PuraOre! Pride of Orange is the premier sports anime focused exclusively on ice hockey, an achievement that sets it apart in the genre. The project is a collaboration between several companies, including CyberAgent, Good Smile Company, and Bushiroad.
It includes an anime television series, a mobile game, and related merchandise. The story follows a group of high school girls who form an ice hockey team called the Dream Monkeys.
The protagonist, Manaka Mizusawa, is a cheerful and passionate girl who, along with her sister Ayaka and their friends, takes on the challenge of mastering the sport. The anime delves into their journey as they learn the intricacies of ice hockey, face numerous challenges, and develop strong bonds of friendship and sisterhood.
PuraOre! Pride of Orange: Sports Anime with Ice Hockey
PuraOre! Pride of Orange has garnered attention and praise for its unique setting, engaging story, and well-developed characters. It combines the excitement of a sports anime with the heartwarming exploration of personal growth, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams, making it a must-watch for fans of both sports and anime.
Type: TV
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 6, 2021 to Dec 22, 2021
Premiered: Fall 2021
The Dream Team: A Unique Blend of Personalities
A diverse and well-developed cast of characters is a key element in making PuraOre! Manaka, the cheerful and passionate main protagonist, quickly falls in love with ice hockey. As the story progresses, her sister Ayaka and friends join her, each contributing their unique flair to the team. Pride of Orange is an unforgettable experience.
PuraOre! features a colorful spectrum of personalities, from the tough-as-nails captain to the soft-spoken strategist, ensuring a relatable character for everyone. As the girls unite to form the Dream Monkeys ice hockey team, they discover the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and embracing their strengths.
The Allure of Ice Hockey: An Unconventional Sports Anime Setting
Ice hockey is not your typical sports anime backdrop, and that’s what makes PuraOre! Pride of Orange stands out. The creators of this show have done a fantastic job of capturing the intensity, speed, and raw power of the sport, while also showcasing the beauty of the ice rink and the grace of the players.
The anime’s attention to detail goes beyond simply illustrating the sport. It delves into the mechanics, strategies, and sheer grit required to excel in ice hockey. The characters’ dedication to their training and unwavering determination will inspire and motivate viewers to push their own limits.
Emotional Highs and Lows: A Journey Through the Human Spirit
PuraOre! Pride of Orange does not shy away from portraying the emotional ups and downs of pursuing a dream. The characters’ struggles are relatable as they grapple with self-doubt, fear, and the pressure to succeed. As the series progresses, we witness their growth and transformation as hockey players and individuals with dreams and aspirations.
The anime also emphasizes the importance of friendship and support, as the girls lean on each other during their most challenging moments. These deep emotional connections create a heartwarming atmosphere that will leave you feeling inspired and moved.
The Power of Sisterhood: A Bond that Transcends Sports
One of the most heartwarming aspects of PuraOre! Pride of Orange is the bond between the sisters Manaka and Ayaka. The sisters’ shared love for ice hockey brings them closer as they work together to overcome obstacles and reach new heights in the sport. Their relationship is a driving force in the story, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.
Throughout the series, we witness the evolution of their bond as they face numerous challenges, both on and off the ice. Their unwavering support for one another showcases the power of sisterhood and the incredible strength that can be drawn from the love of family.
The Art and Animation: A Visual Feast
Impressive art and animation quality form another key component that adds to the allure of PuraOre! Pride of Orange. The anime showcases vibrant colors, smooth animation, and a level of detail that infuses life into each scene. The characters’ fluid movements, especially during action-packed hockey sequences, demonstrate the dedication and skill of the animation team.
The art style complements the narrative and enhances the viewing experience, captivating audiences with its stunning visuals. PuraOre! Pride of Orange mesmerizes viewers with its visual treats, from the intricacies of the ice rink to the characters’ subtle expressions.
The Soundtrack: A Heart-Pounding Accompaniment
A fitting soundtrack is essential for a great anime and PuraOre! Pride of Orange certainly delivers. The music complements the on-ice action, offering a heart-pounding backdrop that intensifies the game. Additionally, the soundtrack includes emotional and uplifting tunes that perfectly encapsulate the show’s spirit.
The catchy and memorable opening and ending themes set the tone for the series, serving as fitting introductions and conclusions for each episode. With top-notch voice acting, the talented cast breathes life into the characters and adds another layer of depth to the story.
In the Face of Adversity: Anime Hockey
The girls enjoy playing ice hockey, but the anime doesn’t actively focus on or discuss the sport. Instead of delving into the more obscure rules of ice hockey, Pride of Orange opts for a slice-of-life approach featuring the “cute girls doing cute things” trope, even incorporating a beach episode. Furthermore, the story unexpectedly introduces several idol elements.
The plot of Pride of Orange doesn’t prioritize ice hockey, nor does it take the time to explain why Manaka and her friends love the sport. They initially knew little about it and only discovered their passion for the game in the third episode, adhering to the common three-episode rule found in anime. However, the most infuriating aspect for viewers was portraying a Canadian hockey team losing, despite the sport’s significantly lower popularity in Japan.
Is PuraOre! Pride of Orange the first anime to focus on ice hockey?
Yes, PuraOre! Pride of Orange is the first sports anime to exclusively focus on ice hockey, setting it apart in the genre.
How does PuraOre! Pride of Orange portrays the sport of ice hockey?
The anime captures the sport’s intensity, speed, and raw power while showcasing the ice rink’s beauty and the players’ grace. It also delves into the mechanics, strategies, and sheer grit required to excel in ice hockey.
Who are the main characters in PuraOre! Pride of Orange?
The main protagonist is Manaka Mizusawa, a cheerful and passionate girl who quickly falls in love with ice hockey. She is joined by her sister Ayaka and a group of friends, each with unique personalities, as they form the Dream Monkeys ice hockey team.
Does PuraOre! Pride of Orange focus solely on ice hockey, or does it explore other themes?
While ice hockey serves as the backdrop for the story, PuraOre! The anime delves into the character’s emotional journeys and the bonds they form with each other. Pride of Orange also explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams.
How is the art and animation quality in PuraOre! Pride of Orange?
PuraOre! Pride of Orange features impressive art and animation quality, boasting vibrant colors, smooth animation, and a high level of detail. The fluidity of the characters’ movements, particularly during the action-packed hockey sequences, is a testament to the dedication and skill of the animation team.
Main Characters in PuraOre! Pride of Orange
- Manaka Mizusawa – Voiced by: Riko Koike
- Ayaka Mizusawa – Voiced by: Konomi Kohara
- Riko Sasaki – Voiced by: Sae Ootsuka
- Naomi Izumi – Voiced by: Satomi Amano
- Mami Kazawa – Voiced by: Moka Hinata
- Kaoruko Kazetani – Voiced by: Yūki Takada
- Yū Kiyose – Voiced by: Karin Isobe
- Shino Haida – Voiced by: Natsuki Kawasaki
- Reina Kutsugi – Voiced by: Nanaka Suwa
- Aika Suzuki – Voiced by: Aika Kobayashi
- Nozomi Sasahara – Voiced by: Moka Hinata
- Kanon Kazetani – Voiced by: Mayu Sagara
- Sayo Sasahara – Voiced by: Misaki Watada
