Boruto Is A Disappointment

As a film student from Malaysia who loves watching anime, I want to talk about why I feel Boruto doesn't work as well as its predecessor. I know people have different opinions, but I'd like to share the reasons why, in my view, Boruto struggles as an anime.

Lack of Character Development

One big problem with Boruto is that the characters don't change or grow much. In Naruto, we saw characters like Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura evolve over time, but Boruto fails to give that same sense of growth. The characters feel stuck, and they don't have clear goals or show much personal development. This makes it hard for viewers to connect with them on a deeper level and care about their stories.

Watered-down Themes and Pacing

Naruto explored important topics like identity, prejudice, and following your dreams. These themes made the show more meaningful and interesting. But in Boruto, the storytelling feels weaker, and the themes don't have the same impact. Additionally, the pacing of the show is inconsistent, with episodes and storylines that don't contribute much to the main plot. This uneven pacing can make it hard to stay engaged and invested in the series.

Reliance on Nostalgia

Boruto relies too much on nostalgia for its predecessor, Naruto. Instead of creating its own unique identity, Boruto often goes back to the past, rehashing old storylines and character dynamics. While it's nice to have nods to the original series, this reliance on nostalgia prevents Boruto from standing on its own and telling fresh, new stories.

Change in Tone and Atmosphere

Naruto had a dark and gritty tone that explored serious and sometimes harsh aspects of the ninja world. But Boruto has a lighter and more comedic tone. While this can be enjoyable, it takes away from the seriousness and impact of important moments. It's hard to feel fully connected when the tone keeps changing.

As a Malaysian film student and anime fan, it's disappointing to see Boruto struggle to live up to the high standards set by Naruto. The lack of character development, diluted themes, reliance on nostalgia, and tonal shifts all contribute to its shortcomings as an anime. While Boruto does have its own fan base, I believe it falls short compared to Naruto's depth, character growth, and emotional impact. Hopefully, future episodes and storylines can address these issues and bring new life to the series, giving both new and old fans a more compelling experience.