The appeal and reviews of "The Boxer": A fusion of action and drama

Comprehensive review and recommendation of the boxer

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

March 5, 1990

■Frequencies

45 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 3

■Original Story

・Original work by Kei Tsukasa

■ Director

・Director: Yoichiro Shimatani

■ Production

Aplus, Miyuki Pro

■ Story

After meeting a legendary boxing trainer, Ryu Kenji travels to New York, USA. There, Kenji gets caught up in a battle between street fighters, and although he is covered in wounds, he trains hard, dreaming of becoming a champion. Eventually, Kenji makes his debut as a boxer, and continues to fight, dreaming of the American dream, with the aim of becoming the world's strongest boxer.

■Explanation

This anime is an adaptation of the youth boxing manga by Tsukasa Kei, which was serialized in a magazine for young people. Set in New York, it follows the protagonist Ryu Kenji, who aims to become the first Japanese boxer to become the heavyweight champion. Tsukasa Kei, who wrote the manga, has also been active as a manga author in recent years under the name Kurashina Ryo.

■Cast

Ryu Kenji/Ogata Mitsuru, unknown/Kato Masamitsu, unknown/Hoshino Takashi, unknown/Inoue Kikuko, unknown/Nakajima Takashi, unknown/Otani Ikue, unknown/Yamada Yoshiharu, unknown/Shima Shunsuke

■ Main staff

・Planning/Hiroshima Katsumi ・Original story/Tsukasa Kei ・Director/Shimatani Yoichiro ・Script/Ono Ranko ・Character design/Tsuchi Kuniaki ・Cinematography/Art Animation Studio ・Music/Kanamaru Takahiko ・Production/Aplus, Miyuki Pro

■ Main Characters

Ryu Kenji is a Japanese man with a natural physique, standing 195cm tall and weighing 95kg. He is a young man who dreams of the American dream of becoming the world boxing champion.

■Detailed evaluation

"Kentoshi" is an original video animation (OVA) released in 1990, which is an animated version of a youth boxing manga written by Kei Tsukasa. Although it is a short series of three episodes, each 45 minutes long, the content is very dense and leaves a strong impression on the viewer.

The story is set in New York. The protagonist, Ryu Kenji, moves from Japan to America after meeting a legendary boxing trainer. There, he gets caught up in a rivalry between street fighters, but he trains hard to become the world boxing champion. Kenji is a charming character, blessed with a good physique at 195 cm tall and weighing 95 kg, but he never becomes arrogant and is single-mindedly pursuing his dreams.

The appeal of this work is, above all, its realistic depiction. In the boxing match scenes, each of Kenji's punches carries weight, conveying the tension to the audience. In addition, the depiction of the New York cityscape and the street fighters is also realistic, allowing the viewer to experience the feeling of being there.

Director Shimatani Yoichiro has succeeded in portraying the emotions of the characters in detail, and Kenji's growth, setbacks, and recovery moments especially touch the hearts of viewers. Screenwriter Ono Ranko has also maximized the appeal of the original work while adding her own original elements to create a deeper story.

Character designer Kuniaki Tsuji created a design that combined Kenji's strength and delicacy, creating a character that will leave a deep impression on viewers. Additionally, the background music by Takahiko Kanemaru, who was in charge of the music, plays an important role in livening up the atmosphere of the work. The sound effects and background music, which heighten the tension in the match scenes, have the power to draw viewers in, in particular.

Let's also talk about the cast. Ogata Mitsuru, who plays Ryu Kenji, perfectly portrays Kenji's fiery passion and calm judgment, leaving a strong impression on viewers. The other cast members also express the individuality of their respective characters well, raising the quality of the entire work.

■Recommendation details

"Kentoshi" is recommended for those who like boxing and sports anime, as well as those who like youth dramas and stories of growth. In particular, those who can empathize with the protagonist Ryu Kenji's pursuit of his dreams will enjoy this work. In addition, as it is an OVA from the 1990s, it is also recommended for those who feel nostalgic.

When watching this film, please pay attention to the following points:

• A depiction of Kenji's growth and failure
• Realistic boxing match scene
• Depiction of New York cityscape and street fighters
• Character Emotions
• Use of music and sound effects

Furthermore, to understand this work more deeply, we recommend that you also read the original manga. The story of Kenji, as written by Tsukasa Kei, has a different appeal from the anime, and you will be able to be deeply moved by enjoying both. Also, in recent years, please check out other works by Tsukasa Kei, who has been active as a manga author under the name of Kurashina Ryo.

Although "Kentoshi" is a short series, its content is very dense and leaves a strong impression on viewers. It is recommended for those who like boxing, sports anime, and youth dramas, as well as those who feel nostalgic. Please watch this work and empathize with Ryu Kenji's pursuit of the American dream.