User reviews

This is a slice of life anime is with themes of sports, romance and comedy. Plot line covers the coming of age tale of a 17 years Shogi (Japanese Chess) player called Rai. As is with most slice of life animation, the storytelling is slow but full of emotions. Besides having a mature story it's got one of the best animation I have come across, it works perfectly with the storytelling, bring out the feelings of the characters. The sound and music are also great and the characters among the most complex ones I have seen in an animation.

As of now I have watched the first two seasons, first season in dubbed and the second in subbed and have loved them both, although I prefer the dubbed version. Really looking forward to see what comes next for Rai.

Non depressing slice of life Gets better as the story progresses Season 2 is much better Upcoming season will be too

I can't preach enough how much this is one of the best character driven stories to be made in the modern era. Part of it is credit of the source material, for sure, the mangaka who made it is extremely sensible and wrote it beautifully. But studio Shaft has shown us how to adapt things well, first with the Monogatari Series and now with Sangatsu no Lion. There's enough good stuff here for me to make a book about every episode, but I must say that one thing in particular just made me lose my marbles, and I'm talking about the last episode from the second season. I won't spoil anything here, so all I can say is: It has the best prologue to a last episode that was ever made. And I'm not exagerating just to create shock value, I genuinely believe it and extend this to any other kind of episodic show, be it anime, live action, series, anything. If, for some reason, you never watched this anime, do it right now. Also, don't think I hyped it too much with all I just said, it will surprise you with everything else before getting there.

Simple story,but amazing writing,beautiful animations, extraordinary soundtracks,great character developments turns 3-gatsu no lion into something special,like a precious red diamond..

Loved how the writer focused on daily life struggles and depressions,but heartwarming at the same time...

Making a truly great slice of life anime is not easy, while other genres like shounen or seinen can rely on action to make their stories more entertaining, the quality of a slice of life show depends almost only on the strength of their characters. Fortunately there are some truly great shows of this genre and March comes in like a lion(which a very bad translation of "3-gatsu no Lion") is definitely one of the best shows of this genre. The first season of the show centers more on it's protagonist which is a 17 year old shogi professional player called Rei Kiriyama. If an anime about shogi might seem like a boring idea don't worry because shogi is only used as a tool to tell the story of Rei and the people around him. This is more a coming of age story that deals with themes like depression and lonelines than just been a show about shogi. The character development of Rei throught both seasons of the show is one of the strongest points of the anime, but is not it's most impressive. This anime shines even more when we get into specific story arcs from other characters which are in my opinion some of the best pieces of storytelling I have ever seen in any anime. The mangaka who created the original story in which this anime is based on has a incredible ability to introduce a new character and immediately give us a reason to care about him/her thanks to the fantastic character development that this mangaka gives to the characters. Apart from the great storytelling and character development that this show has, this anime is very well directed. The themes of show are very well represented thanks to the beautiful art and animation that this show has. The soundtrack is also very appropiate for this type of story. Overall, this a very well directed and very well animated story about people just dealing with their problems and doing their best to continue living. Definitely one of the best slice of life anime ever produced.

The anime is a great anime of slice of life genre. To watch its greatness be patient and watch both seasons and you will be delighted to watch it. <Must recommeded but on a slow pace.

Firstly this is one of the most underrated anime I have ever come across. Not even the anime blogs that I follow have mentioned about this gem. It might be that since the main lead is a Shogi player and the game is not that popular across the world. But don't let that obstruct you from having a go at this. There are 2 seasons released as of now and the story is still running in the Manga. The 1st season starts off the story introducing us with wide variety of characters, all pretty well structured. We gradually get to know the past and present of Rei Kiriyama and his struggles to lead a life as a pro Shogi player. His relationship with the three Kawamoto sisters are thing to gaze upon. The 2nd season gets deeply into the lives of all the characters and shows how each are overcoming their difficulties to lead a happy life. Especially Hinata's story is the most gripping one as she encounters hardships at school. The dialogues are outstanding in this anime. I would suggest to watch the English dubbed version. They have done a wonderful job in retaining the core emotions in every scene. Overall this anime sure comes into my top 5 favourite anime of all time.

I saw my character reflecting on kiriyama kei I loved this anime and felt like watching myself

March comes in like a lion pacing and developing carefully, every move leads to a new consequence. One of the most beautiful exhibition in Sangatsu is a conflict between the security of the sensation of being home, and the personality of Rai himself of going forward endlessly.

There is no anime that I am more confident in calling a masterpiece than 3-gatsu no Lion. What it is able to do is so powerful and I find it unparalleled by any other show that I have watched. Every single aspect of the show is masterful and is able to shine and enhance the show even more.

With 3-gatsu no Lion looks to be about Shogi, shogi is only one thing in a sea of ideas and themes that the show covers. Depression as well is a main theme of the show, but I wouldn't say it's the only theme. Rather, I'd say the theme of the show is how everyone is struggling. The ways that the show is able to show this theme is absolutely magical.

Everyone has a story. Too often shows forget this. But 3-gatsu no Lion knows this so very well. Nuance is something sorely missing from many shows that 3-gatsu has in spades. Each character that comes up is fleshed out and even flaws as well as strengths/. There is no such thing as the hateable villain that is built up just to be hated. Every single character is shown the good and bad parts of them. Whether it be a bully or the opponent to a shogi match, each character is treated like someone real who has their own issues and things that they have to deal with. And while they may do things that aren't nice. And in any other show would get them labelled as an unlikeable villain, 3-gatsu is able to show that there are other aspects of their life that make them this way. Everyone is explored in this way and it makes the show feel so real. In the end, there is no such thing as a truly bad person, and 3gatsu gets it.

Whats even more amazing is not just that it's able to flesh out these side characters, but the extent to which it's doing so. 3-gatsu has the powerful ability to make a character cast them in a negative light, but then show you their own story and change the audiences view so that they now want to root for them as well. It's magical how the show is continually able to showcase different situations and different issues that are relatable and lead one to want to support the one that they are watching. Even if they were the opponent just a few minutes ago, the depth and feeling that goes into exploring these characters brings me around to them, and makes it so it's hard to decide, who do I want to see win?

Added to this is 3-gatsu's powerful imagery. 3-gatsu uses images in the best way that I've seen in animation. While I'm fine with a more realistic approach and like what most anime do, there is something extremely powerful about 3-gatsu's art and animation. Metaphors and symbols are brought up. But they aren't just flashed onto the screen. They are explored and shown in the person that they are digging into. If someone feels tied up and forced into something, it's not just something that they say, it's something shown with multiple sashes building them in place and making it hard for them to move at all. Creative and powerful visuals are something that 3-gatsu does so well. Even in the lighthearted happy scenes 3-gatsu is able to make them feel so rich. Bright happy colors and smiles litter the scenes and make them so infectiously happy. They're sugary sweet and are even able to make those happy feelings feel so rich.

After all that leads into another aspect of 3-gatsu's power. The duality of life. While the show may be focused on struggles and depression, the show also knows that there are happy parts of life. Life isn't just a series of unfortunate events. While many other shows would focus on the negative to show that 3-gatsu shows everything. It shows the dark and sad moments and the art and animation to go along with it. But it also shows the moments of family, fun, friends, and all of the things that they do that brings light into their world. 3-gatsu even gets to the point of having cats talk to showcase the happy atmosphere that they're going for. And these scenes are so powerful because they show what bonds can do even through struggles. While everyone is struggling and have their issues, they're still able to come together and have a fun time. To support each other. And those moments feel so rich with that in mind. 3-gatsu really gets life it's not just good or bad things. It's good and bad things. And no show comes close to detailing them both with as much power as 3-gatsu no Lion does.

And that's what makes it so magical. It's not only able to make one feel strong feels, but it's also able to make one feel happy, to make one invested in a character they only just met, and make me at least feel this greater appreciation of the world around me. Nuance is the word that so many anime lack but 3-gatsu has. And in the end, every element of this show is masterfully done. The story is engaging and well written. The characters are filled with flaws and depth. The art is filled with rich symbolism and power, and the music to go with it fits very well and only increases the power of this show. Not onlyis this one of the best shows that I've ever watched, but I feel like it has something really important to say. Everyone is struggling. Everyone is good and bad. While one may be an enemy or someone seen unfavourably there is probably a reason they are that way and there is more to them than just that. And if the world was able to understand it I think it'd be much better off. This show isn't just masterful at all of its elements, it also gives a greater understanding of the world which I think would benefit everyone. If there was any show that I'd recommend to anyone it'd be this one. This is the best that animation has to offer, and I love it.

The first season of this was a 6. It was extremely boring and too metaphysical, taking 5 minutes to get a simple point across with strange visuals and the main guy just talking about how much he hates himself or whatever. The second season was miles above the first one, with the first half being absolutely phenomenal, mostly because it was about hina, but also because it was incredibly well done. After that there is some boring shogi stuff that sucks, and then the last bit is absolutely phenomenal again.

I dropped this after about 6 episodes, then came back after a few months and finished it off. I don't really know if I'm glad I did it yet, but at least I can stop wondering if I'll really like it, (spoiler alert: I didn't). There is a 100% chance that if I knew how shogi worked I would like this show a lot more, and honestly it sounded pretty interesting, but as someone who knows next to nothing about kanji it was impossible to tell the pieces apart, let alone tell what was going on. If this was about chess, I bet I would have really liked it, and I can see why someone who knows Japanese or who knows the differences between the pieces on the board would like it. Honestly the only reason this show gets a 7 and not something lower is only because the first part and last 4 episodes of the second season was so good. Also, the music and animation are both phenomenal, I don't have any problems with them other than the fact that the music doesn't really fit the mood sometimes. I don't think I would recommend this show, but I can see why people liked it, even if shogi and metaphysical self-hate (for at the least the first season) aren't really my thing. If there was a single reason to watch this show it would be momo, momo is best girl.

I felt the story was rather thrown in there by being slow and become rather boring as I kept watching it. I also felt the comedy in it didn't need to be added because the jokes weren't that funny and the characters weren't that likeable either...

Yeah 2 episodes is enough for me to get distracted with another better anime to keep me occupied...

1. Animation : 3 out of 5 2. Screenplay : 5 out of 5 3. Character Development : 5 out of 5 4. Scores and soundtracks : 6 out of 5 5. Story : 5 out of 5 6. Root : 5 out of 5 7. Intensity : 3 out of 5 8. Connectivity : 5 out of 5 9. Ending : 4 out of 5 ..................................................... Series Grade : A-

March Comes In Like a Lion is a breathtaking anime series that gracefully weaves together themes of introspection, personal growth, and the healing power of human connections. With its compelling storytelling, stunning visuals, and deeply relatable characters, this series stands out as a masterpiece that evokes a wide range of emotions. It earns a solid 9/10 rating for its profound exploration of the human condition and its ability to resonate with viewers on a profound level.

At the heart of March Comes In Like a Lion is the protagonist, Rei Kiriyama, a talented but emotionally scarred professional shogi player. The series delves into Rei's internal struggles, his search for identity, and his journey towards finding meaning and purpose in his life. Through Rei's experiences, we witness the raw and honest portrayal of the complexities of depression, loneliness, and the weight of personal expectations.

The storytelling in March Comes In Like a Lion is masterfully crafted. Each episode unfolds with a delicate blend of poignant drama, introspective moments, and heartwarming interactions. The series adeptly tackles heavy themes while also offering moments of lightheartedness and humor, striking a perfect balance that keeps viewers emotionally invested throughout.

The visual presentation of the series is stunning, with beautifully detailed artwork and atmospheric animation that captures the essence of each scene. The use of symbolism, metaphors, and visual motifs enhances the storytelling, conveying the characters' inner struggles and emotional states with subtlety and grace. The art style seamlessly transitions from realism to imaginative portrayals of the characters' emotions, adding depth and visual flair to the narrative.

One of the greatest strengths of March Comes In Like a Lion lies in its richly developed characters. Rei's growth and transformation as he navigates the challenges of his personal and professional life are compelling and relatable. The supporting cast, including the Kawamoto sisters, who provide solace and support to Rei, are beautifully fleshed out with their own unique struggles and stories. The bonds formed between the characters are genuine and heartfelt, offering a sense of warmth and hope amidst the difficulties they face.

March Comes In Like a Lion shines in its ability to explore profound themes of loneliness, forgiveness, and the healing power of human connections. It encourages viewers to confront their own emotions and reflect on their personal journeys, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. The series tackles these themes with sensitivity and realism, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The only slight drawback of March Comes In Like a Lion is its slower pace, which may not appeal to viewers seeking a fast-paced narrative. However, the deliberate pacing allows for deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and the intricacies of their relationships, ultimately contributing to the series' overall depth and emotional resonance.

In conclusion, March Comes In Like a Lion is an exceptional anime series that touches the soul. With its profound storytelling, stunning visuals, and deeply human characters, it offers a poignant exploration of the human condition and the power of personal growth and connections. While its slower pace may not suit everyone's tastes, its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and resonate with viewers on a profound level makes it a must-watch for fans of introspective and heartfelt narratives. March Comes In Like a Lion is a testament to the power of anime as a medium for storytelling and leaves a lasting impact on those who embark on this soul-stirring journey.

It's a piece of art I wouldn't forget, the way they portray human emotions is visually pleasing to watch.while the main plot revolves around depression and real life problems it didn't feel sad or depressing instead it felt heart warming which is something imo is very tough to achieve, would recommend it to anyone who likes feel good animes. I personally didn't feel the pacing to be slow. There were some memorable dialogues some will hit you hard . As the anime progress on towards the end I was literally rooting for many characters who you wouldn't even care at the beginning of the anime. Overall it's a great watch for me.

How the mc gradually lose everything and get even more depression in losing some shogi match and eventually met even more depressed people.There is no happiness in his life and his new neighborhood also falling with his depression,This series shows only people depression.

Personally, this show isn't from a category I was interested in.

My score reflects how good of a slice of life this is.

The characters are done quite well, with their intricacies of their own. No one character is one dimensional.

I don't usually even watch Slice of life and I enjoyed this one, give it a shot.

If you need a word to describe this anime it's just this: wholesome. From the more dramatic season 1 to the wholesome season 2 we see the characters, and not just the main character here, develop, grow, become better and more interesting.

A fantastic adaptation, March comes in like a lion is just something else, something different. The animation style used is superb, and it caught me off guard and hooked me from episode 1. The characters are interesting, and the story is basically the definition of slice of life anime combined with a bit of drama. I recommend watching this anime in small doses 5-6-8 episodes at most at a time so you can enjoy it, it gives off such a pleasant feeling that you don't want it to end. I have no idea about shogi, but that isn't a problem as the anime isn't focused on it. Still - such a lovely sport!

I really hope for a season 3 someday, and the adaption of the full manga, honestly that would make it one of the best slice of life anime's of all time, and it would be thoroughly deserved.

Anime looks like it has potential, but it was just too slow for me and i dropped it at around the fifth episode. I didn't like the drawing style either; everyone's mouth looked funny, and it was distracting. The crying, while not bad, didn't seem that great either. Overall, it was meh.

I don't mean to say the anime is bad. Even in just a few episodes i was able to see the characters have some depth, and the main character develops, with all his thoughts being vocalized. There is a certain sweetness to all the characters, even the cats. I can see there being a lot going for this series if the drawing style doesn't bother you and you don't mind really slow stories. It just wasn't for me.