Naruto

Production
Studio Pierrot, TV Tokyo
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Year
2002

Naruto-Be Entranced

By Asterisk91
31st Jan 06

I hear people saying, Naruto is crappy/boring/kiddy/overrated, and all that. Though I may-sort-of agree with the last one, I personally think, that there's a reason why so many people all around the world have fallen in love with it-even going so far as to dub it the next DBZ. ( but Naruto in fact, differs a lot from DBZ-IT IS NOT A CARBON COPY! )
----------------------------------------
T.V RATING- PG 13
Some nudity, mild language, violence.
(ah, but that's what makes it fun, eh ? *snicker*)

STORY- 4.5/5
Like any anime/manga, the base of it lies in the story/plot. A truely good plot is one that gets the readers talking, wondering, discussing...etc. A story that can hold one's interest is not easy to make, but Masashi Kishimoto I think, did a fantastic job, creating a gripping but believable story. Plot is rather easy to understand, but there are some loopholes here and there, such as:

1. Who took care of Naruto as a baby ? Why is he living alone even though he' s only 13 ?
2. Why was there a 4th Hokage while the 3rd is still alive ?

ART STYLE/ANIMATION- 4/5
The art style is unique, it has quite a distinguishing stamp; not everyone looks typically bishonen or bishoujo. ( I have never seen a bishonen like Kakashi before-he is practically faceless with that mask) The animation and colours are bright, vivid, fluid, and constantly improving, though it can be blockish at times. Sometimes they throw in some CG effects, which can be rather nice eyecandy.

OPENING/CLOSING THEMES-3.5/5 BACKGROUND MUSIC-5/5
Of all the opening and closing themes, there are only a few credible ones, such as Haruka Kanata, Alive, Nakushita Kotoba, and GO ! The others are somewhat disco-ish and loud, rather dissapointing. Don't get me wrong, Naruto's music can be rather nice to listen to. Though I must say: with the recent episodes ( ex: Epi. 167) the music has been improving.

The background music is absolutely fantastic. It evokes emotions and credits certain scenes very well. Some prime examples are Sadness and Sorrow and Hokage's Funeral. Beautifully old fashioned yet contemporary. Think Kitaro.

CHARACTERS- 5/5
Downright inspiring, likable, and so easy to relate to, that it makes us want to believe, just for a moment, that they are real. Look at Shikamaru, his laziness is almost comforting to us, for it is so human. I like the fact that every character is infused with shortcomings as well, both personality wise and physically. ( Ex: Chouji, Naruto, Sasuke ) Every character is also given a unique quirk, which makes up for the rather serious enviroment in the show. ( Ex: Kakashi and his "dirty" book ) Each character comes with a pretty solid background, some rather melancholic, some rather sad. ( Ex; Rock Lee, Naruto , Gaara) MOST IMPORTANTLY, there is character developement. The characters do not remain static, they grow, they change, they improve, they get affected by events... etc. The characters are one of the highlights of this show.

IN A NUTSHELL/ TOTAL RATINGS- 22/25
Naruto has its flaws, yes...especially with the lacklustre fillers lately, but I MUST say, I will remain a fan of Naruto. A kiddy show it is not; it is more than another typical anime to me. It sounds sappy, but Naruto is one of those rare animes which gets me woven into the fluid story. It captures my heart, it plays with my emotions, it inspires me. It's great entertainment, with sad moments, happy moments, touching moments, slapstick moments.... etc. I will patiently await the end of the fillers. Naruto is worth a look.
Kudos to Masashi Kishimoto-sensei !!

-- Asterisk91 31st Jan 06

Naruto Images