Golden Boy - Review

Duration: 6 episodes (24 mins each)
Genre: Adventure, Comedy

Well into the new year and off into the new decade, I hope everyone enjoyed their new years, preferably not too hungover. Anyways, again it's a new year, and people associate it with new beginnings, new challenges to tackle, a fresh start if you will. Collectively, these usually take form as new years resolutions. Sure, a good deal of you have probably broken or have not kept up with your respective resolutions for this year already. Regardless, I believe it's a good time to expand one's horizons.

Though fairly old by today's standards, Golden Boy is one of those stand-out series that will leave a lasting impression with viewers. Amongst its somewhat perverted and outlandish exterior is a wholesome piece of storytelling which often reminds me that it's never too late to start over and that the world is yours; hopefully not sounding like a children's morning TV show, and we can do anything we desire to be.

Story

Kintaro Oe is a 25 year old who withdrew from University despite meeting all of his requirements for his degree. He's become a wandering student/freelancer, traveling around on his bike seeking to learn everything he possible can about life, the world, and most importantly, women. Kintaro has an unwavering will to do any type of job and is determined to prove his abilities to others as he picks up a new trade. Extremely hardworking and very principle-oriented, the people he meets during his travels eventually learn to appreciate his qualities, though often times too late as he runs off to his next endeavor.

Its episodes are of the episodic nature with each featuring a particular job and because of its sexual humor, a woman respective job he takes on. The structure pretty much lends itself to this type of format, which is completely okay. Following a set-in-stone format, and with a fairly predictable plotline one may sayGolden Boy isn't really worth the watch, but its charm and inspiring lead set it aside as one of those classics that any anime follower should not miss out on.

Characters

Kintaro Oe: The main focus and Golden Boy himself, he embodies what I would say most guys would aspire to be. Naturally intelligent in school and in life, his weaknesses only appear when it involves women--indulge your inner pervert.

Madame President: Unexpected to Kintaro, she is the owner of a software developing company. A super feminist who despises all men and their status in the world, until Kintaro shows up that is. Honestly, they should've given her a proper name. Ms. Jiggly Boobs will suffice for now.

Reiko Terayama: The daughter of one of the richest men in Kyoto, she lives in ultra traditional housing and by old customs. As a result, she has an untamed wild side that few have ever witnessed. Let's just say she likes motorcycles...a lot.


Chie: A cel painter at an anime studio. She doesn't believe to be that special or important and surely lacks some self-esteem. Not sure why I decided to include her in front of some other girls from the series as she might have been my least favorite out of the bunch. Hmm..I just happened to like her smile and she needs some TLC.

Voice Acting/Sound

Again, I'm beginning to believe I'm too easy of a critic when it comes to voice acting, the Japanese VAs have it down again. I honestly can't complain at all other than some of them seeming too standard and run-of-the-mill. Mitsuo Iwata's role as Kintaro was great and kept me intrigued as the series progressed. Though along with the rest of the cast, I can't say I was impressed too much. Perhaps a little too familiarized with the Japanese voice cast, I did some skimming through the English dubbed version and thought English VAs were a bit out of place, making me cringe at times.

Loved
90s animation: One will immediately notice when watching the opening where you see Kintaro in his boot-cut light-blue jeans, this is not a recent anime at all. Some say it might look dated, but I still love 90s styled animation. Sure, I do like my fair share of moé-fied anime, but sometimes I'd like my male characters to look less androgynous and my female characters to look older than 10.

Onizuka who?: One of my absolute favorite series to date is Great Teacher Onizuka. If left with only one anime series to watch for the rest of my life, GTO would be it. Though I can realize the truth and give credit where credit is due as Golden Boy pretty much paved the way for GTO; similar wholehearted and earnest leads with awfully similar enthusiasm for anything with a vagina.

Hated
Tatas: People may think I'm crazy, you don't like boobs? Trust me, I do. I'm often times on the fence when recommending an anime to people when it has blatant scenes of ecchi fanservice as many people can't look past the boobs. Love the boobs, but try to suggest watching this one with a lady friend and see what she thinks...

Length: Despite the 'plot' coming full circle in the last episode, I truly felt the need for some more Kintaro "studying action", and perhaps more encounters with crazy women. Sure, the lasting effect of the series may be lessened if there were more episodes, but I believe the writers could have extended it to possibly 9 or 10 episodes. Six just doesn't do the series justice. I guess those who want more can find a similar lead in Onizuka from GTO.

The Lowdown: Most likely to only appeal to males, in order to fully enjoy and thoroughly appreciate how amazing Golden Boy is, one must be fairly open-minded in regards to sexual jokes and blatant shots of nudity. Aside from the sexual themes, it delivers positive messages and an overall good feeling that most people can agree with.

Quite possibly the best screenshot I've taken thus far.

Notes: Watches series from beginning to end (Japanese subs) and parts of English dub.