Name: Pound Pound no Fukuin
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Year: 2008
Rating: Recommended
One Pound no Fukuin (One Pound Gospel) follows the life of 19 year old Kosaku Hatanaka, a young talented boxer. A key requirement for entering boxing matches is to ones weight within the permitted limits of the weight class they are in. Kosaku who is within the feather weight category must keep his weight within a given limit or else he would be disqualified before the match even begins. For a boxer in the lightest class it is essential that their weight is controlled through rigorous dieting and cardiovascular training. However Kosaku though being talented he often finds himself unable to resist the temptation of a nice meal. With no little to no control over his appetite he would either have to move up a weight class or end his dream of being a boxer. One day during his road work (running exercise) he collapses from hunger but is saved by a passing nun. After regaining consciousness Kosaku is determined to thank Sister Angela and soon finds himself competing for her attention.
One Pound Gospel is a light hearted romance comedy. The fights are not very serious, whether its a good point or a bad it depends on the individuals opinion. I guess if it had more serious fights like Hajime no Ippo it would be a completly different series. One Pound Gospel rather focuses on the relationship between Kosaku and Sister Angela rather than the boxing side of the story. Much of the time we see Kosaku struggle with his dieting problems and other times we see him depressed over the lack of affection he is getting from Sister Angela. Kosaku’s positive and straight forward action is what makes it interesting, I’m sure many viewers will gain a few laughs from Kosaku’s personality.
