Going into this I was a little unsure of what to expect. I was looking for something funny to watch, and the synopsis of GTO as well as the MAL score caught my attention.
GTO did not disappoint.
It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but nonetheless I was so glad I found Great Teacher Onizuka.
By the way, this reviiew is for the dub, which I think was very well done.
After watching the first episode, I was immediately hooked. It was very funny, but it also brought me to realize that the show wasn't going to just be some comedy.
Great Teacher Onizuka is more than just a comedy, it is a story about life, growing up and maturing as a person among other things.
Eikichi Onizuka is 'reformed' biker gang member who has had the lifelong dream of becoming a teacher - he says so he can pick up high school babes. But we find that to Eikichi being a teacher is about more than just the hot girls who are supposed to come with the job.
While Eikichi is a sex crazed freak (who is actually a virgin), he also is a very genuine person who cares deeply for his students and the people close to him in his life.
Story 10/10
Art 9/10
The anime is from 1999 or 2000 so obviously the art/animation are dated but I still think it is very well done. I personally really liked all of the character designs. Not to mention some of the best facial expressions in all of anime.
Sound 9/10
The openings and endings are really neat and fit the show really well (the animation of them as well). The soundtrack is solid as well.
Characters 11.5/10
Eikichi Onizuka is my new all time favorite character in anime. He is the funniest, most genuine, incredible person. All of the other characters in the anime are very good as well. You will learn all of the backstories of the students, who are all great characters. None of the characters are forgettable, they all have meaning and substance to them.
Enjoyment 12/10
As I said earlier this may be my new all time favorite anime. After finishing all 43 episodes I was so sad it was finished. GTO flew by for me and I found myself wishing for more.
Overall 12/10
A true masterpiece - please, if for some reason you are unsure about this, give it a try, you won't regret it.
