Julzchan : Free Iwatobi Swim Club

Showing posts with label Free Iwatobi Swim Club. Show all posts

Thursday, 3 July 2014

Julz`s Free! Eternal Summer Ep.1 Review

by Julz Chan aka Julius Cantara

Like an old friend that has been gone for so long, Free! returns to us with a big,wet, joyful, hilarious hug that feels long overdue. All the while episode presents a new element or two that will emphasize the slice of life aspect of the show even further.

The episode titled, "Stormy-Dive Dash," is a good follow up to the previous season by showing that the overflowing atmosphere is brimming with friendship and with a smile on everyone`s faces. Half the episode is cute moments and fun shenanigans. Everyone is still very lively as expect with both school`s swim teams hanging out and swimming. The Iwatobi Swim Club is still as awkwardly adorable as ever.

The other half of the episode provides set up for what the season will focusing on and possibly the theme. That as much as they wish for all these happy times to be "eternal," this is Rin, Mako and Haru`s last year of high school. The way they express their uncertainty of their futures is well done by having them freeze up a bit, as it is something every high school student thinks about and is a serious issue. This will most likely create some interesting story telling opportunities.

The animation is as fluid as ever, never wasting any time to impress. As per usual there is fan service however as before it is timed well as it fits into the moment and is very light.

The ending sequence, titled "Future Fish" works better than the previous one "Splash Free."

Where season one`s ending music video was telling a story however it had little to do with the show. Eternal Summer`s ending sequence works in correspondence with the possible focus of this season. The boys being are unsure of their future is complimented by them dreaming about future careers.

The only problems with the episode was that while the new character,Sousuke Yamazaki, was meant to be set-up but not particularly the strong kind as viewers will know nothing about him. While Rin was introduced at the end of the first episode of the previous season he at least shown in flash backs to see who he was. This however is a minor quibble as seen in the previews Sousuke may present a challenge for the team`s friendship.

The art is as radiant, well framed and detailed, other times the details can go too far, especially with some of the team`s anatomy, but again a small complaint as the art is still visually appealing.

Overall the episode is like a return to this series of friendship, fun, silliness and hot swimmer guys that set up interesting themes . Free! Eternal Summer, "Stormy Dive-Dash" receives a 4.8/5 !

Thursday, 26 September 2013

Julz`s Free Iwatobi Swim Club Episode 12 Review

So many FEELS! I hope to see them again next summer !

Thursday, 19 September 2013

Julz`s Free Iwatobi Swim Club Episode 11 Review

As we near the end of Free`s run, tension starts to heat up, starting with Rei. Normally it is criticized that Rei has been a new member of the team from the start and the story shouldn`t have focused on him more than the others. However it is difficult to argue with him after seeing how serious he was when he confronted Rin.Rei really wanted to get to the root of things and wasen`t afraid to analyze everything. There were in fact moments where you`d feel as if Rin and Rei were going to punch each other.

Despite this being another episode focused on Rei, but the tension of the first seen really makes you forget about that. Especially given the look in Rei`s eyes as he told off Rin, telling him not to interfere. Basically telling Rin to stay away from his friends. Showing how very passionate Rei is about being on the swim team and how much he cares for his friends.

While this episode was yet another episode devoted to the togetherness of the team and promoting friendship and team work, but as always it did so by allowing us to genuinely feel the team getting closer together. Haru and the others having fun, having very goofy moments (Nagisa why with the melon bread ?! Are your trying to ruin our chances ?!!) and them having very intimate moments where they tell each other about how they feel. Like how Haru shows gratitude towards Mako and Nagisa. Trust me as a kid who grew up in the 90`s, there were worse stories being told about friendship and togetherness that made you wanna puke. Unlike this story.

Also in terms of togetherness, or in this case love interests, this show has a habit of implying love interests or love triangles without calling it out. There were actually scenes where the usually slashed paring (Haru/Mako, Haru/Rin and Nagisa/Rei) were teased at. And you can feel these characters actually getting closer and possibly more intimate.

Haru/Rin fans can agree that the episode really hinted at Rin`s relationship with Haru. While he still kept his reason for swimming in the relay vague, it is very clear Rin wishes to swim with Haru again. Especially, when Rei asked what Rin`s feelings were to Haru. Sure it is still vague but you get the implicated idea while watching.

And I`d be totally blind if I didn`t mention the bedroom scenes with Haru and Mako. Or when Nagisa was talking to Rei in his sleep. Again hinting at love interests without calling it out !

Surprisingly there was little to no fan service, again! However to those of you who only watched the episode once, mind taking a look in the locker room while Mako was changing out of his swim suit. Why must couch`s head block us. Another thing to be teased at in this episode.

Lastly, the episode did well by having this seem perfect as our team is ready, hyped and above all anxious about the regionals, in the last few scenes things start to look bleak. Rin telling Rei that he better not embarrass his team mates at the relay may lead to some doubt for our blue haired butterfly. And if Rin thinks he can walk away unscathed, think again. As it seems a great twist has occurred with line up relay. To Rin`s utter shock. Hopefully these issues will be expound upon next episode and one wonders how they can be resolved given it will be the final episode.

Who knows what will come from this. Will Rin have a nervous breakdown, looks like. While Rei succumb to doubt and screw up ? Join me next time for the season finally of Free.