While this episode did kind of rush through Junpei's backstory, about how he developed a passion for ballet as a child, but after his father died, Junpei quit the sport, believing he now needs to be "manly" like his father and protect his family as the "man of the house." And how this notion that ballet was for girls was socially reinforced, both by his dad (although tbf he did allow Junpei to go) and by his classmates.
Although the show did give hints that Junpei never fully gave up ballet, with Junpei keeping his ballet barre despite quitting the sport for martial arts (to try an emulate his deceased father in an attempt to be manly), and with Junpei seemingly integrating ballet movements in his martial arts (at least from the glimpses we saw in today's episode), it felt like Junpei completely overcame his rejection of ballet in a span of minutes, with Junpei becoming entranced by the sport after Miyako (pianist girl) dragged him to a ballet school.
Overall though, I am optimistic about this show, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of these characters, and how their relationships with eachother blossom. Especially the Ruou boy whose also in the ballet school, from the glimpses we saw of him its clear Junpei and him will be competing rivals. Also, I'm looking forward to when Junpei inevitably performs in the ballet festival, its clear he dreams to become a ballet dancer buts he's just mired with self-denial which was reinforced by his environment.
Also, the animation is overall really good for the dancing sequences, while there was some jarring CGI at certain points, its still top-notch ballet animation and choreography.
DDD turned out to be quite a compelling show to watch, too bad that it's focus on ballet greatly reduces it's potential audience.
While only being 11 episodes long and not entirely sticking the landing the Goudai family drama is a bit too psychotic/animeish (season 2 never) it still felt like there was quite some progress in our main character's journey and explores some interesting themes along the way and certainly tackles preconceptions people have about ballet dancers or how that relates to masculinity. In addition to that the show is also refreshingly realistic in it's portrayal of adolescence.
MAPPA did an amazing job at packaging this up in fantastic visuals, animation and score.
Certainly recommended!
Shout by Supriyo GhoshBlockedParent2022-06-21T11:47:09Z— updated 2022-06-23T12:30:17Z
Keeping the feminine looking character animation aside, this was a great anime. The story does have some plot holes but the best part was how the entire concept unfolded without rushing for the completion.
The main character didn't became the best magically like in other anime(s) which kept the realistic attribute of the story intact.
This show was definitely a bit underrated but I will still recommend others to watch it.