One of the best and influential anime | Hikaru No Go, Vol. 1: The Go Masters Descent

"At long last I have found the one" | Hikaru No Go, Vol. 1: The Go Masters Descent | Tomoko Kawakami, Yu Asakawa

DVDs:


	• Hikaru No Go, Vol. 1: The Go Masters Descent Tomoko Kawakami, Yu Asakawa Viz Video, 2005 average customer review:based on 14 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Better in the Japanese with Sub titles

I know that Anime often uses adults to do the voices of the kids. However, I feel that in this case, either the wrong choices were made for the English version or the voices were directed/coached improperly. I've been a huge fan of this series for years and until recently could only watch the anime on the web. It was nice to see it on DVD but I found the English voices to be fairly annoying--they sound too forces and childish. I was initially disappointed but then switched to Japanese voices with English subtitles. There's a lot more emotion, interest and excitement in the original Japanese. Now I really enjoy the DVDs in the original language. I recommend the series because the topic is so unique, the characters are well-developed, and the plot easily retains your interest over the whole series.

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One of the best and influential anime

I read the chinese translated version of the manga many years ago but only watched the anime series late last year. This story does not only teaches one to never give up what seems impossible, but also the meaning of life through Go. The anime does not only tell the story but also educates audiences in playing Go as well. It is so influential that I went to learn and buy a Go set and came to appreciate this anime even more. The theme songs and BGM are also very catchy and nice. This anime is great for all ages and whole family to watch.

"At long last I have found the one"

What a wonderful story! Hikaru is searching his granddad's basement, to see if there is anything of value he can sell, to compensate for losing his allowance after a failed test, and he comes across a Go board. This has a profound effect on his life, since together with the board, he finds the spirit of Sai, an ancient Go player that has some unfinished business with the game; he seeks to play the Divine Move. Therefore, he possesses Hikaru and they quickly struck a deal, Hikaru will play go following Sai's guidance in exchange for the spirit helping him with his courses, especially the dreaded history.

The transformation Hikaru suffers, even in this few first episodes is mesmerizing, since he goes from a disrespectful attitude for the game to displaying an interest and passion that grow with each game he plays. Sai's past life is a central part of the story, and one that gives it a very interesting twist. Being a fanatic chess player myself, I can relate with Sai's passion for the game. Since Go has similar characteristics to chess, I can understand how the events that developed in his past life affected his existence.

Right from the start we get to see a myriad of opponents Hikaru has to face, each with his unique characteristics. The fact that the story provides background on each of these is a big plus in my book. There is also a hint of romance in the air, between Hikaru and his female friend, but the series has not gone there yet; I am pretty sure it will though.

In terms of the graphics, these are some of the most impressive I have ever seen, with drawings with an unbelievable level of detail and bright and crisp colors. The animation is so good that you can almost feel that Go is an action game, instead of a quiet board game. Such is the intensity of the characters when they play it! Another important feature in this DVD, which is helpful for a big part of its Western audience, is the glossary explaining the game of Go and the terms used in the anime. Besides this, there are short video segments in between episodes, with a teacher and two kids explaining the basics of the game.

I never thought that a series about playing a board game could be so fast-paced and exciting. This is definitely a great find!

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Hikaru No Go (Must See More)

i bought this at a video store location that's closing in my neighborehood because i've been reading the manga in shonen jump. and i love this after i got to the end of the DVD i found myself wanting to see more.

this is a great series. and i am going to try my best to get a hold of more episodes.

Melissa

Pleasantly surprised

I watched this because of my own interest in Go, and because I thought it would be fun to watch with my daughter - who is studying the game with me. But it is my wife and I who watch Hikaru No Go so raptly! It's very hard, with so many episodes available, to avoid just burning through them. The story does an excellent job of building anticipation for what happens next. The animation itself is nothing special, although it isn't bad by any means. What really shines in this series is the great story, about friendship, personal growth, determination, and Go, of course! The games of Go are very exciting. For reference, some other animes that we think are good are FMA, El Hazard, A Little Snow Fairy Sugar, and Witch Hunter Robin. (Just in case you thought I was a big Sailor Moon fan spouting off about the next "big thing".) After my wife and I watched these, I was concerned they were too sophisticated for my daughter (age 6). I was wrong. She loves the show.

One irritating thing about these DVDs is the poor dub quality. Do yourself a favor and watch them in Japanese with the subtitles. The English voices are extremely grating. Hikaru doesn't sound like a sixth grader. Akira sounds like he has a stick up his backside, and poor Sai has been given an extremely foppish voice. Come on! Sai in the Japanese is really cool! Again, watch with subtitles! The only other thing that irritates me about these discs is the Naruto preview at the beginning of each disc, which cannot be skipped. You have to fast forward through it.

A special bonus: each episode is accompanied by a live-action Go lesson!

We really look forward to the rest of the series.

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Debut DVD Release on the SHONEN JUMP DVD Library

With a two-tone hairstyle and a streak of immaturity, Hikaru Shindo finds an old Go board with a hidden surprise. Trapped within the Go Board is Fujiwara-no-Sai, the ghost of an ancient Go master. In the blink of an eye, Sai becomes part of Hikaru's consciousness and soon Hikaru begins to learn the true essence behind this ancient game of skill and strategy. Serialized in SHONEN JUMP Magazine:

reviews: page 1, 2, 3

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