Hey there, fellow anime lovers! First off, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for all the love and support we’ve received from our amazing followers. It’s thanks to you that we’ve reached this incredible milestone of 100 followers. Seriously, thank you so much!

Now, let’s get straight to business. I’ve recently watched Yuri On Ice twice in one go, and I must admit, it left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. To be frank, I won’t hold back in this post. If you’re not a fan of criticism, consider this your last chance to turn back. Brace yourselves, because we’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty.

The Main Problem: Identity Crisis

What exactly is Yuri On Ice trying to be? That’s the million-dollar question. This anime seems to suffer from an identity crisis. It desperately wants to be a sports anime, a comedy anime, a slice of life anime, a romance anime, and even a light ecchi anime with a sprinkle of fan service. Unfortunately, it fails to grasp the essence of each genre it tries to embody.

During the skating matches, you’ll find yourself scratching your head at the heartless attempts at comedy and the unnecessary fan service. From where I stand, it seems like this anime caters primarily to fujoshi and those who haven’t yet experienced the glory of a well-crafted sports anime. Please don’t misunderstand me; I’m not here to attack anyone’s preferences. I just want to make my feelings clear.

Lack of Uniqueness

Many people claim that Yuri On Ice is a unique gem and the savior of sports anime. Well, allow me to challenge that notion by suggesting two alternative anime that showcase true uniqueness. If you’re craving something extraordinary in the realm of sports anime, look no further than Chihayafuru. Trust me, it will provide you with that much-needed dose of originality. And if you’re seeking something uniquely captivating from this season’s lineup, give Fune Wo Amu a shot. Yes, you heard that right—a show about making dictionaries. Surprisingly, they managed to pull it off remarkably well. Making an anime about ice skating simply isn’t as groundbreaking as some might believe.

Story: A Missed Opportunity

This is where Yuri On Ice falls short the most. Let me pose a question: Why would a world-class player decide to coach someone who consistently screws up in their matches? Sure, you could argue that the coach saw some potential in the protégé. However, Viktor himself claimed to seek something unique. So why would he choose to assist a player who is practically a mirror image of himself—a far cry from uniqueness? Did the creators truly intend for this to be a sports anime or a show focused on “hot guys doing hot things”?

Characters: A Melting Pot of Mediocrity

Now, let’s talk about the characters. Take Viktor, for example. When we first meet him, he exudes a sweet yet ruthless persona. But as the series progresses, he morphs into a gay icon, a comedic relief, and ultimately, the love interest of our protagonist, Yuri. This sports anime commits the unforgivable sin of relying on “Nakama” (the power of friendship) to solve all of Yuri’s problems. Whenever he encounters a hurdle, he simply thinks of Viktor, hugs him, and poof—the problem disappears. Seriously, what’s with this “Nakama” nonsense? A true sports anime should focus on characters overcoming their flaws through their own strengths. Oh, and let’s not forget rival Yuuri, who lacks any substantial character development despite having the most stunning design in the entire show.

Animation: The Saving Grace

The animation is often lauded as the show’s most exceptional attribute, and I can’t deny its visual appeal. As I’ve mentioned before, animation only holds value if it effectively conveys the story’s intended message. However, I must point out a flaw—the excessive camera movement during the skating sequences. Personally, I prefer a still and steady camera, which is why I adore Jackie Chan movies. A calm camera provides a more impactful viewing experience. Watch Fune Wo Amu, and you’ll understand the true essence of excellent camera movement and atmospheric design.

Sound Direction: An Underwhelming Soundtrack

Sadly, this is where Yuri On Ice stumbles. The repetitive use of the same music during the skating performances turns what should be an exciting part of the show into a monotonous affair. Since the skating heavily relies on music to create the appropriate atmosphere, the bland and unremarkable soundtrack takes away from the overall experience.

Where’s the Tension?

This is supposed to be a sports anime, right? Then why does it lack the build-up of tension before the matches? Even DBZ tournaments have more tension and anticipation! This can mostly be attributed to the lackluster characters, who fail to bring the necessary thrill to the story. Simply put, there’s nothing at stake for Yuri. Whether he wins or loses, he still ends up with the object of his affection. Even as a romance anime, it fails to deliver the heart-pounding excitement we crave.

That’s a wrap, folks! Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post and on Yuri On Ice. If you enjoyed the anime, please share what you liked about it. And if you found my post intriguing, don’t forget to leave a like and follow our blog if you’re new here.

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