Buzz
1. Visuals
The story takes place in an urban setting, but features very few background characters. Streets, and especially the bridge where Kiriyama Rei often walks, are depicted with sparse colors, evoking the feeling of sunlight piercing through the character's inner thoughts. However, key scenes are carefully detailed, such as the shogi club and the children’s home.
3. A Colorful Shogi World
3-Gatsu no Lion, from a different perspective, is a sports anime centered around shogi, the Japanese game of strategy. The series not only delivers intense, mind-bending matches, but also provides a lively and easy-to-understand introduction to the game for viewers unfamiliar with it. After watching 3-Gatsu no Lion, you might just feel inspired to learn how to play shogi yourself.
4. Adorable and Hilarious Moments
In addition to the expansive melancholic scenes and heartfelt reflections, 3-Gatsu no Lion skillfully rebalances the tone with charmingly humorous details. The onomatopoeia and mimetic words from the manga are preserved and voiced with delightful, childlike innocence.
5. The Anime is Adapted from the Manga of the Same Name
3-Gatsu no Lion is adapted from the manga by Chika Umino, which will soon be licensed and published in Vietnam by Kim Dong Publishing. Many are already familiar with Chika Umino’s previous work, Honey and Clover. This connection allows even those who aren’t anime fans to experience the beautiful world of 3-Gatsu no Lion through the traditional manga format.
6. The Plot and Themes of the Film
3-Gatsu no Lion takes us through the life of a young, gifted shogi player, Kiriyama Rei. He’s regarded as a prodigy in the shogi world, achieving great success at a young age. However, few realize how lonely and exhausting his life is outside the game. The series explores the darker side of success, as well as the emotional struggles of those who rise to the top.
The film also carries powerful messages about the sacredness of friendship and family, the hardships faced by adopted children, and themes of personal growth and the desire to overcome one’s own limitations.
7. Characters
In terms of character design, the characters in 3-Gatsu no Lion are almost identical to their manga counterparts, with minimal alterations. There are no elaborate hairstyles or deep, sparkling eyes, but despite this, each character exudes a unique and unmistakable beauty.
