A tv show review written by Lee Sonogan
24min (2002-2007) Animation, adventure, action
Kakashi: [introducing himself to his students for the first time] I am Hatake Kakashi. I have no intentions of telling you my likes and dislikes. As for my dream… I have few hobbies.
Dedicating this review for the first series of Naruto, it is an anime that may be overlooked. In a land of ninjas, Naruto is a mischievous adolescent in search for recognition and to fill his dreams of becoming the Hokage. Other than the main character, the stories get deep fast. From history, politics, and psychological plots, it has some light-hearted comedy that you would come to expect.
The young origin stories are the focus of the original run of Naruto compared to its Naruto Shippūden counterpart. Similar to Dragon Ball Z’ early show simply named Dragon Ball, I would say this initial show branches out in the character department. And establishes more development in trails and particular scenes.
Unique in its ideas through origin stories and engagement in the serious scenes. Randomly you will be forced to consume a decent amount of filler. Either flashback, different perspectives and much more. Hence you need to be invested in all elements to keep yourself engaged in this one.
Naming my favourite characters that are from the adults and teens to include Kakashi, Jiraiya, Gaara, Itachi Uchiha, Might Guy and many more. Each gets their own memorable moments that are beautifully portrayed. By the end, the build and execution of payoffs leave you breathless.
Addicting to a point where if you decide to watch this then it becomes addicting. Sure, there is plenty of cliché archetypes, but it delivers on realistic emotion, brutal intensity and plain amusement. Saying that it gets even better when you get to Naruto Shippūden. If you cannot be hooked after ten episodes in then it may just not be a show you will not like anyway.