Rumor has it that Momo Kawashima, former student council member at Ooarai Girls Academy, is bound to repeat a year. Having failed her university entry exams, she is far from spending another year at Ooarai, but her plight is unenviable nevertheless.
The only way for her to gain admission into a university is to be granted an athletic scholarship. With the Winter Continuous Track Cup rapidly approaching, Momo becomes the commander of Ooarai's tankery team, so as to demonstrate her sport skills and wipe away the stain on her honor.
Their first opponent—French-themed BC Freedom High School—is split into two factions that are constantly at odds with each other. Despite this seemingly fortuitous match against a disorganized rival, Ooarai might soon find itself taking one step too far.
Synopsis
As the curtain rises on Girls & Panzer: Saishuushou Part 1, we are immediately drawn into the bright and bustling world of Oarai Girls High School, a unique institution where traditional education is blended seamlessly with the art and science of tank warfare. Our energetic protagonist, Miho Nishizumi, comes from a renowned tank-operating family and arrives at school prepared to leave her tank-crawling past behind her, only to reluctantly end up as the captain of the school tankery team.
The main plot of this anime centers around Miho’s journey, her team of cheerful and eccentric friends, and their struggle to save their beloved school from shutting down. This unusual turn of events has forced the management to transform the student body into a competitive tank team aiming for the championship at the National Tankery Tournament. Despite initial hardships and limitations, our plucky heroines gradually grow into their roles, forming a bond that allows them to take on even the most formidable rivals with boundless charm and unyielding spirit.
Review
Girls & Panzer: Saishuushou Part 1 is a one-of-a-kind experience that effortlessly combines the thrills of classic war films with the light-hearted whimsy of typical slice-of-life school dramas. For the uninitiated, the idea of tank warfare in an all-girls high school might sound outrageous – I thought the same myself, but this anime immediately proves us wrong!
From the first scene, the freshness of the premise and the vibrant personality of our heroines take the center stage, drawing you in. You find yourself cheering with bated breath for Miho and her team, their journey punctuated with stunningly rendered tank battles, heartfelt moments of friendship, and an undying team spirit that lingers with you long after the final credits roll.
The production values of this show are quite commendable, the animation is fluid and detailed, particularly during the high-octane tank battles. The battle sequences are choreographed and animated in a way that they feel real and tense. The colors are vivid and truly add to the cheerful atmosphere of the show.
The character development is just as excellent. The girls grow tremendously throughout the series as they get to know each other, overcome obstacles, and improve their tank operating skills. Miho’s growth from a girl wishing to escape her past to a bold and empathetic leader ready to face the obstacles for her friends is particularly well-handled.
If I have one minor critique, it’s that the pacing can feel a little off at times. There are moments when the story almost has a bit too much going on. However, this doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the series.
In summary, Girls & Panzer: Saishuushou Part 1 is definitely an anime worth your time. It’s an uncommon blending of genres that delivers an uproariously fun viewing experience. Whether you rent, buy, or stream, this is an anime you won’t want to miss! Roll out and join Miho and her friends on a joy-filled journey that warms the heart and thrills the senses.
Be the first to leave a review.
