Farewell, My Dear Cramer
Synopsis
Over the years, the reputation of women's soccer in Japan has been gradually waning. Despite this rather bleak scenario, there are still some schools with teams trying to keep the sport alive. With that, glimmers of hope are starting to appear. Having played for the boys' soccer club when she was in middle school, Nozomi Onda's skills are nothing less than prodigious. Because of this, she thinks that playing soccer with fellow girls would only drag her down. She is only motivated to play her best when facing those she deems worthy opponents. Meanwhile, Sumire Suou is a promising rookie with exceptional talent—a talent hindered by a team that cannot keep up with her abilities. Onda, convinced by her former coach to join a girls' soccer club, and Suou, accompanied by her close friend and rival Midori Soshizaki, cross paths as members of the Warabi Seinan High School's girls' soccer team. In this new field, both girls begin to display their full potential and skills. Along with their teammates, each of their steps, kicks, and goals will grant them victory—and perhaps also ensure that the sport begins its journey back into the spotlight. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed. While some appreciate the series' realistic portrayal of women's soccer and its adherence to the source material's story, many are disappointed by the inconsistent animation, pacing issues, and underdeveloped characters. The series struggles to balance sports action with character development, leaving some viewers frustrated. There is a sense of unfulfilled potential.
Strengths
- Faithful adaptation of source material's story and characterization.
- Realistic portrayal of soccer issues and player reactions.
- Exploration of women's soccer challenges and dynamics.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent and sloppy animation quality, especially during character animation.
- Pacing issues with rushed early episodes and drawn-out later episodes.
- Over-reliance on flashbacks and monologues during matches.
- Underdeveloped and one-dimensional characters.