Naruto: A Shonen Anime or a Disappointment in Character Development and Plot?
When it comes to anime with good character development and a realistic plot, Naruto might not be the top choice. In fact, finding an anime that fully meets these criteria can be quite challenging. However, Naruto remains one of the standout Shonen series. This article will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of Naruto, along with a recommendation on how to approach it.
Why Naruto Might Not Be Your First Choice
Many fans and critics believe that Naruto falls short in various aspects of good storytelling, such as character development and plot realism. Instead, Attack on Titan has often been cited as one of the best shows to fulfill these criteria.
Key Weaknesses in Naruto
Here are the three major drawbacks of Naruto that have been pointed out by many viewers and critics:
The Worst Aspect: Characters Being Overly Dumb
One of the most significant issues with Naruto is the lack of character depth. In many cases, the characters are so stupid that they appear to be literal pieces of bread in terms of their intelligence.
Second Most Annoying: Slow Story Progression
The pacing of the story in Naruto is another notable drawback. The show features frequent recaps, with a 10-minute recap often preceding and following the actual plot development. Add to that a 3-minute intro and outro, and you end up with a show that feels ridiculously slow in terms of actual content.
Third Annoying Element: Filler Episodes
Filler episodes in Naruto are a recurring issue. These episodes are often unnecessary and can create contradictions with the main storyline. Even with improvements in later series like Boruto, filler episodes can still be a major annoyance for viewers.
The Decision to Watch or Not
Despite its flaws, Naruto still has a strong following and remains a beloved series. So, should you watch it? Here are a few recommendations:
Better to Start with a Summary
It is recommended to start with a summary of Naruto Part 1 to understand the basics of the story. From there, you can watch some of the first episodes of Naruto Shippuden. This approach helps you gauge whether the series is worth continuing with.
Summarize and Ditch the Boring Content
The initial part of Naruto is often considered extremely boring, so skimming through the summary or watching summaries online can save you from falling asleep.
Why First-Hand Experience Is Important
While online summaries and reviews can provide an idea of the story, watching the actual episodes can give you a better understanding of the series' strengths and weaknesses. Jumping right into the first episodes of Naruto Shippuden or viewing a comprehensive summary of the first part of Naruto is the best strategy.
Conclusion
Whether or not you should watch Naruto ultimately depends on personal preference and tolerance for the series' flaws. While it falls short in certain aspects of good character development and plot, it has a dedicated fan base and can provide an engaging experience for those willing to overlook its shortcomings.