English Dub Review: Wind Breaker “A Gentleman”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

“That’s why I’m going to take all of Furin…and you for myself!” declares Shishitoren’s leader, Choji Tomiyama, as he makes his way onto Furin High School grounds.  Finally, it’s a one-on-one showdown between Bofurin and Shishitoren!

Our Take:

The students of Furin High School find themselves facing a challenge they can’t refuse: a one-on-one tournament against their rival group, Shishitoren.  This week’s episode sees Sakura and the Bofurin gang heading into Shishitoren territory to commence their little competition.  However, the Shishitoren turf isn’t like the one from Furin, as it is filled with nothing but pubs.  However, the main attraction of this particular area is a rundown movie theater that serves as the Shishitoren group’s headquarters and the location of their one-on-one tournament.

The tournament arc of the season starts with the first two matches showcasing some of the Bofurin members’ skills.  The first match commences with Sugishita battling Yukinari Arima from Shishitoren.  However, that fight didn’t last long, as Sugishita took out Arima in one shot despite getting punched in the face.  The real juice of the episode comes from the second match, with Hayato Suo confronting an anxious Minoru Kanuma.  Although his details are unknown according to Nirei, Suo’s personality and fighting skills are all we needed to know about the eye-patch-wearing student.  He’s seen as a gentlemanly fellow whose quick reflexes and well-mannered behavior manipulated Kanuma’s anxiety, resulting in Suo winning the second match for Bofurin.  As for Kanuma, the poor guy was left humiliated.

The special tournament has already gotten off to a great start, with Bofurin leading with two matches to none.  But, of course, there are still more challenges lying ahead that could break that streak.  While Shishitoren’s first two contestants were seen as appetizers, “A Gentleman” still packs a punch with its animation style, particularly in its fight sequences. Suo’s unique fighting technique against Kanuma is especially noteworthy for relying on reflexes over punches.  Maybe the later episodes could crank up the stakes a notch?