Great Teacher Onizuka Review

I was a little skeptical at first about this anime. I usually avoid the comedy/slice-of-life genre, but this anime came highly recommended by an old friend and boy am I glad I listened to him. GTO has to be one of the most well made anime package of its time.

The story is somewhat cliche: troublesome high school students with peculiar skills or traits trying to rid a teacher who's trying hard to to teach them a lesson in life. However, there are some very clever surprises and plot devices to keep the viewer poised for more. My only complaint is the rather hashed season finale (Ep. 42 and 43), but that was to be expected since those are the only two episodes that didn't diligently follow the manga.

The animation is adequate for its time, but that isn't the reason why you should watch this.

Both the opening and ending soundtrack for the series is great. Although, neither are as good as the GTO Live Action theme, "Poison".

The reason why you should watch this is simple: Onizuka Ekikichi, 22 years, virgin. This anime is all about character, rather a character. Truly GTO is ineffable in that sense. Watch the first episode and tell me if you're not immediately enamored by Onizuka and his ridiculous ways.

While there is a certain moral message to the anime, watch it for the sheer fun value. It will make you laugh, that's for certain, perhaps it might even make you cry. The live action series, I'm not ashamed to say did make my eyes wet.

The live action series (12 episodes) is quite good as well but there are certain things one can have liberty with in an anime that is not possible in live action.

Overall, I highly recommend GTO. Not just the anime but the entire franchise, manga, live action TV series and the movie.

Great Teacher Onizuka Banzai!