It’s March 2013, and Kyoto Animation has unleashed a new 30-second advertisement that takes the anime community by storm. This groundbreaking short, dubbed the “Swimming Anime,” features four handsome boys in swimsuits, capturing the hearts of fans everywhere. Soon after, Kyoto Animation releases a full-length series titled Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club, bringing these charming swimmers to life on screen.

As a teenager, I was instantly captivated by the melodramatic stories and beautiful boys in Free!. It became my go-to anime, providing comfort and entertainment during tough times. However, rewatching the series as an adult, I realized that there are some aspects of the show that require a deeper look.

The Overwhelming Fanservice Dilemma

One of the biggest criticisms of Free! is the excessive fanservice. While the well-defined muscles of the male cast initially attracted a large fanbase, the constant emphasis on their bodies has turned away potential viewers. The camera often lingers on their abs and buttocks, adorned with water droplets and sparkles, leaving little room for subtlety. This reliance on fanservice undermines the series’ other merits, hindering its ability to be taken seriously as a sports anime.

A Need for Realistic Character Design

In recent years, sports anime have begun portraying high school characters with more accurate and youthful designs, representing the physical changes experienced during adolescence. Unlike these newer anime, Free! exaggerates the characters’ bodies, which can feel uncomfortable when depicting high schoolers. There are scenes where the boys try on swimsuits, meant to be comedic but also inviting the viewer to ogle their bodies. It is crucial to recognize the potential harm in hyper-sexualizing minors.

Queer Undertones and Lack of Representation

Free! tantalizes its audience with homoerotic undertones, hinting at possible romantic relationships between the characters. However, these moments never lead to definitive answers about their sexual orientations. This lack of clarity not only exploits the audience but also mocks the LGBTQ+ community. Positive representation of queer-coded characters, where their identity is not the main struggle, remains scarce in media. Free! had the potential to break this trend, but it falls short of meeting that expectation.

Emotional Depth and Relatability

Despite its flaws, Free! holds a special place in my heart due to its relatable characters and their raw emotions. The series touches on universal themes like choosing a career path and growing apart from friends, making it easy for viewers to see themselves in the narrative. I resonated deeply with Rin’s story of adapting to a new life abroad, as I have experienced similar challenges. Free! excels at portraying the mundane hurdles we face in life, and its characters’ personal growth is inspiring.

The Bright Future of Free!

As the series progresses into its third season set in college, it has the opportunity to address past criticisms. Season 2 onwards prioritize plot and character development over fanservice. Anime like Stars Align and Yuri!!! On ICE have already paved the way for better representation without making it the sole focus. Despite its imperfections, Free! remains a captivating coming-of-age tale about friendship and the joys of youthful exploration.

With its lovable cast and heartwarming moments, Free! will continue to enthrall viewers, offering an escape from the challenges of everyday life. So dive into the world of teenage boys and their swimming club, and experience the thrill of following your passions while forging unbreakable bonds. Just remember, there’s more to Free! than meets the eye!

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