Iori Kitahara moves to the coastal town of Izu for his freshman year at its university, taking residence above Grand Blue, his uncle's scuba diving shop. Iori has high hopes and dreams about having the ideal college experience, but when he enters the shop he is sucked into the alcoholic activities of the carefree members of the Diving Club who frequent the place. Persuaded by upperclassmen Shinji Tokita and Ryuujirou Kotobuki, Iori reluctantly joins their bizarre party. His cousin Chisa Kotegawa later walks in and catches him in the act, earning Iori her utter disdain.
Based on Kenji Inoue and Kimitake Yoshioka's popular comedy manga, Grand Blue follows Iori's misadventures with his eccentric new friends as he strives to realize his ideal college dream, while also learning how to scuba dive.
Introduction & Story Synopsis
Grand Blue is an exquisite anime that brims with a thousand hues of joys, laughter, and youthful vibrancy. It is an anime that serenades its audience with a melody that echoes through the hallowed halls of our hearts and makes us recall the fascinating days of our carefree youth. This fantastic romantic comedy, which takes place around the mesmerizing allure of the ocean, brings the heat of summer to the screen and wraps it in a ribbon of evocative emotions and exhilarating humor.
Our protagonist, Iori Kitahara, is an ordinary college freshman who has moved to the coastal city of Izu for his studies. Here, he begins to work at his Uncle’s diving store, ‘Grand Blue’. As he embarks on his university life, he dreams of beautiful college girls and serene days. However, the reality that awaits him is the stark opposite. Instead of melodious days and angelic girls, he is drawn into a whirlwind of invasion of privacy, crazy parties, and all-night drinking sessions by the members of the diving club. What awaits him is a journey filled with running gags, infectious laughter, extreme nudity, and a club that can’t seem to have enough of alcohol!
The Anime Critic’s Review
As The Anime Critic, I find the juxtaposition of university life alongside the panoramic view of a coastal city that Grand Blue brings to be absolutely brilliant. The mighty ocean plays its role throughout the series, reflecting the emotions, dreams, and desires of the characters—and it does it incredibly well!
The characters in Grand Blue are astonishingly well-fleshed out. Each character has a unique personality, contributing to the show’s immersive narrative. The absurd humor in the series plays out perfectly through these characters as they showcase a spectrum of emotions- tears of sadness, the joy of friendship, the hilarity of unexpected situations, and the ecstasy of youthful exuberance.
From humor to romance to drama, Grand Blue skillfully switches between these genres without a hitch. This seamless transition keeps the series refreshing and prevents it from falling into the monotony that plagues many animes of a similar genre. The series certainly shows its hilarity but also delves into the deep poignancy of youth, encapsulating the spectrum of bittersweet experiences that come with growing up.
The animation is stunning and really brings out the beauty of the blue seas at the coast of Izu. The serene azure of the ocean creates a breathtaking backdrop against the comedy-drama, adding a layer of beauty to the scenes. Along with the animation, the music enhances the charm and effectively carries the emotional depth of the series, making it a great viewing experience.
On the matter of whether to rent, buy, or stream this masterpiece, Grand Blue certainly earns a big thumbs up for a buy! The rewatch value is incredible, thanks to its distinctive storytelling approach, characters, and captivating artwork.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Grand Blue is a vibrant painting of youthful candor and absurd humor draped over the alluring beauty of the ocean. With its eclectic blend of comedy, drama, and superb characterizations, this anime undoubtedly provides an immersive experience that will captivate your heart. Its universality greets a wide range of audiences – from college students to working adults, evoking a sense of nostalgia about their own adventurous youth. So, grab your diving gear, crank up your speakers for the terrific soundtrack, and plunge into the azure beauty of Grand Blue!
Be the first to leave a review.
