Anime has gotten some what of a reputation of being only about giant robots, fighting, or a guy being chased by many girls. This is a disservice as the medium has expanded to include some very diverse set of topics. For proof, I offer Yuri!!! on Ice, an anime about a young twenty year old man who wants to become the best ice figure skater in the world. There is nothing strange about it, only a complex and moving story with a romantic undertone not traditional seen in anime.
The Grand Prix Final of Tears
Yuri Katsuki used to a figure skater, but that was before a string of losses made him question his passion for the sport. Returning to his hometown, Yuri is recorded doing the routine of champion Victor Nikiforov and the video becomes a viral hit. It also brings Victor to Japan with an offer to become Yuri’s coach. All would be good if Victor hadn’t made a promise to another Yuri, Yuri Plisetsky, to be his coach. After dueling, Yuri K wins the right to train with Victor, while Yuri P must find a new coach. These two rivals will meet again at the The Grand Prix, but who will go home with the gold?
The story is interesting because the characters don’t fit traditional roles. Yuri K is not trying to become a figure skater, he already was, but just wasn’t good enough. Victor, a world champion already, might have been portrayed as an arrogant villain in another show. Instead, he takes on the role of a coach and mentor. Yuri P is not a traditional rival. He was promised something and is trying to get that promise fulfilled. This breaking of the molds shows that Yuri!!! on Ice is taking a fresh approach to stories. This is also true in regards to the two people who become romantically involved.
I Am Eros, and Eros is Me
As their training goes on, Yuri K and Victor fall in love. This is not played for laughs, but rather as two people who realistic have to confront their feelings about each other. There is even a scene that shows that this relationship is very serious. at one point, Yuri K wants to stop competing , because he fears it will get in the way of Victor’s happiness. These two are some of the realest characters and you will be rooting for them to get together. The relationship is accepted by everyone, which is nice all though not very realistic. One of the best scenes is when they finally kiss. It is so organic and natural that it feels real.
Gotta Super-Supercharge It
The animation is gorgeous. It has been said that this series had more animators then any other anime in 2016. Every skater looks and moves differently, which makes it seem like real people. Kenji Miyamoto , a real champion professional skater, provided the choreography of each skater. Even the attention to sound is amazing. Different arenas have different sound quality, making each skate sound differently to each other. This attention to detail shows the belief and passion the creators put into this project. It has become loved in Japan, and here in America I spotted some merchandise for it at Hot Topic. A film is in production, but it will have a very high standard to match.
If you want an anime that will surprise you, give Yuri!!! on Ice a look. You can check it out on Crunchyroll. It has won many industry and fan awards. An anime that might be looked on as a question mark at first is in reality a fantastic show with some memorable animation and characters. this new approach makes me excited to where anime can go and portray.
