have some of the great comedy in this anime. Nonetheless, a problem I have found was an issue to properly replicate the sounds of gymnastics, don't get me wrong, it - does - sound very similar and correct, but, sometimes it feels a little synthetic (such as the swoosh noise.) I should commend them on actually also adding the creaking and noises of the equipment when used too; it added to the immersion and helped me immerse myself well (Nothing's worse when you get a sports anime that doesn't add this sorta thing... I wonder which anime I'm on about there...) A problem I did find however was translations were not always accurate (again this may be an issue with my host and not the anime.) I am sure that their terminology in Japanese is spot on, but the translation doesn't always come through properly - such as the apparatus names or skill names (such as a round off, flick, somersault, iron cross, etc etc etc) but these are again specialist terms that aren't going to be known to a common translator.
~~ Characters ~~
The main character is a great optimist and has an amazing work ethic. He just fills the anime with confidence and encouragement, it really does make you feel good. There are also other characters who balance this out with pessimism, or some deviant behaviour, but regardless, it is usually always leaving you feeling good; exactly what you want in a comedy anime. You want a good time, to laugh and feel good, this anime does just that. The interactions between characters have some great comedic consequences and it feels like natural behaviour for when those types of people get together. As mentioned above, there are characters who from the start seem hilarious simply due to how they sound and look, but actually get fleshed out and have character development in the series. Denji Higashi is the character that makes me laugh the most, from his skills, his dialogue, and how he interacts with people like Minoru Uchida. Even Denji has great character later on and becomes someone you can really rely on and be in awe of. The main character, Fujimaki Shun, also has a lot of character development and doesn't fail to keep you interested as his story goes. Even characters like Sanada Toshihiko are great too. This development can certainly be seen in around episode 20-30 for certainty and is really highlighted in 25-30. I can't fault them for their characters; the characters do exactly what they want us to do. Some twists involving characters can also make us begin to support and appreciate previous antagonists!
~~ Enjoyment ~~
This anime is clearly a comedy, it has great comedic devices, but can also get serious too at moments, which is a nice relief as constant comedy can be draining. I thoroughly enjoyed this anime and it kept me constantly wanting to watch the next episode after finishing the previous one. The enjoyment comes from a variety of places, such as the characters and how the plot unfolds, to their success; I found myself quite literally cheering and celebrating with them when things went well and gasped when it didn't. They really grasp you in well and it really makes you feel like you're watching actual competitions (providing you can immerse yourself in the first place, I was able to at around episode 10-12 and loved it since then.)
~~ Overall ~~
So my question to myself here was simple: did it beat my expectations? Did it make me feel happier than I did before I watched it? Did it make me love the characters and feel involved with it? The answer to all of those questions is simply yes! As a gymnast and coach myself I could relate well to some of the scenarios in training and competition, especially the nerves! I loved some of the arcs and how the incorporated humour into a traditionally serious sport where a single finger, toe, or hand out of place can land the gymnast a serious deduction. I really feel like they should have more animes about gymnastics, if there was a second season of this, I'd watch it in a heart beat (but it's been over 20 years now... I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon sadly!) I should also add that watching this anime really excites me for gymnastics and I have to simply pause the video or after the end of the episode to go and do some gymnastics!! Even in my bedroom haha! (thank god I am best at floor apparatus!) It really helps to ignite a passion and love for the sport. I can't recommend this anime enough, but I will be telling my friends in advance that you might have to get past the art style and sound a little, but once you get into the anime, you'll love these qualities you were unsure of at first. And yes, I will literally be recommending this anime to absolutely everyone I meet that have a vague interest in sports anime or gymnastics.... Maybe I should make it mandatory viewing for my University Gymnastics Club! Haha!
