Fall 2000
Hajime no Ippo
MadhouseIn his father's absence, teenager Ippo Makunouchi works hard to help his mother run her fishing boat rental business. Ippo's timid nature, his lack of sleep, and the sea smell make him an easy target for relentless bullies who leave him bruised and beaten on a daily basis. Mamoru Takamura, an up-and-coming boxer, rescues Ippo from a violent after-school incident and takes him back to the Kamogawa Boxing Gym for recovery. Takamura and his fellow boxers, Masaru Aoki and Tatsuya Kimura, are stunned by Ippo's powerful punches—a result of strong muscles developed through years serving his physically taxing family business.
Following brief training under Takamura, Ippo impresses the other boxers in a practice match against prodigy Ichirou Miyata. He gains a rival in Miyata and a coach in Genji Kamogawa, the gym owner and a former boxer himself. As Ippo takes the first steps in his official boxing career, he faces off against a series of challenging opponents, each more powerful than the last. Victory, loss, and a cycle of dedicated training await Ippo on his journey to achieve greatness. With his tough body and unstoppable fighting spirit, the kind young man seeks to take on the world.
Synopsis
In its essence, Hajime no Ippo or “The First Step” is an inspiring narrative about the transforming journey of a schoolboy, Makunouchi Ippo, who becomes a professional boxer. Often bullied by his peers, his life takes a turn when he is rescued by Takamura Mamoru, a professional boxer. Inspired by Mamoru’s talent and dedication to the brutal yet artful sport, Ippo embarks on an invigorating path which is filled with blood, sweat, tears, and, ultimately, self-discovery!
Hajime no Ippo is not just about the physical aspects of boxing; it is also about the psychological and emotional challenges that come with the sport. At the same time, it beautifully develops Ippo’s character as he meets fellow boxers, forges valuable friendships, and struggles through his rigorous training.
Review
As The Anime Critic, I can say that Hajime no Ippo was a delightful surprise! Without a doubt, the show’s strength lies in its vivid portrayal of the characters. Rather than presenting one-dimensional characters, the narrative delves deep into their backgrounds, aspirations, and fears. This lends an engaging depth that keeps you rooting for Ippo and his friends while sometimes empathizing with the adversarial opponents.
Hajime no Ippo marvellously keeps you at the edge of your seat during the matches. The boxing sequences are electrifying and in-sync with the story’s pace — each punch, dodge, and knock-out delivered carries an emotional weight that penetrates right into your heart. The palpable pain and towering resolve of the characters in each match reflect the show’s dedication to not just maintaining authenticity, but also advancing the narrative.
Another aspect that sets Hajime no Ippo apart is the impeccable attention to detail. The anime takes pains to explain the rigorous training, intricate boxing techniques, and even the smallest nuances of the sport. It does so without getting burdensome for the viewers. The viewers will inevitably appreciate how the anime beautifully utilizes this to underline the characters’ development arcs.
The voice acting is also commendable. From the dialogue delivery to the grunts and shouts during matches, each voice actor has breathed life into their characters — making every emotion tangible.
Now, let’s address the animation quality. It’s indeed older compared to more recent offerings, but don’t let that deter you from immersing into the world of Ippo. The animation style gives it an old-school charm where its simplicity adds to the raw emotions on display.
The soundtrack complements the anime perfectly, and the opening and ending themes are certainly catchy!
Should You Rent, Buy or Stream?
My recommendation: Stream it! It’s a stunning, emotion-packed series that you’ll most likely appreciate having available any time you want to indulge. Plus, with around 75 episodes in the first season alone and several more in subsequent seasons, it’s well worth the price of a streaming subscription.
In conclusion, Hajime no Ippo is a masterful blend of sports, drama, and incredible character development all executed with a healthy dose of humor. It will get your heart racing with the intense training montages and knock-out matches, while the well-rounded characters will make you come back for more.
As The Anime Critic, I wholeheartedly recommend you to step into the ring with this one. You won’t regret it!
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InuYasha
SunriseKagome Higurashi's 15th birthday takes a sudden turn when she is forcefully pulled by a demon into the old well of her family's shrine. Brought to the past, when demons were a common sight in feudal Japan, Kagome finds herself persistently hunted by these vile creatures, all yearning for an item she unknowingly carries: the Shikon Jewel, a small sphere holding extraordinary power.
Amid such a predicament, Kagome encounters a half-demon boy named Inuyasha who mistakes her for Kikyou, a shrine maiden he seems to resent. Because of her resemblance to Kikyou, Inuyasha takes a violent dislike to Kagome. However, after realizing the dire circumstances they are both in, he sets aside his hostility and lends her a hand.
Unfortunately, during a fight for the Shikon Jewel, the miraculous object ends up shattered into pieces and scattered across the land. Fearing the disastrous consequences of this accident, Kagome and Inuyasha set out on a challenging quest to recover the shards before they fall into the wrong hands.
The Anime Critic’s Review on: InuYasha
Synopsis
InuYasha is an engaging blend of historical fantasy, romance, and action. It orbits around a high school student, Kagome Higurashi, who, on one fateful day, falls into a well at her family’s Shinto shrine only to land 500 years in the Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku period. Finding herself with a mysterious, magical jewel known as “the Shikon Jewel”, Kagome is unintentionally thrust into a world of feudal peril, frightful demons and a dog-demon boy called InuYasha.
As Kagome befriends InuYasha and their relationship drastically oscillates between love and disdain, they are compelled to explore this perilous era to recollect fragments of the shattered Shikon Jewel before they fall into the wrong hands – whether it be ruthless humans or vicious demons. Joined by a rag-tag group of companions along the way, this story unfolds uniquely with each character’s personal goals entwined in the dangerous quest.
Review
InuYasha, spun by the imagination of Rumiko Takahashi, is truly a tour de force. It masterfully interweaves historical facets and mythological elements, which serves the viewer a rich tapestry of ancient Japan. The crisp transitions between lightheartedness and intensity coupled with the characters’ evolving dynamics make the series a whimsical roller-coaster ride.
The character development is one of the series’ fluid strengths. Each member of InuYasha’s team – from the enigmatic monk Miroku, the childlike demon slayer Sango, to the young fox demon Shippo – all have their own stories compellingly unveiled through the course of the series. Their individual struggles, desires, and transformations are a testament to Takahashi’s skillful crafting of multidimensional characters and engaging storytelling.
The artwork is vintage yet timeless, with memorable character designs truly capturing the quintessence of each persona. From the larger-than-life battling scenes, the spiritually infused landscapes in the Feudal Era, to the minute touches of Japan’s cultural emblematic elements, the artwork and animation make for a visually cinematic anime.
The musical score, composed by Kaoru Wada, complements the animated world perfectly. Epic battle scenes are bolstered by powerful orchestral arrangements while more tender, melodramatic moments are underscored by softer, poignant melodies. The opening and ending themes are equally unforgettable, engaging the viewer into the story before the episode begins and as it ends.
To rent, buy, or stream? It’s a definite all three. The anime is an enduring classic – one that’s bound to give you moments of laughter, thrills, and even tears. It’s an investment that rewards over time. The rich narrative would make you not want to wait for episode buffering, and the re-watchability factor is high. This beloved anime also possesses some of the most quotable dialogues and memorable scenes in anime history.
Final Verdict
Giving a final verdict without stirring the pot of spoilers isn’t easy; nevertheless, InuYasha is unquestionably a prioritized must-watch. With complex characters, a unique storyline, and an amazing soundtrack, Takahashi has painted a world that you’ll want to dive into again and again. Whether you’re a manga lover, a history enthusiast, a fantasy fan, or just a casual anime viewer, InuYasha promises a rewarding experience for all. It scores a resounding 4.5 out of 5 on the Anime Critic’s scale.
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