Ousama Ranking was definitely a hidden surprise for anime fans when it first dropped. No one really expected it to be as good as it turned out in the end. It craftily subverted all expectations one might have from the very first episode and continued to do so throughout the show.
This series is based on the manga of the same name by Tooka Sousuke. Wit Studio has handled the gorgeous animation, and it has 23 episodes in total.
The uniqueness and the philosophical intricacies of the anime make viewers come back to it all the time. That is why here are 5 Reasons you should revisit the anime!
Ousama Ranking: 5 Reasons You Should Revisit the Anime!
The Unbreakable Friendship between Kage and Bojji
When the anime starts, we realise that Kage and Bojji will be friends but never have we thought that they would end up becoming soulmates. Both faced unsavoury pasts and both craved love and attention in their lives.
It was only natural that their collective good hearts would join and produce one of the best anime duos ever. Their bond will not only inspire you to strive to be better but will also pull at your heartstrings.
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The Unconventional Animation
It is safe to say that the animation of this anime was definitely out of the box. Many underestimated this style and tone and thought it to be too childish, but Wit proved everyone wrong.
The whimsical animation gives out almost a Ghibli feel to its fantastical setting and captures the attention of the viewers. It perfectly masks the intricate world-building in the background and deceives us into thinking that Ousama Ranking will not have dark themes.
Complex and Believable Characters
This show really keeps you guessing who is what from the very first episode. No one is what they seem, and even their intentions defer from what they speak. The characters are so multifaceted that they almost seem human.
In the beginning, we were sure Hiling was the stereotypical wicked stepmother, and Dormas was the supportive teacher who supports the shonen protagonist at every step. But we were so off the mark that it is laughable. Even with Bosse, we expected him to be the caring father, only for him to turn up as one of the biggest villains in the series.
Dark Themes
For a show depicting the journey of a young boy, Ousama Ranking is pretty gory and bloody. Douma intentionally ripping his hand off to repent is definitely not a PG-13 scene.
Even the scene in episode 5 where Daida was forced to drink the liquid extract made from his dad’s corpse was really something not fit for children.
But we are not at all complaining about that, as this makes the show all the more realistic and compelling.
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The Relationship between Bojji and Hiling
One of the purest portrayals of mother and son comes from Ousama Ranking, which depicts the bond between Bojji and Hiling masterfully.
From the very first episode, our impressions of Hiling get influenced by her harsh way of talking to Bojji and her claiming that her own son Daida is a better fit as a king.
Obviously, you will think she is the evil stepmother, but it is only later that we get to know that her love for Bojji transcends even her care for herself.
She is definitely the greatest anime mom of all time, whom we all misunderstood because of her appearance and her way of expressing herself.
Music
No one discusses this enough, but Ousama Ranking has one of the best background scores ever. Even its openings and endings are top-notch. The second opening Hadaka no Yuusha by Vaundy is hands down one of the finest openings in anime history.
This song properly captures the emotions of the anime and carries the sentiments of the characters with its lyrics. Paired with the breathtaking visuals, it truly is a feast for the eyes. But be careful, if you pay close attention to it, you might even get heavy spoilers about the show.
So these are the reasons we think you should revisit the anime and watch it on Crunchyroll if you haven’t already. Which are your favourite moments? What did you like and dislike about the show? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Watch Hadaka no Yuusha Music Video
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