Reeling from his crushing defeat at the Grand Prix Finale, Yuuri Katsuki, once Japan's most promising figure skater, returns to his family home to assess his options for the future. At age 23, Yuuri's window for success in skating is closing rapidly, and his love of pork cutlets and aptitude for gaining weight are not helping either.
However, Yuuri finds himself in the spotlight when a video of him performing a routine previously executed by five-time world champion, Victor Nikiforov, suddenly goes viral. In fact, Victor himself abruptly appears at Yuuri's house and offers to be his mentor. As one of his biggest fans, Yuuri eagerly accepts, kicking off his journey to make it back onto the world stage. But the competition is fierce, as the rising star from Russia, Yuri Plisetsky, is relentlessly determined to defeat Yuuri and win back Victor's tutelage.
Yuri on Ice – A Symphony on Blades
Even if you’re not an ice skating buff, “Yuri on Ice” will make you fall in love with the graceful and thrilling world of competitive ice skating. Animated by Studio Mappa, directed by Sayo Yamamoto and written by Mitsurō Kubo, this anime captures the essence of passion, rivalry, and self-discovery.
The “Yuri on Ice” storyline effectively revolves around two main characters. The first is a 23-year-old Japanese figure skater, Katsuki Yuri, who is crushed by a humiliating defeat in the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final and is contemplating retirement. The other protagonist is Victor Nikiforov, a Russian skating legend and Yuri’s idol, who surprisingly, after witnessing an internet video of Yuri replicating his routine, elects to put his own career on hold to coach him.
Review:
Simply put, “Yuri on Ice” is a refreshing gem in the anime world. It delivers a unique blend of sports action, romantic undertones, and a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together the personal growth of its characters. More than just a sports anime, it’s a character-driven treasure that empowers the viewers to root for these realistic and relatable characters.
The character designs and animation are stunning – each figure skater is different from the other, not only in their looks but also in their skating styles and routines. The detail to animation given to ice skating routines is remarkable, making every performance dynamic and breathtaking. You can feel their tension, the thrill, the exhilaration, and the passion. Comparatively, the soundtracks and OP/ED themes are up to par and remarkably becoming an additional character of the show.
While the stunning sport sequences are impressive, where “Yuri on Ice” shines the most is in its characters and their development. Even with a cast of international competitors, each one receives a depth of character that evokes an emotional attachment with the viewer. Yuri’s evolution from a self-doubting protagonist to a confident competitor under the guidance of Victor, who also learns a thing or two from his mentee, is heartwarming to witness.
Let’s not forget about the surprising yet gracefully handled romantic undercurrent between Yuri and Victor. The creators managed to weave this aspect into the story in a way that it deepened their bond and added another layer of depth to their characters, without it feeling forced or detracting from the primary focus of the narrative.
To wrap it up, whether you should rent, buy, or stream “Yuri on Ice” is a rhetorical question – It is a definite must-watch. This anime holds a universal appeal that transcends cultural barriers and speaks to the passion and determination that lives within us all. A sporting spectacle that will grip you until the very end – just the kind of anime that rekindles the love for the art. A vibrant tapestry of passion, love, friendship, failures, victories, and above all, the beautiful art of ice-skating – “Yuri on Ice’’ is a sheer delight, a symphony on blades.
In conclusion, “Yuri on Ice” deftly rules the ice, the screen, and our hearts!
Be the first to leave a review.
