Monkey Turn
Synopsis
Based on Kawai Katsutoshi's manga of the same name, published in Weekly Shounen Sunday, Monkey Turn is a sports anime based around professional speed boat racing. The anime's protagonist, Tadano Kenji, is too short to follow his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, but his baseball coach recommends him to boat racing. One day Tadano-san unexpectedly meets his old girlfriend and they exchange promises: in return for her being faithful to him, he is charged with becoming Japan's best racer within three years. The eponymous "Monkey Turn" is a boat maneuver Kenji-san thought up while visiting his girlfriend. The Monkey Turn gives Kenji quite the advantage over other boaters, but is it enough for him become the best? (Source: AniDB)
Audience Consensus
The audience generally finds "Monkey Turn" enjoyable but flawed. The anime is appreciated for its realistic depiction of the protagonist's journey and exciting racing sequences, but it's criticized for its inconsistent pacing, generic character designs and lack of character development for the supporting cast. The strong soundtrack is a highlight, contributing positively to the viewing experience.
Strengths
- Soundtrack is memorable and well-timed, enhancing emotional impact.
- Realistic portrayal of the protagonist's journey, including failures and perseverance.
- Exciting boat racing scenes.
Weaknesses
- Choppy storytelling with inconsistent pacing, especially in the beginning.
- Lack of character development for some supporting characters, like the rival.
- Main character design is generic, making it difficult to distinguish him initially.