Review of Hanebado!

This might be one of the few positive reviews for this show. It might be because I used to be play varsity badminton in high school. Or I just enjoy a good satisfying anime. Either way, I really enjoyed this show a lot. Now the storytelling is not the greatest. People complain a lot because after watching, they didn't learn shit about the game. But you know what, I don't need an episode or two to explain to me how to score a point in this game. It is about a child prodigy, Hanesaki, and the schools team captain, Aragaki. Hanesaki's talent is not god giveneither. She worked hard since she was young against her mother who is most likely the Michael Jordan of badminton with how the show presented her. Aragaki, is the hardworking captain who vows to improve her game after realizing she is miles behind Hanesaki. Yes, it doesn't have a deep plot but for what it is, it works for me. An anime for a sport I used to play competitively. 8/10

The visuals is where the show truly shines though. Slick looking animations and surprisingly realistic exchanges. The way the shuttlecock moves when hitting the racket. S. A. K. U. G. A. 10/10

Music is good too. Especially the ending song. Man I really love playing that on my drums. But aside from that, the sound editing is excellent as well. The sound of the volleys is sweet music to my ears. 9/10

The characters is where the show lacks tho, according to most of the reviews. But I will say that it is not as shallow as they say. Aragaki is well developed. You cannot help but root for her every damn time. Hanesaki, I hate. But that's not to say I hate her for no reason. She is someone I hate because the show gives you a reason to hate her. Saying more than that will spoil the show though. Erena, Connie, Riko, Kaoruko and Tachibana are decent supporting characters. The rest are forgettable but that's not the show's fault. This is not a team sport. You cannot have a match where all the players are highlighted. Or superpowered fantasy shounen where characters dress as colorful and dumb as they can to make you remember them. They are high school varsity players that wear the same uniform. What more do you ask? 8/10

Overall, I really enjoyed this show a lot. Plus it has a satisfying end. Which is always a win in my book. It might be my pick for AOTS. If you don't care for badminton, you may not enjoy this show than I did. But if you played badminton, then this might be one for you.