Golden Boy |
 | Summary:Coming-of-age tale follows a brilliant yet spasmodically kinky college student through some erogenous (And non-erongenous) misadventures. Screwball sex comedy is ideal for fans of vibrantly crafted characters n' animation. Those willing to dismiss the occasionally cornball antics appreciate it's jesting lead, surprisingly engaging plot. |
| Title Aka: | N/A |
| Company/Distributors: | Tatsuya Egawa;KSS;Shueisha;A.D.V. Films |
| Year: | 1995 |
| Length: | 6 Episode Series |
| Rating: |  |
| Genres: | Comedy |
| Format: | OAV Series |
| Content Level | N/A |
| Comments: | N/A |
Synopsis:
Hiroyuki Kitakubo's "Golden Boy" is a funny, clever and kinky comedy about a young man trying to make his mark. The self-described 'freeder' "Kintaro Oe" serves as the OAV's key protagonist, a zealous yet presumably gauche college student who's early disavowal from law school prones heavy and consilient moments with numerous women; consequentially, six of them if anyone's counting. And who is counting indeed?, it's a question which one may preponderantly ask themselves while watching an anime like Golden Boy. However, what makes Kitakubo's Kintaro such an amusing character is his ability to draw us perhaps uncomfortably into his world, the more we learn about Kintaro's often ludicrous antics, surprisingly the more we tend to appreciate of our young hero. I was pondering to myself as I watched Golden Boy, I was amazed at the sheer level of involvement I obtained with both the characters and it's story; it's something very surprising indeed. This is mostly due to the fact that Golden Boy never, EVER even dreams of crossing the bounds of 'hem-epic' comedy; much like most humor of this caliber existing within voids of character dimension. Later, it comes of no surprise that Golden Boy in fact manages to cross these bounds; even if it's in the most modest form of all. The series is definately not your 'run-of-the-mill' gross-out comedy, Kintaro Oe is a real character; not one dense, shallow or soulless one, rather one with ambition, feeling & dreams. It's facinating to follow Kintaro through his autonomous behavior of will and purpose, some of which may appear grating through short bursts; though never offensive to the onlooker in true heart, however most of it happens to be below the belt. Being allowed to receive both in Golden Boy is just part of the fun journey. Review:Each episode of Golden Boy involves at least one running gag and one gorgeous woman. All of which have little or nothing in common except for the gigantic emotional dent left with Kintaro; despite the fact of being uneven through emotional probity and meaning. Each To explain the sheer meaning of Golden Boy is to attempt to cross the lines of eminent 'SPOILER' potentiality; and that's something which I don't wish to do simply because of one single reason. I happen to personally like Golden Boy quite a bit, in fact a whole lot & I would like other fans to see it; instead of the usual convention of empty summary and commentary, let's do something a little different. In the spirit of Kitakubo's character I'm sure. I'll attempt to break up each episode as precise as possible. Also, I'll do my best to keep spoilers to a minimum: #1)A running gag about computer programing is the backbone of our introduction. Kintaro falls onto the scene (Literally) of a predicament of immense potential. He's discovered a temporary job as a worker in a comp software dev. firm; here he's offered the occassional potentiality of further zealous antics. Which in fact happens to be his 'cup-o-tea'. That is, if he could even afford a decent practicing device. One hilarious moment involves his "handy dandy notebook" and a scene bringing new definition to the phrase: "toilet humor". This particular moment however would occur more than once. #2)Our hero has discovered a new job as an illustrious politician's campaign manager perhaps of sorts. On the temptation end is the comely daughter.... Don't worry, this one has a happy ending. I think so. #3)Oh what a nicely done episode!, Ugh!,.. Sorry, almost slipped there for a minute; it's too late if you're already itching to see GB. This one involves the homey daughter of a noodle restaurant owner, as well as an affluent degenerate who acts and dresses like an honorable family man; not married but allegedly attempting to be. Unlike the previous two episodes, this one is slightly less debauched, more quirky & romantic. Plus it also has a happy end and also a humorous scene at a race track & a bridge. That's as far as I go. #4)Kintaro gets caught up into some testosterone display as he blindly challenges an 'ex-Olympic' swim champion to a race. The beautiful instructor accepts and we are amid more bizarre antics and humor. This one is a breezy and fun story about getting back to the roots of individual passion & ambition. #5)Kintaro's speed and agility is put to the test in an all out ego race involving a large estate owned by an aristocrat & a beautiful woman (As if you weren't expecting that!). This one ends w/one of the most amazing chase sequences ever in my opinion. Look out, this one's also rauchy and has a quirky yet satisfying ending. #6)Well, did you believe I was that giving? You'll have to see this one for yourself. Believe me, it's worth the five session wait.... I find it rather pointless to try and write a review for Golden Boy, because it's just one of those series that wants to be seen, not heard. It's the kind of anime that makes you happy and leaves you in comic adulation. Make no mistake about it, this is an anime series which is fully aware of it's audience & leaves no prisoners; but the rauchy humor in Golden Boy is hardly what I would call dark or offensive. While the humor may be dark in mind, it's not dark in heart; nor is it through impeccable execution. Among the greatest moments are a riotous motorcycle chase sequence involving Kintaro's "Mach 5-esque" 'Mikasuki 5' & of course the wonderful ending; which foremost left me satisfied. Although, despite the clarity and precision of it all, I found myself wanting a lot more. Golden Boy movie anyone?.... Not only is Golden Boy comically sound and riotous in tone, it's also gorgeous to look at; complete with appropriate music and timing which is foremost perfect to the core. It's quite possible you'll never see a more fun and satsisfying comic ride; who's heart remains pure and ambitious much like it's jesting protagonist. "Kitakubo" never asks us to witness an epic caliber work, nor does he ask us to be moved; our intellection to be praised, nor our thoughts to be provoked through shallow and often brusque journeys of emotional indentation. He only calmly and kindly asks us to follow Kintaro for a short time during his journey, to fill the gaps and ensconce his shoes; which are probably filthy but nonetheless fun to be in. Just remember to jump to it, because "Buddha Only Waits Three Times!!". Click Here To See Overvew! |
episode is fast, fun & moving in it's own little way; which brings up one of the best and most important qualities of the Kintaro Oe character. His modesty and good will. This may sound really galling and corny paired with this sort of storyline, but Golden Boy is a series which provides equal joy discovered in poignant dramas of the heart, it slowly but frentically shapes it's meaning through quirky and riotous characters; some of which are not even aware of their potential greatness for anime. There are surprising moments where you just want to laugh and cry along with the characters, they are specific and subtle moments which just make me feel good to be an anime fan. Golden Boy offers a great reason of the medium's greatness and modest history of immense detail and attentive awareness for character; that which Golden Boy is fully aware amid it's fantastic ending. Which will just put a huge smile on your face, even if you're not an anime fan. Believe me, I've seen it happen.