Whistle!

I'll start off first by throwing this out there, I don't really like soccer all that much. Watching it is pretty damn boring, and playing it isn't much better in my opinion. Now, with that out of the way, let me just say that I really loved this anime. I know, you're like, "But he just said he pretty much hates soccer. Is he weird?" Yes, this anime indeed be about soccer, but it is much more than just that. This anime follows a middle school boy, Shou Kazamatsuri, who enjoys soccer and works extremely hard to get better and rise to the top. We ... his transition from a 3rd string substitute for one school, to an amazing player for another. I'm now re-watching this series for a second time and still enjoying it, probably even more so than the first time. I think what really makes this anime so inspiring to watch is Shou's character. I believe that he is meant to have a little piece of everyone inside of him, me, you, and anyone who watches this show. I believe that he has aspects and traits that can be found in every single one of us, I think this is partially the reason for me watching this anime and enjoying it so much, it's almost as if sometimes I'm seeing a bit of myself in the anime in front of me. When I watch this, I don't think, oh I'm watching a soccer anime, I think of it as a story of a boy who is striving to obtain his goal, a boy who is willing to work harder to get to the top because he can! This definitely is an anime which is worth watching at least once, even if you're like me who doesn't like soccer, I definitely encourage you to watch this series. The story and the characters are definitely the driving points of the anime and what make it what it is. The art and music definitely are enjoyable too and bring out an even more desire to continue watching as well.

I enjoyed this story very much. It was actually a realistic soccer story and it didn't have to deal with any other side stories. it maintained me entertained for the whole anime and the ending was very exciting, and it left you asking for more. I recommend this anime to the true soccer fans, who know the reality of soccer and that know how hard it is and how much you have to work to make it in the sport.

When I first began watching Whistle!, there were many things that could classify it as a bad anime. Granted, it is old, but the animation was very choppy and uncoordinated. The main character's voice actor was not the best either, and a lot of the lines were delivered without clear articulation and emotion. However, despite these, there was something about it that drew me in. Next thing I knew, I had finished the last episode and was craving more.

The story for Whistle! revolves around Kazamatsuri Shou, a 2nd-year junior high school student who has an unquenchable passion for soccer. Throughout the anime, most of these ... developments include him in some way, and it showcases his overall improvement in each part. Each soccer match and emotional bump all somehow work to bring him closer to maturity.

Unfortunately, the art was pretty bad. Yeah, it's a pretty old anime, and the animation should not be held to today's standards. But putting that aside, a lot of the animation was not smooth at all, and it seemed like it lacked in-betweens. Furthermore, some body proportions were off and physics seemed weird. Also, because it's old, the quality wasn't all that good, and backgrounds lacked detail. It didn't detract too much from my total enjoyment of the anime though, once I got used to it.

I have mixed feelings toward the sound. On the one hand, the voice acting was sub-par, and some sound effects were a little strange. Especially for the main character, a lot of words were slurred and emotion was definitely lacking. However, the actual music (opening, background music, and ending) was pretty good. The timing for background music was also solid, in that it enhanced each scene depending on the mood.

Character development is definitely one of Whistle!'s fortes. Other than the growth of the protagonist, all of those around him also mature in some way, shape, or form. Rather than solely focusing on Shou, every character, even the minor ones, receive a little treatment as well. That being said, these weren't executed to their full potentials, but the overall feeling was there.

I wholly enjoyed this anime. I don't know what made me enjoy it so much, given the average ratings I've given each aspect of the show, but I did. And I would be hard-pressed to put it in to words. Just watching Shou grow, and observing each step of the way, kind of made me feel like I was there with him, and relating to each of his struggles. The fact that he is such an altruistic, dedicated, and self-sufficient kid is just so heartwarming somehow. It really is difficult to describe.

Overall, the anime receives a 9. While poorly executed, the story and character development set a tone that evoked feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment. I hope that you will give this anime a chance, and perhaps, you can experience some of the mysterious enjoyment I felt.