First review for this movie yeey!
I hate to admit, but I have not seen the original show. I tried, I struggled with it as it is just (sorry to say but) too old...
Therefore, I was so delighted when I heard that they are making a movie series out of it.
Hokuto no ken is the grandfather of all fighting animes, the most testosterone-filled anime I have ever seen (Jojo's bizarre adventure being a close second).
This story is like a living fossil. I have no second thoughts if I say, that the creator was one of the few masterminds who came up with the universal recipe for a great fighting anime:
The ingredients are pretty much:
- An epic and righteous hero
- Some beautiful girls (just to mess with their minds)
- Lovable supporters
- An epic antagonist
- A unique fighting style
When all of this is mixed together in the right proportions, something amazing will be born.
Story 10/10
The story might seem a bit of a cliché, however, most likely, everything else that is similar was inspired by this show.
The post-apocalyptic world filled with anarchy where people live in fear and despair, waiting for the one hero that will save them. It is pretty clear, not much to explain.
Art 10/10
I personally love the art style (Jojo's bizarre adventure is very similar to this). The modern art and character design make it very enjoyable. Remaking this show was probably the best thing ever. Also, it is surprisingly well done for something made in 2006...that was 10 years ago!
The background is also very nicely done but everything apart from Toki's home is very dark and depressing. Also, to my greatest joy, there is no 3D effects whatsoever in it.
Characters 10/10
Hokuto no ken Raoh Gaiden Junai-hen has all the arch-types of characters that are needed for a good show. The righteous hero, rivaling brothers, the badass female hero (a bit like Casca from Berserk), lovable background characters and lots and lots of evil ones.
It is very interesting to see the relations between the main characters. I am not entirely sure who is good and bad at this point. I hope to see lots of character development in the next movies.
Overall 10/10
Hokuto no ken Raoh Gaiden Junai-hen is a true legend in the anime world. It focuses on such pure and fundamental values that I just cannot give it a lower review score.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to see where most of today's animes came from.
In addition to all of this, needless to say, there is absolutely NO fanservice in it.
Do not be afraid that it is old. It is truly a unique masterpiece.