Jul 12, 2024
I've been preparing to write this review for three whole years. Why so long? Well, perhaps because the highly imperfect official translation and the timing of the release of the title played a very cruel joke on it.
Because really, the original SK8 has nothing to do with comedy and very indirectly to do with sports. It raises deeper and more painful themes: the torment of self-determination, the degree of personal freedom, the methods of control. And also restlessness and alienation of teenagers from seemingly prosperous families. And also how acceptable it is for adults to influence their behavior and control their lives.
And now I'm more
...
serious than ever. Because so many people were fooled by Reki Kyan's reckless mask and absolutely monstrous official translation. Which turned his personal secret drama into the usual teenage jealousy. And the beautiful young man who is actually the protagonist into some male version of Gadget Hackwrench and an unqualified appendage of Langa Hasegawa. This is completely wrong as it distorts the main idea of the piece. What is it? Listen carefully to Langa's mom's inner monologues. Preferably not in the official translation, but in the independent translation by Kudouusagi, where numerous inaccuracies (and the toothpaste commercial in episode 4) have been removed. And ask yourself: why, while asking the right questions, is this nice woman happy to have her son sneaking out at night, and doesn't even ask him in episode 2 where he is in the evenings?
As for the second main character of this anime, I was also in for a big surprise. I admire the work done by scriptwriter Ookouchi Ichirou and director Utsumi. However, when I look at their brainchild with an illusionless eye, I just want to give Langa Hasegawa a good beating. It's very interesting that a young man to whom his father clearly devoted a fair amount of time has, by the time he's 17, become so... peculiar personality.
I'll let you check out the Kudouusagi translation done for the Blu-ray version for yourself. Where not only some scenes have been added, but more important details have been significantly changed. For example, episode 7 shows the true face of Langa Hasegawa, and it is truly frightening.
I also highly recommend checking out the names of the musical themes in the official soundtrack. And read the translations of the name songs of Reki, Langa (of course, this includes not only the songs for OP and ED) and Adam. The ones done by Kudouusagi, of course. Keep in mind: the official translations of all these songs have been tweaked, and the Japanese versions are different from the English versions.
As for me, after watching a version as close to the author's intent as possible, I'm still glad that I never believed in the envious and foolish teenager Reki and the noble but shy genius Langa. No matter what the official translation and viewers say. It's a beautiful story about growing up and how real pain can not only throw you to the bottom, but also give you a boost. It's no coincidence that the center of Reki's basic skateboard has a star, albeit a half-erased one, in it from the very beginning. And it's no coincidence that there are constant references to JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken. Neither is the fact that the main locations in the show are completely real - with the exception of Crazy Rock.
I'd love to see a second season of the show. As for the OVA about Joe and Cherry Blossom's youth, I doubt it anymore. Since it's not very happy to see the groundwork laid for the personalities of frivolous, cruel and unfair to young people whippersnappers. How they went from likable young men to people who think it's acceptable to dispose of other people's lives to suit their own childish grudges.
My verdict: I recommend this show. But not in the official translation. I understand that in 2021 (or any other year) mentioning such teenage problems as attempts to commit suicide was not welcome. But hushing them up is an equally unwinnable tactic. Why should the main character, changed beyond recognition, suffer because of this? I fell in love with him as the creators wrote him. A sad, restless, very brave and wonderful boy. Why should I care that the official translation supposedly made his suffering real when it was simply erased and devalued?
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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