Naruto

Ok, so I figured since I’m probably going to be in my grave by the time Naruto actually finishes it’s whole story, I might as well write what I thought about it’s “FIRST GENERATION” or something like that. I started watching Naruto when I was a little kid, and because of that, I watched the DUBBED version. No wonder I hated it. BUT, since I re-watched the whole thing in Japanese, it was sooooooo much better. Plus, I had the option of skipping all the torturous filler episodes. Neji was no longer getting boners for destiny, and Naruto was no longer spewing out “Believe it” every f**** 5 seconds, and Gaara wasn’t as much of a f**** attention whore. Oh, and the villains didn’t sound like they just recently got a sex change. Oh wait... Orochimaru... But in the end, it turned out pretty good. I actually really enjoyed Naruto.

Story: General shonen, but pretty awesome nonetheless. I mean, there has to be a reason for why the writer is probably swimming and wiping his a** with all his oodles of money right? Obviously it sells well. B+

Art: Ummmm…. Yeahhhh…. It WAS pretty good at points, but I feel like some parts could have been hyped up more since some scenes were just of them flying through trees for like 3 minutes while talking.

Characters: DUB -→ GAG. Everyone was soooo annoying holy lobster jesus.Don't get me wrong, I'm not a dub hater, it's just that the way they filled in all of the context was so wrong and just ruined everything about the show.
SUB -→ pretty decent with the exception of Sasuke. I can’t stand that f****. GET. OVER. YOURSELF.

I only post reviews for shows I have watched completely to the last episode and I will never recommend an anime to every person because frankly, what I like may not be the same for another person. People who might enjoy this anime are fans of battle-heavy series.

Plot development : Right from the beginning we know what the entire series is about: a boy who wants to be the Hokage, or the best ninja in his village. The entire show, therefore, focuses on his development from "drop out" status to a ninja worthy of respect. Plot wise, the first few episodes were very slow, but is probably necessary because of the uniqueness of this anime. You are literally brought in to a whole new world and very appropriately, you are slowly introduced to what Konoha is like. Then as Naruto gains experience, he leaves the village and we learn along with him what the world of Naruto is like from his missions and journeys. As a series, Naruto truly is a series about Naruto growing up and gives audiences a glimpse into this amazingly well conceived world. The sequel, Naruto: Shippuuden develops upon the plots in Naruto and like all kids who grow up, they discover that the world isn't as bright as they once thought. This is highly reflected in the higher amounts of bloodshed, pains and sorrow in this sequel. But that's for a different review.

On another note, I'm glad there is little fillers compared to Shippuuden.

Character development : I would argue that Naruto has one of the best "child development" plots I have ever read or seen. I say this because Naruto as a character is very multilayered. He can be smiles and pranks, yet sorrowful and lonely in the next. His determination is simply admirable and I think it's because of these qualities that he is able to relate to and act as a catalyst that changes others. Hyuuga Neji is probably the best example. From fate-obsessed arrogant prodigy, we see an almost 180 degrees change to a more humble self-driven, still somewhat arrogant boy. Frankly, Naruto's actions constantly surprise his peers, teachers, and readers. But what still surprises me about him is his sincerity in his actions and words.

Artwork : I personally prefer the artwork in the manga. At times when manga are made into anime, they are "cleaner" and lack the gruffness that can only be seen in the manga. Despite this, I still really enjoy the swirl designs that is almost ubiquitous in the world of Naruto. As a fantasy ninja story, all the bright colors is just like a kid's fairy tale, which is very appropriate. I think the clothing designs are ok, but what I truly love in terms of artwork are the designs and layouts of the villages, Konoha especially since it is shown the most often.

Music : I like a few opening and ending themes, but I think the in-series music takes the cake here. Very rarely will you have a mainstream show with good in-series music and most have simply unimpressive scores and theme songs, but Naruto is surprisingly refreshing. Not only are the scores pleasant and fit the occasion, but the instruments and percussions used are the instruments I would imagine to exist in Naruto.

Originality : In terms of artwork and music, this is as original as it gets. However, in terms of plot and character development, it is sometimes archetypical since the protagonist will and does end up being a praise worthy person through n number of trials. However, the organization and planning that goes into the trials that Naruto has to face is unlike any other protagonist. Other anime treat friendship as if they were made of titanium and gold once forged, but I really like how this series shows how strong, weak and most importantly, how rare friendship truly is. Friends can so easily become acquaintances and then strangers and trying to rekindle a friendship is always harder than making a new one.

Score : 5/5 I don't normally give 5 stars and when I do, it's when I truly believe that the anime or manga is simply a masterpiece.

Naruto is one of my "hall of fame" series, and a MUST see for everyone. It is the prelude series to Naruto Shipuden, which is an excellent continuation of the saga founded in Naruto.

Three facts that will tempt you to stop watching Naruto, but shouldn't stop you because you will miss out on great content if you do:

1. It starts slow. I almost lost interest in the series because the opening episodes didn't do it for me. I'm so glad I stuck it out. Naruto gets GOOD. If you find the series slow, I STRONGLY encourage you to stick it out for several episodes. You will "get into it" as the story begins to unwind.

2. It's not amazing graphically. The series is high production, as well as shippuden is. They got to roll one out every week and being able to draw it fast and roll out the story takes higher priority than some other animations out there that specialize in "eye candy". Naruto is not where you go for stunning drawings, but the storyline and voice acting is excellent. The series really delivers.

3. The protagonist, Naruto, you may find unlikeable. I did. As the series unfolds, I assure you this won't be a problem. There are plenty of other characters that get lots of screen time for you to enjoy, even if you're not a fan of Naruto himself. The type of person Naruto changes into may make him more appealing later on. If you don't like the brat in the orange jumpsuit, that's OK -- there are plenty of things to enjoy about Naruto.

I'm giving it a 5. Like I said at the top of my review, its one of my "Hall of Fame" series. If you can work past the three obstacles I mentioned, I think you will really enjoy Naruto and its amazing story.

This series –all 9 seasons– is the only anime I have watched and read the manga to, it is also the only one that I have watched religiously for many years now, and even at my age of 38 I still love this series.

As a professional creative I appreciate the well developed storyline and narrative that gets more solid with each episode, and as the world of Naruto grows within your heart and mind you will find yourself overflowing with admiration for this brat that would be Hokage...
which upon viewing all 9 seasons you will naturally gravitate to Naruto Shippuden to quench your thirst.

There are great ethical stories and other life lessons within this series, making it a great watch for kids to learn that family and friendship are the most important things one can ever hope to achieve above all in this world.

Naruto is a serie that's getting old... unlike certain classics, it's not aging very well. Happily, some scenes in video games and flash back were remade recently, but the action is very lame. The fights are taking forever (yeah I watched Dragon Ball, it's worst, but it still takes forever) to go on, as the characters are always talking.

The characters are pretty good, with a lot of potential. However, the only one who isn't is the main character itself, or more like his credibility. He uses every worst strategy possible, but always end up winning, which is totally illogical. He was the worst student at the academy, but he makes progress faster than anyone and learns in only a short time the most amazing techniques. They say that in his past, he was always rejecte. However, in about 10 episodes, he has like millions of friends in mere days, what did he do during his past years ?!

If you still want to watch Naruto, just take it lightly. The universe is great and we never saw ninjas like this, points for the total originality! Sadly, it broke up kids mind, making them think they know everything about ninjas since they saw Naruto *sigh*...