Cheer Boys!!

Cheer Boys!! is a heartwarming, coming of age sports anime television series from Japan, which originally aired in 2016. Created by Haruko Kuma and produced by renowned studio Brains Base, the show successfully breaks traditional gender stereotypes in sport and presents the onstage and beating heart of men's cheerleading to a wide audience. Cheer Boys!! is a mind-provoking exploration of brotherhood, determination, hard work, and endless zest for life. It’s about embracing failure, picking yourself up, and moving forward with undying spirit. It will inspire you and compel you to fly beyond your dreams like never in your wildest imagination.

The plot centers around Haruki Bandou, a college student who comes from a prestigious Judo family. However, a shoulder injury and questions about his own enthusiasm for Judo cause him to leave the sport, which has been a significant aspect of his life up to that point. He stumbles into cheerleading inadvertently when his childhood friend Kazuma Hashimoto, who seeks a break from his usual monotonous routine and the shadows of his esteemed workaholic brother, decides to establish a male cheerleading team. Both then embark on a journey to form an all-male cheerleading squad - "Breakers" in their university, a concept unheard of in their surroundings.

Cheer Boys!! tells a tale that is as much about friendship as it is about personal growth and pursuing your passion. The narrative is brilliantly paced, with the series covering their practices, the difficulties they face together, the cheerleading competitions, and moments of self-discovery when the boys find their calling in cheering. The story unfolds with a balanced mix of cheerful and somber episodes that depict the trials and triumphs of the ragtag cheerleading squad.

Each character in the show brings their own dynamic to the team. The series takes the time to delve into each of their backgrounds, their reasons for joining the cheer squad, and their personal struggles and achievements. Despite the disparities in their motives and backstories, these characters form a close-knit bond and demonstrate the power of unity and high spirits. This is excellently signified in their unyielding motto: "Flashy? No! We're the definition of tenacity!"

The animation style is quite colorful and clean, which fits perfectly into the lively atmosphere of the series, and helps in showcasing the vibrant and well-choreographed cheerleading routines. The stirring background music and catchy OP and ED themes add a special charm to the anime. The combination of these elements, plus the excellent voice acting, adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotion to the character's feelings.

Cheer Boys!! incorporates a fascinating blend of comedy, drama, and sports. The sensitive and essential virtues highlighted in the anime series are brilliantly intertwined to perfection. Although the concept of an all-male cheerleading squad might sound a little quirky at first, the anime successfully manages to woo the viewers with its unique theme and refreshing portrayal of cheerleading. It shows us the blood, sweat, and tears that go behind those bright smiles, high jumps, and soaring twists, and reveals that cheerleading isn't just about pom-poms and chants, but resilience, strength, dedication, teamwork, and the power of spirit.

All in all, Cheer Boys!! is a standout anime that shirks many stereotypes and cliche tropes found in the sports genre. It presents an entirely new perspective to viewers about interpersonal bonds, overcoming personal limitations, and unconventional sports. With each episode, you'll find yourself cheering alongside the Breakers, empathizing with their struggles, celebrating their small victories, and ultimately being inspired by their unwavering spirit. The series will make you realize that it's ok to fall, for every fall is followed by a rise, much like the sport of cheerleading itself, where a fall completes the stunt and a rise begins it anew! Experience the joy and tears of their journey, as you delve into their accepting world where there's no fear of being judged, and there's no dream which is too high to reach.