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That was by far the greatest episode yet. We get to see 3 extremely strong characters, 2 of which (Umezawa and Ippo's mom) had received very little development up until this point. The support that Ippo gets that enable him to be who he is is incredible, and it's clear from this episode that Ippo understands just how incredible it is. The scene at the end with him crying on the mat is proof of that. And the soundtrack once again compliments the series perfectly - love that song at the end.
It's also interesting how the manga-ka seems to have projected himself into Umezawa. It's unlikely that Hajime no Ippo is based on a true story, but you get the feeling that there is some personal experience involved in this episode - that Hajime, and Hajime's mother are representations of real people that the author knew.
Very well done. It's nice that some harsh reality was introduced into the series, and that it was handled so flawlessly.
Umezawa manga-ka?! No way, it's too out of blue. Yeah, he changed completely, but it isn't good thing since it isn't realistic anymore. I feel that this is just made-up filler between fights. Fights and determination is the most important thing, and this sudden so called "tearjerker" just annoys me.
I hope we get back to the fights soon. And I hope that Ippo grows little by little and then challenges Date. Right now there is huge difference between them, although even Date appreciates Ippo's punching power.
Henna said: Umezawa manga-ka?! No way, it's too out of blue. Yeah, he changed completely, but it isn't good thing since it isn't realistic anymore. I feel that this is just made-up filler between fights./quote]
The pacing of the series is very fast - months can skip between single episodes.
I think that Umezawa's development is perfectly realistic, especially he recognises he's still a screw-up. He's had a taste of the adult world, and he's struggling to adjust after being a rebellious teenager, but he's still there for his friend.
I don't feel that he's changed completely, but rather that more of his personality is being shed. Rather than being a useless two-dimensional background character, Umezawa is now coming into his own, a process which has been going on very slowly since the series began.
Pretty good episode, though I don't think this episode was quite as good as most think. I just can't shed the thought that all this stuff is just set up for the upcoming fights. Also the show is still a little to shounen for my taste.
"Yes, I have been deprived of emotion. But not completely. Whoever did it, botched the job."
Oh shit, I had to go check on the net to know who was Umezawa again. That ol' bully changed so much, who would have thought help would come from him?
«Time is passing so quickly. Right now, I feel like complaining to Einstein. Whether time is slow or fast depends on perception. Relativity theory is so romantic. And so sad.» - Kurisu Makise a.k.a. The Zombie
Klad said: I'm so pissed at Ippo's weak and easily-influenced personality.
I don't understand how is he week? His mom is hospitalized from over work while he was busy from helping her. I think any normal person will react as he did. Sacrificing his dream is extremely hard proving how strong he is to decide and take that step!
I don't really get the hate for Ippo...sure he is a pretty typical/generic-ish shounen type of character but he has grown so much in this series. From a weak guy to a hardworking guy who wants to become the boxing champion, I call that tremendous character development and this episode wasn't any exception.
BruceLad said: I don't really get the hate for Ippo...sure he is a pretty typical/generic-ish shounen type of character but he has grown so much in this series. From a weak guy to a hardworking guy who wants to become the boxing champion, I call that tremendous character development and this episode wasn't any exception.
5/5.
Agreed. It's not like he won every single match easily.
Typical ADHD anime morons who just want nonstop fights every 2 seconds and instantly get bored whenever actual character development happens.
I thought this was a really good change of pace. I love the fact that actual real world problems come up from time to time in the characters' lives, and it perfectly illustrates how hard boxers really have to work.
Wtf happened to Umezawa?! He got rid of his pomp!!
Anyway, I just really love the guy and I hope he ends up being a Mangaka!
Honestly, who would've thought that he'd end up being such a great bro back in that first episode?
Also, kudos to the anime for touching on what few sports anime do...life and relationships outside of the actual sport itself!
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Umezawa turned out to be such a freaking fantastic character, after starting out as a generic bully. I seriously can't believe it. I totally see why this series gets the props it does for characters. It's not just about well-rounded opponent characters - the other characters are also awesome. Including Ippo's Mom. 6/5
Klad said: I'm so pissed at Ippo's weak and easily-influenced personality.
Yeah, giving up something you love to do for your family is "weak."
I see you were born in 2000. That explains a lot. Try being a parent like some of us here. That requires PLENTY of sacrifice, of which you are obviously not ready for.
Umezawa really made a total turn around compared to the start of the series, never expected him to from despicable bully into a reliable friend who saves his friend's desire to continue his career as pro boxer.
I'm very happy to see the series manages to focus on something other than boxing. It is true that sportsmen also have a daily life with their profession and there can be unpleasant surprises too.
Very good ending. Rediscover the feeling of boxing ahhh ^_^
This is the most emotionally rich episode so far. Ippo's struggle on whether to ditch his dreams to never let his mother overwork herself ever again had me feeling for him for real. That moment in the end of the episode where he started crying because he's finally back was really powerful too.
Umezawa had finally gotten his redemption and he became the hero that saved Ippo's career! He wasn't able to apologize for his past behavior back then verbally but he put his sentiments in his actions and I'm very proud of him. Top tier character development.