Taking place between the events of Free!: Eternal Summer and Free!: Dive to the Future, Free!: Take Your Marks plays out the graduated seniors' last summer through four different stories before they set sail for the future.
Unmei no Choice! (Destined Choice!) follows Haruka Nanase and Makoto Tachibana searching for a new apartment for Haruka as he settles into Tokyo.
Hitou no Cooling Down! (Cooling Down at the Secret Hot Spring!) sees Aiichiro Nitori choose a graduation gift for Rin Matsuoka and Sousuke Yamazaki, while Momotaro Mikoshiba wins tickets to the Anago Hot Springs. Hoping for a trip together, Aiichiro and Momotaro invite Rin and Sousuke.
Kessoku no Batafurai! (United Butterfly!) shows Rei Ryugazaki, Nagisa Hazuki, and Gou Matsuoka creating a recruitment video to attract new club members for the next school year.
Tabidachi no Etanaru Buru! (Departing Eternal Blue!) looks into the Iwatobi and Samezuka swim teams' plans for Rin's surprise going-away party, as he will be departing for Australia soon.
FREE! Take Your Marks: In-depth Anime Review
Welcome anime lovers! In the world of high school swimming and heart-touching coming of age stories, comes the exciting sequel from Kyoto Animation, “Free! Take Your Marks”. Hereby, our favorite swimming club enters into an exciting new chapter, giving us a deeper glance into their amazing journey. Pack your goggles, because we are diving into the animated world, where camaraderie, competitiveness, and passion run as deep as the blue sea.
“Free! Take Your Marks” follows the journey of Haruka Nanase and his fellow swimmers as they stride forward towards the future. No longer are they bound by their high school swimming activities, they’ve graduated from high school, after all! New implications and decisions await these young men as they plunge into adulthood and the intricacies it brings along. Do they stick to their shared passion? How do the diverging paths impact their friendships? This sequel answers it all!
The Review
Have you been an ardent follower of the “Free!” series? Then, “Take Your Marks” is a delightful cherry on top of your anime cake! The storyline is fluid like the pool water itself, with each drop revealing hidden depths about each character. This movie comprehensively explores their formative years.
Animating the swimming sequences to perfection, Kyoto Animation deserves praise. Each stroke is captured artistically, emphasizing the agility of the characters and creating an immersive experience for the audience. The pacing is commendable, keeping viewers riveted until the end credits roll on.
The character development deserves special mention. “Free! Take Your Marks” successfully expands the story beyond the pool. They delve into each character’s aspirations and conflicts, deepening the audience’s connection with them. Coupled with skilled voice-overs, the characters spring to life, making your cheering and heartache legitimate reactions, not just empathetic sentiments.
The soundtrack is a standout. It weaves magic into every scene, enhancing the emotions portrayed. Whether it’s the tension of the race or the sweet silence of introspection, the soundtrack sings along in perfect harmony.
In conclusion, “Free! Take Your Marks” is a captivating sequel worth a watch, whether you’re a competitive swimmer, a casual anime viewer, or a dedicated fan of the series. It offers an unforgettable ride full of challenges, dreams, goals, friendships, and, of course, swimming!
Should You Rent, Buy, or Stream?
Here’s the million-dollar question. Should you rent, buy or stream? Given the quality and depth of the storyline, along with stunning visuals, I’d incline towards owning a Blu-ray/DVD. This anime deserves a permanent spot in your collection. Want a quick watch or testing the water before a swim? Streaming or rent is your answer!
So, fasten your goggles and not your seatbelts! Dive headfirst into the enthralling world of “Free! Take Your Marks”. Happy watching!
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