First problem I have with this series is the art. This art. Is. Absolutely. Horrendous. The low frame rate for the parts where we need it and over intricate shots of things that we don't need to see (namely onsen scenes- just please).
Second: Sound. This is arguably the part where everyone goes "OMG the soundtracks are so good!" Let's face it- when is an anime soundtrack absolutely flawless? Never. I'm honestly way too picky about this, but it's so obvious that they just used MIDI crap for most of the instrumentals. The violin used? Meh. The music composed for this whole thing was just mediocre for the context that it was used in. In all honestly I would have preferred Bolero over the weird gigue that they used.
Story: This was okay? I guess? This is comparable to some trashy shoujo mangas that I've read. The problem I have with this one is that it's just not realistic although people say this is. Who lands quadruples like it's nothing? Nobody. After watching more than one winter olympics, I can tell you that even the people who go on to medal have trouble landing quadruples. Their skating routines are so all over the place, and combined with the crappy frame rate and the mediocre soundtracks makes the whole skating part of this anime just not enjoyable. Go watch reruns of the winter olympics rather than this if you want to see hot guys actually doing good skating routines. I understand that the characters are pretty relatable, but I've seen character development like this in many other series. It's nothing new.
We should all accept that the skating world and the world of the arts in general is flat out brutal. If someone can't put up with a loss after working so hard- suck it up; it happens all the time in the sports and artistic world. Speaking from an artist's POV.
To sum this review up, don't waste your time on this unless you're here for the hot guys in this series.
