“Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura (2024): A Clash of Titans, A Feast for Fight Fans, But Not Without Its Flaws
Introduction
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Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura (2024): A Clash of Titans, A Feast for Fight Fans, But Not Without Its Flaws
The world of martial arts anime has long been dominated by iconic series, each boasting its unique style, characters, and power scaling. Among these giants stand "Baki the Grappler" and "Kengan Ashura," two franchises celebrated for their over-the-top action, physically imposing protagonists, and a relentless focus on the pursuit of strength. "Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura," the 2024 Netflix film, represents a long-awaited crossover event, pitting the legendary Baki Hanma against the formidable Ohma Tokita in a battle for supremacy. While the film delivers on its promise of explosive combat and fan service, it also suffers from pacing issues, a somewhat uneven narrative structure, and a reliance on established tropes that might leave some viewers wanting more.
A Premise Ripe with Potential:
The premise of "Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura" is deceptively simple: bring together the strongest fighters from both universes and let them clash. However, the film attempts to weave a narrative justification for this encounter, centering around the concept of "the strongest." The Kengan Association, known for its corporate-sponsored gladiatorial combat, seeks to prove its fighters’ superiority against the world’s most formidable martial artists. Enter Baki Hanma, the prodigious son of Yujiro Hanma, the "Ogre," a being of unparalleled strength. Baki, driven by his insatiable desire to surpass his father, accepts the challenge, viewing it as another step on his path to ultimate power.
Ohma Tokita, the protagonist of "Kengan Ashura," is presented as Baki’s primary opponent. Ohma, a fierce and resilient fighter with a mysterious past, embodies the spirit of the Kengan matches. He possesses the "Advance," a technique that allows him to drastically increase his power output at the cost of immense strain on his body. The film sets the stage for a clash of ideologies as much as a clash of fists: Baki’s relentless pursuit of individual strength versus Ohma’s reliance on his fighting spirit and the legacy of his master.
Visual Spectacle and Fluid Animation:
One of the film’s strongest assets is its animation quality. The fight sequences are dynamic and visually engaging, showcasing the brutal impact of each blow. The animators have successfully captured the distinct art styles of both "Baki" and "Kengan Ashura," blending them seamlessly to create a cohesive visual experience. The characters’ musculature is meticulously rendered, emphasizing their physical prowess and the sheer force behind their movements.
The choreography of the fights is equally impressive. Each character utilizes their signature techniques, from Baki’s unpredictable strikes and grappling maneuvers to Ohma’s devastating "Niko Style" attacks. The film doesn’t shy away from the over-the-top nature of both series, showcasing feats of strength and endurance that defy the laws of physics. Bone-crushing blows, lightning-fast movements, and dramatic impact frames are all hallmarks of the film’s visual style. The use of slow-motion and dynamic camera angles further enhances the intensity of the action, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the intricacies of each fight.
Character Dynamics and Fan Service:
"Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura" is a love letter to fans of both franchises. The film features a plethora of familiar faces, each with their own unique personalities and fighting styles. Characters like Kaolan Wongsawat, Julius Reinhold, and Akoya Seishu from "Kengan Ashura," and Yujiro Hanma, Biscuit Oliva, and Doppo Orochi from "Baki," make appearances, adding depth and context to the narrative.
The interactions between these characters are a highlight of the film. The film cleverly utilizes the contrasting personalities of the fighters, creating humorous and engaging moments. For example, the stoic and disciplined Kaolan Wongsawat’s reactions to the flamboyant and eccentric Biscuit Oliva are a source of comedic relief. The film also explores the complex relationship between Baki and his father, Yujiro, albeit briefly, hinting at the ongoing power struggle between them.
The film is replete with fan service, catering to the established fanbase. References to past events, signature moves, and iconic moments from both series are sprinkled throughout the film. The inclusion of these elements is sure to delight long-time fans, providing a sense of nostalgia and rewarding their dedication to the franchises.
Narrative Structure and Pacing Issues:
Despite its strengths, "Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura" suffers from several narrative and pacing issues. The film attempts to cram too much content into a relatively short runtime, resulting in a rushed and uneven narrative. The plot feels somewhat disjointed, jumping between different storylines and characters without fully developing them.
The film’s focus on the central conflict between Baki and Ohma comes at the expense of other potentially interesting subplots. The motivations of certain characters are not fully explored, and their roles in the overall narrative feel underdeveloped. The film also relies heavily on exposition, using dialogue to explain complex concepts and character motivations rather than showing them through action and character interactions.
The pacing of the film is also problematic. The first half of the film feels slow and methodical, focusing on character introductions and setting the stage for the main event. However, the second half of the film accelerates dramatically, with the fights unfolding at a rapid pace. This uneven pacing can be jarring for viewers, making it difficult to fully immerse themselves in the story.
Over-Reliance on Established Tropes:
Both "Baki" and "Kengan Ashura" are known for their over-the-top action and reliance on established martial arts tropes. While the film embraces these elements, it also suffers from a lack of originality. The power scaling in the film is often inconsistent and illogical, with characters seemingly able to overcome insurmountable odds through sheer willpower.
The film also relies heavily on the "shonen" trope of characters powering up through emotional outbursts and flashbacks. While this trope is common in anime, its overuse in "Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura" feels repetitive and predictable. The film also falls into the trap of portraying characters as invincible, diminishing the stakes and reducing the tension of the fights.
Missed Opportunities:
"Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura" presents several missed opportunities. The film could have explored the philosophical differences between the two franchises in more depth. "Baki" often focuses on the individual pursuit of strength, while "Kengan Ashura" emphasizes the importance of teamwork and corporate sponsorship. The film touches upon these themes but fails to fully develop them.
The film also could have explored the backstories of the characters in more detail. Both Baki and Ohma have complex and tragic pasts that could have been used to add depth and emotional resonance to their conflict. However, the film largely glosses over these aspects, focusing instead on the spectacle of the fights.
Conclusion: A Satisfying, Yet Flawed, Crossover Event
"Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura" is a visually stunning and action-packed crossover event that is sure to please fans of both franchises. The film delivers on its promise of explosive combat, showcasing the unique fighting styles and personalities of the characters. However, the film suffers from pacing issues, a somewhat uneven narrative structure, and a reliance on established tropes.
Despite its flaws, "Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura" is a worthwhile watch for fans of martial arts anime. The film’s animation quality, character dynamics, and fan service elements make it a satisfying, albeit imperfect, experience. While it may not reach the heights of its source material, "Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura" is a fun and entertaining ride that is sure to leave viewers wanting more.
Ultimately, the film is a testament to the enduring appeal of both "Baki" and "Kengan Ashura." It’s a reminder of why these franchises have captivated audiences for so long: their over-the-top action, memorable characters, and unwavering focus on the pursuit of strength. While the film could have been better, it succeeds in delivering a thrilling crossover event that will undoubtedly spark further discussions and debates among fans. The film earns a solid 7.5 out of 10. Worth watching for the fights alone, but don’t expect a narrative masterpiece.