Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin

I just finished re-watching this series, nearly 20 years after I first saw it as a kid. Did it live up to my expectations?

Short answer: Yes!

The animation in Silver Fang isn't even close to what we are used to today, but for some reason that didn't bother me at all. This series strength lies in the strong story-line, the way you connect to its characters (human or dog), and how emotional it is. No other animated series has made me weep, cheer and smile like this one!

So do you need to have watched this as a child to enjoy it? I doubt it; have an open mind, give it a chance and find out for yourself!

You won't regret it!

At the age of 6yo, one dark winter night I saw most of this film at a friends house. Though I never finish it some scenes stuck; now 20 years later. Never knew the name of the film but I could never forget the name Akakabuto. Nightmares and feared darkness for years to come. No other flick have stuck with me for so long. Finally found the title, and must re-watch whenever able. Unsure if it holds up but until then. 10/10!

Honestly "SILVER FANG" is ridicules, extremely "Japanese 80's", cheesy and at times sloppy animated. But still it's the ONLY movie/series/song that hasn't lost my devotion, excitement and love for since my jaw dropped at the age of 6 (about 21 years ago).

I just love everything about it, it has always inspired me as a filmmaker, to create something unique and not always caring if your movies are a bit naive.

There are some "fillers", ruffly the whole season 3, gathering more dogs, is basically the same scenario over and over again.(I skip that one) But I don't care because this is pure movie magic on all levels, this is taking your imagination to your fullest, it's cute and brutal. It's brave heart for dogs :)

if I'm only allowed to give one film 10 stars in my life, it wouldn't be the godfather, Schindler's list or Citizens Cane. It would be SILVER FANG. I'm probably alone in the world about it but somehow that makes it feel even better.

Ginga Nagareboshi Gin aka Silver Fang in Scandinavia is a Japanese animation series witch runs for 21 episodes.

THE STORY...

A small mountain town depending on ski-tourism has a bear problem, and it all begins with the akita puppy Gin being born. His father Riki is with Master Gohe hunting down the main bear called Akakabuto. In the battle Riki gets thrown off a cliff an is assumed dead. Daisuke and Gin seeks revenge... and we follow Daisuke & Gin preparing themselves for the confrontation with the giant bear. They manage to kill one but it is not Akakabuto, and it seems that killer bear have created a little army of his own, so the mission get tougher.. After this the story goes over to focus only on Gin, his father Riki is still alive and is the leader of a group of wild dogs living in the mountains. Because of the fall Riki has lost his memory and he does not recognize Gin, but to strengthen his army he commands the other wild dogs off to recruit more soldiers for the final battle against Akakabuto and the other bears. A fantastic journey of courage,love,strength and honor begins...

Conclusion: The Japanese are at their best in this touching story about a puppy in search for his father, finding him and then teaming up with him to kill the bear that separated them and stole his childhood years wihout a father... It's 20 years now since the first time I saw Gin, and it still is as powerful as it was. Trust me folks, I've spend a lot of my time front of a tele, seen a lot of animation series, they don't make em like old days... =)

This show is probably the best TV series I've ever watched. It's not the usual stuff with clichés and crap everywhere but a unique and special story that really touches you. There are so many aspects of life and the becoming of an adult that surfaces in this story that you can barely believe it. The story is original and pure and it has a lot of theoe special moments when you smile and look out of the window just to imagine if you were there.

I am 19 years old and Im still totally lost in this series. And I've come to realize that it is not a children's series. There is indeed a lot of violence and perhaps also bad words so it is really for all ages.

The animation is, of course, different from what we know today, however, it only adds to the uniqueness of the series. Many critcs would perhaps laugh and watch something else but we who know better will just look even closer.

I can only recommend that you watch it as soon as possible. It is a story about courage, trust and freedom and it WILL touch you, just wait.