Reviews

Suzuka is an anime that initially shows great potential but then slowly ambles its way across the finish line. The drama in this show comes from the troubled romance between the main characters and the complications that they mostly create for themselves. In some cases this can be funny and interesting, particularly when the characters are likable and you want to see them succeed. However, in the case of Suzuka, both of the main leads are highly unlikable people and you sort of want to see them jump off a tall building - preferably together.

The supporting cast isn't much better, being littered with typical one-dimensional anime archetypes that seem to exist only as backdrop to occasionally poke Yamato or otherwise torment him.

The only standout character is Honoka Sakurai, who starts off as a typical anime ingenue and love rival for Yamato's affections, only to grow and mature into a young woman who moves past the indecisive and careless Yamato at practically warp speed. Honoka - wherever you are, you dodged a bullet girl.

Frankly, the best part of this anime is the title song by COACH, "Start Line". It's great and really deserves a better anime.