Hajime no Ippo
Alternate Titles: Fighting Spirit
Original Japanese Release Date: October 3rd, 2000
Episode Length/Run-time: 76
Summary:
Makanouchi Ippo, a highschooler, has a problem being bullied in school. One day he is helped by a boxer, Takamura, who introduces him to the boxing world. Ippo turns out to be a natural talent and he falls in love with the sport, and in the process, takes the boxing world by storm.
Review:
Hajime no Ippo is simply a must watch for any sports fan. Based on a long running manga, Hajime no Ippo follows the same plotline. Be forewarned however, that as a manga with many hundreds of chapters, the anime does not cover the whole story. Still, what you do see if amazing and never to be forgotten.
Hajime no Ippo does an excellent job of building up the anticipation before any and all of Ippo’s fights. The preparation work that goes into the different bouts really will teach you a lot about boxing as a sport and in my case, helped me gain an appreciation for it. You see so much buildup before a bout that it is almost unbearable waiting for it to start. That being said, one might think that since there is so much anticipation, the actual fight must be a letdown. Take it from me that this is never the case with Hajime no Ippo. As enjoyable as watching the preparation for the bouts can be, the actual matches are twice as exciting and this cycle of preparation followed by a bout makes the show clip along at an unbelieveable pace. Before you know it, it’ll be over and you’ll be sad. 🙂
The characters in this show are excellent as well. Ippo has an unbelieveable amount of willpower that much like the Rocky films, is just flat out inspirational to watch. Even partially losing consciousness in some bouts, Ippo’s fighting spirit carries him forward. Takamura is also a great personality in the show. As an overbearing force of power in the series, Takamura serves as a father figure for Ippo but is also a role model in the ring. Takamura is also the source for much of the shows comic relief, which is sprinkled tastefully throughout the anime.
The shows negative attributes are probably its art style and music. One might view the character designs to be very suitable for boxing, but it might deter some, as they aren’t the prettiest you can find out there. The music is also not the greatest, but much like the Rocky films, there are a number of pieces in the anime that simply ooze drama and are placed at the perfect places, where they generate the most effect. Theres nothing like a rock ballad as Ippo rises from the mat, half dead, but battling on, by way of sheer will power, to really build a powerful moment. Also, the shows opening themes are good. Other than that though, the show really lacks in the music department.
In summary, if you are a man, period, or if you like sports anime, Hajime no Ippo is the best of the sports genre and therefore, probably for you. If you meet any of the criteria above, you’ll love this anime. Guaranteed.
[starrater]