Yuugo Hachiken is studious, hard-working, and tired of trying to live up to expectations he just cannot meet. With the ushering in of a brand new school year, he decides to enroll in Ooezo Agricultural High School, a boarding school located in the Hokkaido countryside, as a means to escape from the stress brought upon by his parents.
Initially convinced that he would do well at this institution, Hachiken is quickly proven wrong by his talented classmates, individuals who have been living on farms their entire lives and know just about everything when it comes to food, vegetables, and even the physiology of livestock! Whether it be waking up at five in the morning for strenuous labor or to take care of farm animals, Hachiken is a complete amateur when it comes to the harsh agricultural life.
Gin no Saji follows the comedic story of a young student as he tries to fit into a completely new environment, meeting many unique people along the way. As he struggles to appreciate his surroundings, Hachiken hopes to discover his dreams, so that he may lead a fulfilling life on his own terms.
Gin no Saji (Silver Spoon) Anime Review
What’s up fellow otakus! Welcome back into the world of anime with your reliable guide, The Anime Critic. For today, we delve into the rustic charm of the popular slice-of-life series, Gin no Saji – or as us overseas fans might know it, Silver Spoon.
The Story
Gin no Saji weaves the tale of city boy Yugo Hachiken, whom, laid down by the demanding expectation of academics in the city, moves to a rural agricultural school in the Hokkaido countryside as an escape. Bereft of a clear future vision, Hachiken joins Oezo Agricultural High School assuming rural life would be leisurely, only to encounter an entirely different set of struggles.
From waking at dawn, raising pigs, to understanding the philosophy of slaughtering animals for food, Hachiken’s urban notions are persistently challenged, debunked, and recreated. This beautiful rural tapestry is further entwined with romance, as our protagonist develops tender feelings for a fellow classmate – Mikage, a girl with a knack for horse riding. The anime, hence is more than just a high school drama, it pursues themes of self-discovery, rural ethos, and appreciation for the life cycle.
The Review
First off, let’s talk about the anime’s art and animation. A1-Pictures, haven taken the challenge, has amplified the basic yet beautiful rural ambience of Hokkaido. They did an excellent job of translating the original manga’s art style into the anime. Characters are designed distinctly and settings are detailed, adding to the anime’s high production values.
Now, when it comes to characters, boy oh boy, we have an array of them! Yugo is an awe-inspiring protagonist. His transformation – from an academic-obsessed teen to a someone growing affection for the earth and animals, vaults the anime to a much higher level. The supporting cast, each dealing with their problems, gel seamlessly into the narrative. You are bound to end up rooting for every character in the show.
Gin no Saji is particularly laudable for its thought-inducing theme – the stark contrast between urban and rural philosophies. The notorious struggle between the traditional and modern world, the ethical dilemmas of animal consumption all transcend the theme, making the series a definite masterpiece.
Verdict
Wrapped up in humour, pathos, love, self-discovery, and a ton of agricultural tidbits, Gin no Saji is an anime series who’s charm lies in it’s beautiful portrayal of rustic simplicity. Whether you are a hardcore anime lover or a casual viewer, Gin no Saji is a pleasant detour from the typical action-packed, dramatic anime genres. A soothing watch that you’ll not regret renting, streaming, or buying!
So all the rural wanderers and city escapers, saddle up, it’s time to ride with Hachiken into the fields of Hokkaido with Gin no Saji. Let’s farm!
For now, it’s The Anime Critic, signing off. Happy watching, folks!
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