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Jan 5, 5:38 AM
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Dec 2017
363
Reply to FullyCharged
Pointless 3dcg
What's the point of rendering a scene like that when you render 5 times as much of ice skating scenes with normal hand drawn? None, there is none.
Also the close up shots were atrocious, if the shot is still you can use an image, a still 3d model zoomed in is jarring.

Pointless budget cut apart, pretty good pilot episode.
@FullyCharged
Why do people still give hate to 3D-CGI? Noone can pretend "Girls Band Cry" didn't happen, it's literally The Anime of 2024 throughout Asia.

Computer graphics is the future of anime or there'll be no future due to workforce shortages. Outsourcing hand-drawn 2D jobs to China, Indonesia, South Kore, even illegally to North Korea (!) means they just learn everything and then start making their own anime-ish cartoons and with lower production costs squeeze out japanese studios from all markets.
Jan 5, 6:02 AM

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Feb 2013
199
Wow! this hit me in the feels. The Yuki Hayashi OSTs definitley helped. Loving this so far!
Jan 5, 7:37 AM
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Jan 2015
11
nice animation, nice ost. i can feel the mc desperation, i know what she think clearly. her motivation is cool. we know it going to be good heart warming series. the jokes is "ok" i think. the skating explanation is easy to understand, you don't need to know how to skate to understand this anime. it's newbie friendly hehe. i'm sure they will add rivalities to this series, and i'm sure they will add more desperation to her. let's see how it goes. i'm not reading the manga btw
Jan 5, 7:45 AM

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Jun 2016
2096
very very promising show !!!
Jan 5, 8:43 AM
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Jun 2015
161
Reply to Tacsk0
@doomrider7
> Was so annoyed watching the mom do everything in her power to discourage Inori from skating like damn just because your other daughter quit due to injury

If we assume the "Sith" figure shown at very beginning of ep1 was the elder daughter, that possibly means her career-ending injury resulted in a divorce and she stayed with dad, while Inori stayed with mom. Thus ice skating literally tore the family apart. After such developments mom would obviously be scared of history repeating itself.
@Tacsk0

It's nothing that angsty. At the episode rate it should be explained by 3 or 4.
Jan 5, 9:39 AM
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Jan 2021
316
Very good first episode. Hope it stays that way
Jan 5, 11:11 AM
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Oct 2012
122
Reply to Serafos
Decent first episode. Ice skating is a very difficult sports.

Wasn't a big fan of all the comedy, screaming, and exaggerated facial expressions. Usually I don't mind, but they don't fit to this show imo.

Anyway, hoping for an entertaining ride.

@Serafos Absolutely. I understand the wish to insert levity, but it felt awkward and jarring. I haven't read the original material but I hope the author tones this down as the story unfolds.
Jan 5, 11:16 AM

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Apr 2024
908
WOW , that was breathtaking there's 99% chances it will be the best anime this season
Jan 5, 11:36 AM
🍅 Tomato 🍅

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Feb 2020
103866
Reply to Avarion
@Serafos Absolutely. I understand the wish to insert levity, but it felt awkward and jarring. I haven't read the original material but I hope the author tones this down as the story unfolds.
@Avarion Indeed. I'm glad someone else agrees with me. I don't want this show to feel like a forced comedy. I don't think I can finish this if the upcoming episodes are going to be the same.
Jan 5, 11:52 AM

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Apr 2015
1474
Aw, Inori is so adorable! I enjoyed the first episode a lot more than I thought I would. I'm gonna be reserved on my expectations for consistently good animation quality in the future episodes, but either way I'll definitely read the manga. Figure skating is such a beautiful sport, I'm excited to see how the story will unfold for Inori and her coach.


"As promised, all that you seek, all that we desire, is prepared up there. On top of the Tower."
Jan 5, 1:04 PM
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May 2016
10
A great start! A story about following own's dreams even if it's “too late”.
Jan 5, 1:20 PM

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Apr 2019
44
Reply to Biisoo
Holllyyyyy Shittt, What an absolutely phenomenal episode!

I'm in awe and tears, This was the best first episode I've seen in a long while!

5/5

I like the Guy and his enthusiasm so much, Gonna love this duo!
@Biisoo I knooo, why did I cry thru the whole episode
Jan 5, 2:13 PM
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Dec 2019
20
Reply to Serafos
Decent first episode. Ice skating is a very difficult sports.

Wasn't a big fan of all the comedy, screaming, and exaggerated facial expressions. Usually I don't mind, but they don't fit to this show imo.

Anyway, hoping for an entertaining ride.

@Serafos in manga it fits really well, sadly this adaptation is not that good
Jan 5, 2:14 PM
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Dec 2019
20
First episode was decent the soundtrack was really nice too, im just sad they cut out some parts that makes this manga a bit dark and realist.
Jan 5, 3:31 PM

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Jan 2021
501
It kicks off with a strong start, introducing viewers to a world of competitive figure skating with an emotional and motivating storyline. The first episode does a great job of setting up the central characters, particularly the protagonist, whose struggle to break through in the sport is both relatable and compelling.

The animation is smooth and captures the intensity of skating well, while the soundtrack adds to the emotional weight of the scenes. Though the episode doesn’t completely dive into deep character development, it leaves enough hooks to keep you intrigued. Overall, it’s a solid beginning with great potential for growth as the series progresses.
Jan 5, 6:41 PM

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Aug 2013
16
didn't expect it, but this was really good
Jan 5, 7:12 PM

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Apr 2008
2697
This series seems like it's going to be a good one. The coach cracks me the hell up and Inori about had me in tears. Even the mom and Tsukasa's friend seem like good characters.
Jan 5, 7:21 PM
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Dec 2024
4
I feel like this is an anime that's going to hit me in the feels by season end.
Jan 5, 8:01 PM

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Nov 2021
664
If anyone is on the fence to watch this, give it a shot. This was a really beautiful and emotional episode and had a good bit of comedy to balance it out.
Jan 5, 8:12 PM

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Aug 2019
5589
really glad I decided to watch this, seems it slipped towards the bottom of this stacked season but it’s already off to a good start

very emotional episode almost had me tearing up towards the end
Jan 5, 9:32 PM
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Apr 2021
218
Reply to Tacsk0
> "... will have to pay a great and terrible price" ... guy catches girl falling from the roof ...

SkateSuka?
@Tacsk0 is this a sukasuka reference?
Jan 5, 9:43 PM
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Nov 2022
16
It gonna be one of my favorites sport anime/manga.even though the quality on CGI may not be good.... Excited for next episode

Hopefully the adaptations good as the manga
Jan 5, 11:21 PM
Lilium Gardener

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Jul 2011
3653
Wow, that was great. I loved the feels and comedy mixture. Had me smiling one minute and tearing up the next. I did not expect ENGI to come through and I still don't, tbh. I fully expect them to screw this up at some point. For now though, I'm pretty sure ENGI just made their best episode of anime with this one. Hopefully, they can 1-up themselves a few more times throughout this season. Then we might have something here.
Jan 6, 12:19 AM
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Apr 2017
42
Honestly, it was a decent episode. Feels a little rushed but that's any adaptation for you. One thing I didn't like is Inori's VA voice.
Jan 6, 3:24 AM

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Jul 2021
635
Tacsk0 said:
@doomrider7
> Was so annoyed watching the mom do everything in her power to discourage Inori from skating like damn just because your other daughter quit due to injury

If we assume the "Sith" figure shown at very beginning of ep1 was the elder daughter, that possibly means her career-ending injury resulted in a divorce and she stayed with dad, while Inori stayed with mom. Thus ice skating literally tore the family apart. After such developments mom would obviously be scared of history repeating itself.

I thought that the accident itself was like a culmination, and that their problem was that she wasn't getting any better instead. Which is why, fearing that she would waste her childhood on a very expensive hobby that would bear absolutely no fruits, as in she would never be nationally competitive no matter how much she practiced, she tried to discourage her daughter.

Could be wrong though.
Jan 6, 3:28 AM

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Jul 2021
635
Rising_Blade said:
Honestly, it was a decent episode. Feels a little rushed but that's any adaptation for you. One thing I didn't like is Inori's VA voice.

I thought that was one of the best parts. I've never heard sobbing like that (when she was crying on the skating rink) that sounded like an actual kid would cry and speak at the same time. Made it all the more emotional.
Jan 6, 4:09 AM

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Jan 2017
558
To be honest, I just tried watching this because I saw an R34 art of Inori and got curious uohhh please forgive me 😭😭

But it looks like I'm watching this for real, it's surprisingly good. I hope the studio won't mess this one up. 🙏🏻

Inori is such a precious daughterwife
Jan 6, 4:40 AM

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Nov 2023
1959
Inori is such a mature kid. She understands everything well.

But skating is the only thing which can give her happiness. Then you must give her that.

Good animation job in skating scenes.

It felt a bit more dramaish the first episode. I want to see Inori's success
I need somebody who can love me at my worst
No, I'm not perfect, but I hope you see my worth
'Cause it's only you, nobody new, I put you first
And for you, girl, I swear I'll do the worst

If you stay forever, let me hold your hand
I can fill those places in your heart no else can
Let me show you love, oh, I don't pretend, yeah
I'll be right here, baby, you know I'll sink or swim
Jan 6, 6:37 AM

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Apr 2021
2887
Overall story is good and entertaining, seeing their similar story and same dedication is a useful connection.

But why they always have that person that has to yell everything they say, I don't know, it gets annoying.

I understand someone is zealous and serious, but yelling it like that makes him seem crazy rather than sincere, but good thing his words were on point.

That mom had a thick wall of Ice up preventing her from agreeing, seeing her skate and hearing his seriousness melted it.
Note: I don’t lazily watch 3-5 episodes, biasedly compare to other anime, or unfairly judge by surface level similarities. With every anime I start, I watch the entire series, both Japanese Sub & English Dub, then judge each anime based on what they present, to give an honest and fair rating.

Jan 6, 7:57 AM

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Nov 2019
292
ice skating is so beautiful to me it always bring me to tears. i hope i get to see some astounding ice skating performances throughout this showw.
Jan 6, 8:14 AM
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Feb 2021
255
I love this start! I'm looking forward to more episodes. I definitely feel like this one will be really good for sure.
Jan 6, 10:56 AM
Online
Dec 2022
1957
Tsukasa and Inori made me smile, laugh, and get sad just like they did in the first chapter of the masterpiece manga. Thank you Studio ENGI.
Looking forward to more.
Jan 6, 11:28 AM
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Nov 2019
5
Ah, I knew I liked this anime. I can't wait for the next episodes.
Jan 6, 11:38 AM
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Dec 2017
363
Reply to hypexleaks
@Tacsk0 is this a sukasuka reference?
@hypexleaks

Yes.
Jan 6, 11:39 AM
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Dec 2017
363
Reply to doomrider7
@Tacsk0

It's nothing that angsty. At the episode rate it should be explained by 3 or 4.
@doomrider7
Thanks for the insight!
Jan 6, 11:51 AM
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Jan 2025
2
THIS VERSE BETTER BE NICE YO INORI OR WE RIDE AT DAWNNNNNNNNN
Jan 6, 12:34 PM
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Apr 2021
218
Reply to Tacsk0
@Tacsk0 Goated anime
Jan 6, 1:21 PM

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Jan 2014
44
Reply to Yang_Wenli
We're watching this for the ice skating, right?
@Yang_Wenli

Wait, this show was about ice skating? /s
Jan 6, 4:28 PM
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Mar 2024
2
It's a great episode! Loved the expressions of it and there was comedic as well as emotional parts!
Jan 6, 5:59 PM

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Dec 2022
1041
Great animation and comedy
Jan 6, 6:27 PM
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May 2020
17
I like this already, this might be one of my hidden gem/masterpiece that I have ever watched if ENGI continue to deliver this kind of episode until the end. Please studio ENGI don't mess this one up.
Jan 6, 8:48 PM

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Jan 2022
367
already love this one, I'm sure that dude's going to be a great coach : ) but man, I could never work like that with kids because when you're working with kids, you're also working with the parents whether you like it or not, and if I were to be forced to interact with such insufferable parents I'd get fired on my first day O__O

Yearly AWC 2025
something coming here soon (maybe)
Jan 6, 10:08 PM

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Jul 2024
45
Don't mind me, just sobbing at that last part. I could relate to her so well, not feeling like you're good enough but having that one thing you're passionate about
Born to shoujo, forced to shounen.



Yesterday, 7:58 AM
Offline
Apr 2015
78
Ehh; the animation is alright. My biggest problem is how much content they cut out/changed from the manga.
Like Inori's mother had way more negative emotions on her face in the manga. Her reaction in the anime look a bit lifeless and made it seem like she was only being naive on her mistreatment toward her daughter. There's also cutting out all of Inori being bullied scenes.

I also don't like how the anime changed Hitomi reactions towards Tsukasa. In the manga it looked like Hitomi only slapped Tsukasa shoulder to stop him from his nonstop positive rambling in front of Inori's mother. While in the anime; the animators make Hitomi straight up sock Tsukasa in the face while they was already alone. Just for "hehe wohman smack dumbo man" shit and giggles.

Also; two of my favorite moments in chp1 were cut out from episode one:

•Inori holding her skates with uncertainty on her face during the beginning narration.

•Tsukasa flashback of him after a competition just standing there frozen with nothing but terror on his face from realizing that his hopes and dreams could all end there.


Other than that, the first episode was alright. However; these few important miscues shows me that the anime will never reach the same greatness as the manga. It's not just an animation problem, the direction is the biggest problem for me. I'll still watch and see how S1 turns out...
Yesterday, 1:13 PM

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Sep 2020
75
First episode and I am already crying. There could not have be a more intense emotional 1st episode, I am honestly baffled.
Yesterday, 6:11 PM

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Jan 2011
6549
this might actually be really good?! funny and a quite emotional opener this coach is the right kind of good person you need for this kind of show

we may never get Yuri on Ice again but hey !
Yesterday, 6:38 PM
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Jun 2015
161
Reply to SDA0
First episode and I am already crying. There could not have be a more intense emotional 1st episode, I am honestly baffled.
@SDA0

They actually softened Inori's home and school scene's and some stuff with her mom that felt like the most grueling moments from A Silent Voice. Poor girl was just HURTING FOR ANYONE to tell her it's okay to be a skater.
9 hours ago
Offline
Apr 2015
78
animejas said:
Medalist's first episode is here, one of my favorite sports manga from the last few years. But knowing that ENGI was in charge and their track record, cautiously optimistic was the way I approached this series when I heard this was getting an anime adaptation.

From the first episode here and my impressions, ENGI have done better than I expected with the animation and CGI use and the pacing, but the actual adaptation feels a bit emotionally flat through execution that is pretty by-the-books compared to what this series deserved in my opinion. Everything about this was safe but lacked the punch and passion that the manga had. At least the pacing wasn't terrible and there are positives to what ENGI did here, but the manga was naturally more captivating with its start than the anime. Given how poor my expectations were though with ENGI, a passable, safe adaptation isn't too bad compared to some of the stuff they have cooked up over the last few years. So far, not too sure how to feel about it just yet but it's not bad.

This is 100% how I feel. They took the safe route. I feel like Tsukasa development, with Nozomi and Hitomi characterization suffered the most from this decision. There were also some build-up moments they cut out from chp1. Like Tsukasa flashback, and Inori getting bullied.
8 hours ago
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Apr 2015
78
Flashmens said:
First episode was decent the soundtrack was really nice too, im just sad they cut out some parts that makes this manga a bit dark and realist.

I thought I was the only one who noticed that. The director definitely seems to want to take the tonality of the anime a different route from the manga...
7 hours ago

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Mar 2023
116
I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this. The dub is good too, hopefully it keeps up. Always love a good sports anime!
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