Free swim club gay

Murakami is perhaps the most praised living author, but only book fans know him. Sincethe series has seen three seasons and five movies, with a sixth film set for release next April. This impressive track record is matched by an interesting production history. The original concept came from the light novel High Speedwhich earned an honourable mention in the Kyoto Animation Award Program an ongoing annual contest.

This led to a first season which made a splash among international anime fans. Sincethe series has maintained a sizable fanbase and a solid level of quality. Despite this impressive run, few outside Japan are aware of the series beyond season two. That first season, however, left a strong impression. The long version requires a look at long-form storytelling, melodrama in anime, and problematic representation of gay men in media.

If nothing else, I want to be honest in recommending this series. So, what is this series? We follow their journey from forming a swim club, recruiting new members, entering competitions, and navigating the transition from high school club members to professional athletes.

My Fave is Problematic: Free!

We explore this through a growing ensemble cast. The spotlight, however, always returns to Haru, Makoto, and Rin. While the series maintains the cozy vibes we expect from KyoAni, it also uses the cast to explore deeper themes. Makoto needs to figure out his own goals after spending his life caring for others.

Rin, the most dynamic character of the series, transforms from a self-sabotaging egotist to a respectable athlete and a good person. Anime rarely covers the amount of time needed for such character development. We get sequences of Haru looking for an apartment in Tokyo. Makoto searches for a part-time job during university.

When Rin moves to study abroad, Free! The series lavishes detail and personality onto its side cast. Everyone has a life beyond swimming. They have families and personal histories, hobbies and side projects, dreams and goals. We see Rei hit the books to maintain his grades.

Nagisa keeps up an active social life outside the club. Gou has friends outside the swim club, as well as an interest in calligraphy. Prior to moving to the town of Iwatobi, Miho worked as a swimsuit model.