Yuri!!! On Ice captivates anime fans and casual viewers

Yuri!!! On Ice is an anime television series revolving around the sport of figure skating. It is currently available on Netflix and Crunchyroll, an anime streaming service.

In the series, Ice skater Yuri Katsuki is left to decide the fate of his career after a crushing defeat at the Grand Prix Final. During his hiatus, a video of Yuri mimicking a skate routine by his ice skating idol, Victor Nikiforov, is leaked online without Yuri’s permission and gains mass attention. With a peak in interest, Victor decides to coach Yuri. However, Yuri Plisetsky, a boastful and self-regarding competitor, has anger for Victor for failing to comply to his promise of giving him a skating training session. Unable to decide who to coach, Victor makes the two Yuri’s compete against each other. As both Yuris vow to win this and the Grand Prix championship, the destiny of all three skaters are paved out.

One thing I appreciate about Yuri!!! On Ice is its simplistic yet charming plot. It is easy to follow but has enough triumph to carry on without feeling deflated. The plot perfectly details the slice-of-life aspect revolving Yuri Katsuki and the moments of tension following the competition. Due to the fact that it is an accurate portrayal of an ice skating competition, there is little room for predictability and the stakes are high for all skaters.

Besides a strong plot, the characters have a lot to offer from the main characters to the side characters. My personal favorite is Yuri Katsuki due to his relatable nature and quirkiness. What makes his presence extra special is his role as the narrator. Victor Nikiforov also holds attributes of a strong character with a charismatic essence. The show breaks stereotypes by having Victor be an understanding person for Yuri K and not look down on him as a lesser person. I find myself laughing at certain points at Victor’s dialogue because he sounds nearly identical to Gru from Despicable Me. Despite his unlikability, I also have a soft spot for Yuri K.

The side characters also have a lot to offer despite their limited screen time.

While acting as a comedy, the show knows when to take itself seriously, as it contains certain topics and issues that everyday people deal with, such as the pressure to be perfect in every situation and the death of a loved one. It is an emotional rollercoaster ride full of heartfelt moments and crucial tension.

For anyone who is not familiar with the rules of ice skating competitions, Yuri Katsuki does a great job of comically explaining the process. Audiences of all kinds will be captivated with the beautifully animated ice skating routines complemented by professional sounding music composed by Taro Umebayashi and Taku Matsushiba.

While there are little flaws, it is evident to point out that there are currently only twelve episodes of the show. There is a lot left for viewers to ask themselves when they finish the show due to its limited perspectives. I wish we got backstories for the supporting characters, because it would produce a great bond between the skaters and the viewers.

Despite heavily influence on sports, both sports fans and non-sports fans alike can get satisfaction out of this wonderfully crafted show.