As an avid fan of both anime and golf, I was excited to dive into Netflix's new series, "Rising Impact." Based on the manga by Nakaba Suzuki, best known for "The Seven Deadly Sins," this 2024 anime adaptation promised a blend of sports drama and coming-of-age elements. Here’s my take on the series, combining a balanced view of its strengths and weaknesses.
"Rising Impact" follows the journey of Gawain Nanaumi, a third-grader with a passion for baseball, who discovers his potential in golf after a chance encounter with a pro golfer, Kiria Nishino. The plot kicks off with Gawain, using his physical strength and skills honed from rural mountain life, managing to hit a golf ball as far as seasoned professionals. Encouraged by Kiria, Gawain enrolls at Camelot Academy, where he aims to become the best professional golfer in the world, facing off against various prodigies and rivals.
One of the major strengths of "Rising Impact" is its animation quality. Lay-duce, the studio behind the series, has done a commendable job in capturing the dynamic movements and the serene yet competitive atmosphere of the golf course. The character designs by Kiyotaka Oshiyama add a unique flair, making each character visually distinct and memorable. The animation, while not reaching the heights of top-tier sports anime like "Haikyuu!!" or "Kuroko no Basket," still holds its own and provides a visually pleasing experience.
The voice acting is another highlight. Misaki Kuno brings Gawain Nanaumi to life with a spirited performance, capturing his youthful exuberance and determination. The supporting cast, including Yumiri Hanamori as Lancelot Norman and Yō Taichi as Kiria Nishino, also deliver solid performances that add depth to their characters.
However, the series does stumble in certain areas. The storyline, while engaging, follows a somewhat predictable path. The familiar shonen structure of overcoming one rival after another can feel repetitive, especially if you're well-versed in the genre. The initial episodes set up the narrative well, but as the series progresses, some plot points feel recycled from other sports dramas, which can detract from its originality.
Additionally, the pacing at times feels uneven. The show spends a significant amount of time on character backstories and training montages, which, while important, can slow down the main plot. Some viewers might find these segments a bit tedious, yearning for more action-packed golf matches instead.
Despite these issues, "Rising Impact" does succeed in delivering an emotional punch. The relationships between characters, especially between Gawain and Kiria, are well-developed and provide a strong emotional core. The themes of perseverance, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams are handled with sincerity, making it easy to root for Gawain and his friends.
Musically, Masaru Yokoyama's score complements the series well, enhancing both the intense and the more contemplative moments. The soundtrack isn't overly memorable but serves its purpose in supporting the narrative.
In conclusion, "Rising Impact" is a solid addition to the sports anime genre. While it doesn't break new ground, it offers a heartfelt story with likable characters and decent animation. Fans of the manga and those who enjoy sports dramas with a touch of coming-of-age elements will find much to appreciate. However, its predictability and pacing issues might deter those looking for something more innovative.
Overall, "Rising Impact" gets a recommendation from me, especially for younger audiences and fans of golf. It’s a series that, despite its flaws, manages to inspire and entertain, much like the sport it centers around.
Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times