Product Details

• Actors: Artist Not Provided
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English, Japanese
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: Unrated
• Studio: Funimation Prod
• DVD Release Date: June 14, 2005
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0008FPJJE
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #140,424 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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  Movies & TV > Anime & Manga > Characters & Series > Baki the Grappler

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Keisuke Itagaki's manga Baki the Grappler was initially animated as an OVA in 1994; this 24-episode broadcast series followed in 2001. At 13, Baki Hanma is a hot-tempered, red-haired street fighter: when he's attacked by 100 thugs, he regrets knocking out only 37 of them. Baki aspires to match the achievements of his father, Yujiro, by becoming the most powerful "warrior" in the world. He goes to the mountains to train with his father's coach, the gigantic Ando. Ignoring Ando's warnings, Baki tackles a nine-foot "Yasha Ape" that makes the Abominable Snowman look like a plush toy. Meanwhile, his zillionaire mother is arranging a match between him and a monstrous yakuza chief. Baki offers lots of action (albeit in stilted animation), but little plot or characterization; it may appeal to fans of violent Rocky-type sagas, but it lacks the warmth of Fighting Spirit. (Unrated, suitable for ages 15 and older: considerable violence, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Product Description

Every warrior’s life is but a moment. These fearless fighters exist knowing all too well that each moment could be their last. There is always someone stronger, or faster. There is always someone unafraid to go to any length to ensure victory, or survival. And at least once in each warrior’s life, that warrior wonders what it would be like to be the worlds best. It is this great unknown, this passion for power that drives the Grappler. Each must choose to throw all else aside to achieve their goal, or forever shrink into the shadows, their potential unfulfilled. Feeling his training to be the strongest fighter in the world is going nowhere, Baki Hanma quits his program believing that the only coach he needs is himself. Baki stumbles on his first step into this new world. Will he learn from his errors and achieve his potential? Or will he forever disappear among the millions of fighters who never realized that one must crawl before one may walk? Seize the Moment!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is just the beginning....., October 26, 2005

By	Greg A. Julian "Anime Collector" (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I already have a two volume collection which I purchased at a comic store about a year ago and it is still in steady rotation for viewing pleasure. If you watched the U.S Manga Version Grappler Baki - The Ultimate Fighter, it does not even compare to this series. If you think it will be expenseive to collect the whole series, believe me it is worth it. This series is insane. 5+ stars Hands down!!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant surprise..., June 22, 2005

By	The reviewer - See all my reviews

This new anime based on the hit selling comic is very enjoyable
and intriguing. After watching the 4 episodes I couldn't wait for the next installment. The animation, characters, soundtrack, and plot are all done extremely well. Baki, a 13 year old take-no-s*hit kind of fighter, is always out looking for the next great challenge which makes this a violent, fast-paced series.
During the viewing I was reminded of another excellent anime series, Fighting Spirit, so if you're enjoying that series then Baki is right up your alley.
This DVD is also available in the DVD starter kit, so it looks like there might be about 6 or 7 DVD's total in this set.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grapples you and doesn't let go!, February 8, 2007

By	Nyghtshayd (Providence, RI) - See all my reviews

Hands Down this has to be the best strictly martial-arts anime SERIES out now.

Parents, be advised that this series is hand-to-hand and is violent yet not too graphic.

In this volume, we meet Baki a lone 13y.o. in Japan who is on a mission to be the greatest fighter in the world. Living separately from but fully endorsed by his SMOKIN-HOTT mother who is obsessed with Baki's father Ujiro who is indeed, a martial arts monster...get vol.1 and 2 and you will agree.

Animation:
Body musculature is exaggerated...every 3rd episode or so they switch artists and you can really tell the difference. I don't know why they do this but I get really happy when they go back...

Sound:
As always, the Japanese voice acting with subtitles is great. The English voice acting isn't so great, hokey sounding, some comical dialog, and the different from what is being said in Japanese about a third of the time...BUT all that makes it worth watching again.

Music:
Now THIS is one of the things that grabbed me!
It has a Jap-Rock intro, the usual but good background and incident themes and jazzy cool ending theme...but when the action starts, you get a euro-dance track that goes very well. When the action ends a nice lounge house track. All well done IMO.(this made me want the sound track)

Story:
After I got the first "6" volumes, I thought the story would get old... that was until I got a hold of 7&8... Ok we are talking about vol.1 right now. So for story? "Grapples you and doesn't let go!"

Overall:
If you get this by itself you will be crying in a corner saying "WHY OH WHY DIDN'T I GET 2 OR 3 AT A TIME...! ". There are three things that hooked me.
1. Who Baki is going to face.
2. What happens between face-offs.
3. What impossible feat will Ujiro pull off next.


I Highly recommend this set.