"Ippon" Again! Episode 4 anime review
In just the second review, Ippon Again! has exceeded expectations with a captivating episode full of one-on-one matches and impressive animation. The standout match between Hiura and Amane is brilliantly executed, with animation that perfectly captures the intensity of each move and the struggle for balance. The absence of excessive side commentary allows the audience to focus on the fluidity of the match and appreciate the difference between a waza-ari and a full ippon. The writing remains strong, with Hiura and Amane's story playing out in a sentimental and heartwarming way, leading to a perfect crescendo at the end of the episode.
In addition to the thrilling matches, the episode also explores the girls' responses to combat, highlighting Michi's spirit as the perfect glue for the team, despite her lack of skill. Sanae's endurance-based ground game sets her apart from the others, and the strategic approach to counter it demonstrates that there's more to judo than just pure skill. These elements all help to establish the Kasumigaoka team as unique characters and build a sense of camaraderie within the group. Overall, this is the best episode yet, with engaging matches and strong character-building.
"Ippon" Again! Episode 6 anime review
After experiencing a surge of adrenaline last week, it was only a matter of time before things would settle down. The show was not built to sustain such high levels of tension and movement for multiple episodes in a row. Nevertheless, despite the conclusion of Hiura and Amane's match being less visually stunning than its beginning, it still serves as a fitting end to their story for the time being. The girls' regrets, admiration, and gratitude all come across well, which is the most important aspect. Hiura using the same move that Amane taught her to win is a great way to punctuate the scene, but the real payoff of the match was always going to be seeing the two reunite without the baggage of their past circumstances.
The focus then shifts to Michi's match, which delves into more typical sports anime territory. That is, there are more cutaways and commentary from those on the sidelines. It is decidedly slower than last week's approach, but it does an excellent job of fleshing out the nuances of judo for viewers like myself while also giving us greater insight into Michi's relationship with the sport. I particularly appreciate the detail that when the match is on the line, Michi becomes so focused that she stops shouting out her attacks, only to resume when she gets into the groove. Despite Michi and her opponent having no real connection to build off of, I was still engrossed in their bout thanks to the show's exceptional writing.
I also appreciate that Michi is not content to just defend herself when she has a lead in points. Although that may be the smart thing to do in a tournament setting, this girl has a fire that cannot be extinguished by simply eking out a technical victory. It's ippon or nothing, and I love how the rest of the club (and Nagumo) cheer her on for it. If you're the type of sports enthusiast who values win percentages or who takes home a trophy above all else, then Michi's approach may be infuriating to you. However, I fully support this determined little "dumbass" and her desire to have her way, or not at all. The magic of sport lies in the act itself, not the final result.
Unfortunately, Michi's loss means that the club will not be able to compete at nationals, which redirects our attention to their everyday lives. Specifically, we begin to explore Nagumo's egotistical behavior and all the turbulent adolescent emotions she's wrestling with when it comes to the judo club. Although we do not fully understand what is going on in her head, it appears that she feels excluded from the growing camaraderie of the club and is debating whether giving up her years of kendo training is worth being closer to her friends. She is also clearly harboring intense emotions for Michi. We have yet to witness their friendship before high school, but it is evident that Nagumo holds their connection in high regard. Given how quickly Michi defended her in episode three, it is easy to see why. All in all, "Ippon" again smoothly returns to its typical wheelhouse of subdued personal drama and charming comedy, leaving me eager to see Nagumo's decision in the upcoming episode.
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