Japanese Anime
Naruto
Reviewed by Ismael Manzano
I was introduced to Naruto by a friend of a friend who is heavily into anime,
manga, and pretty much anything imported from Japan. I was sort of hesitant at
first, having not watched an anime for several years, but my concerns were
quickly quelled. I was instantly hooked and ended up watching most of the first
season in one sitting.
Naruto follows the adventure of a young boy from the ninja-occupied, Hidden Leaf Village, as he struggles through ninja training on his quest to become the Hokage—the highest of all ninja ranks. His aspiration to become the most respected ninja and recognized ninja of all time are hampered by overzealousness and impatience. And did I mention that as a child he was possessed by a fox-demon that lays dormant within him to this day? The villagers who don’t think he’s a mischievous delinquent, fear him because of the monster inside him. Naruto’s shortcomings, however, are superceded by his determination and drive, and when push comes to shove, he rises to the occasion—albeit, usually with help from his friends and his teacher.
After graduating from the first level of ninja school,
Naruto is teamed up with Sakura, a book smart girl for whom he harbors secret
feelings, Sasuke, the best
ninja
of his class and rival, and his teacher Kakashi.
Naruto is slightly different from the other animes I’ve watched in the past in that the main character is not automatically the strongest character in the story. In fact, he might be the weakest of the quartet, but his failure only inspires him to work harder to achieve his goal. The allure here is Naruto’s heart, his courage, and his optimistic outlook despite having had a tragic childhood. I also enjoy how the characters’ abilities and powers slowly progress, taking the viewer along for the ride as Naruto and his friends grow and learn with each adventure. The fights are more realistic than Dragonball Z’s fights, in that they rely more on hand to hand moves and daggers than energy balls and flying.
The series is funny and entertaining, though a little slow at times, but overall, energetic. The artwork is, of course excellent and the fighting is superb. But if you think it’s all about fighting and training, you’re wrong. The show manages to mix in a fair about of actual story that draws you in and sometimes pulls a heartstring or two in the process. In short, I’d have to say that Naruto has a fan in me, and I’m sure it will have many more when the show makes its debut in the States (which, I’ve been told by my anime-obsessed friend will be very soon). Until then, keep your eyes open and watch for what I’m sure will be the next big import.
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