"Serious! 2: The Conflict" review: A passionate battle and a moving story

"Serious! 2: Conflict": The appeal of this OVA that depicts the passionate spirit of a young yakuza

■Overview of the work

"Honki! 2: Conflict" is an OVA based on the manga of the same name by Ayumi Tachihara, and was released by Nihon Eizo on December 16, 1990. It is made up of one 50-minute episode, directed by Haruo Nakayama, and produced by Nihon Eizo, Creative Bridge, and Dome. This work is a sequel to the theatrical anime "Honki!" and animates the contents of volumes 3 and 4 of the original manga.

■ Story

Shirogane Honki, a young member of the Nagisa family, has inherited the will of his late predecessor and is involved in the conflict with the branch family. One day, while on a date with Kumiko, a young lady he is in love with, Honki is stabbed by a member of a rival organization. This incident makes Honki even more determined to stand up and protect the future of the Nagisa family. The story depicts Honki's manliness and passion, as well as the relationships that surround him, highlighting the harshness and beauty of the world of the yakuza.

■ Characters

Silver Serious

A young member of the Nagisa gang, Honki is a warm-hearted man with a trademark perm and black suit. The story follows his rise from making a name for himself in a battle for territory to becoming a gang leader. Voiced by Yamadera Kouichi, his passionate acting brings out the best in Honki's character. Honki's determination as a man living in the world of the yakuza and his love for Kumiko in his heart make an impression as he continues to fight.

Kumiko Honjo

A beautiful girl who is the daughter of a company president, she has a cheerful and kind personality. She falls in love with Honki, and their relationship becomes an important axis of the story. Kumiko is voiced by Mitsuki Yayoi, whose soft voice brings out Kumiko's charm. Kumiko is portrayed as a support for Honki and a presence that supports his battles.

■Production background and staff

"Serious! 2: The Conflict" is based on the original work by Ayumi Tachihara and was made into a film by director Haruo Nakayama. Haruo Nakayama has worked on many anime about gangsters, and he has used his experience to portray a realistic gangster world in this work. The screenplay was written by Juro Nakakura, the animation director was Shinichi Toji, and the art was by Toshikazu Ishiwata, making this a work that brings together the skills and passion of each staff member.

■ Evaluation and appeal

"Honki! 2: Conflict" has been highly praised as a yakuza anime, and the character of Shirogane Honki and his story of growth have been particularly popular with fans. The appeal of this work is that it realistically depicts the harshness and beauty of the yakuza world, while also conveying a sense of depth as a human drama. Also, don't miss the meticulous drawing and direction that makes the most of the OVA format.

■ Related works

"Honki! 2: The Conflict" was produced as a sequel to the theatrical anime "Honki!". There is also an OVA "Honki! 3: The Determination" that depicts the story after that. By watching these works together, you can gain a deeper understanding of Shirogane Honki's growth and the history of the Nagisa Group.

■ Recommendation points

"Honki! 2: Conflict" is highly recommended for fans of yakuza anime and those who want to enjoy human drama. You will especially empathize with the character of Shirogane Honki and be touched by his story of growth. Another highlight is the detailed drawings and direction that are unique to the OVA format. This work, which depicts the harshness and beauty of the world of yakuza, will surely impress many viewers.

■Detailed information

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

December 16, 1990

■Release and sales

Nihon Eiga

■Frequencies

50 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Ayumi Tachihara

■ Director

Haruo Nakayama

■ Production

Produced by Nippon Eizo, Creative Bridge, and Dome