A Chivalry of a Failed Knight is a Japanese anime adaptation of the light novel series of the same name by Riku Misora. The show is produced by Silver Link and directed by Shin Oonuma. It has 12 episodes, each being around 24 minutes long. The story of A Chivalry of a Failed Knight is set in a world where some people are born with magical abilities called "Blazers". The Blazers are enrolled in a prestigious academy known as Hagun Academy, where they learn to harness and control their powers. The story revolves around the main protagonist, Ikki Kurogane, who is considered to be a failure in the academy despite being born into a noble family of Blazers. He is nicknamed "Worst One" due to his inability to manifest magical powers in a way that is useful in fights.
Despite being discouraged by the other Blazers and his own family, Ikki doesn't give up on his dream to become a powerful swordsman. With his determination and hard work, he gradually improves his physical abilities and develops his own sword-fighting style, which he calls "Itto Shura" (One Sword Style). One day, he encounters a new transfer student named Stella Vermillion, who is a princess from a foreign country and also a powerful Blazer. Their first meeting leads to a duel, which Ikki surprisingly wins. Impressed by his fighting skills, Stella becomes interested in him and they gradually form a bond.
The story mainly follows Ikki's journey to become a stronger swordsman and his relationship with Stella. Along the way, he faces various challenges such as fights with other Blazers and his own insecurities. The show also explores the complex relationships between the students and teachers at the academy, as well as the political tensions between different nations.
One of the strengths of A Chivalry of a Failed Knight is its compelling characters. Ikki is a likable protagonist who is easy to root for despite his flaws. He is both physically and emotionally vulnerable, which makes him relatable. On the other hand, Stella is a typical tsundere character who initially comes off as cold and haughty, but gradually reveals her softer side as she interacts with Ikki. The side characters are also well-rounded, with their own motivations and backstories that add depth to the overall story.
Another strength of the show is its action scenes. The fight scenes are well-animated and exciting to watch, with a good mix of sword-fighting and magical abilities. The show also does a good job of explaining the mechanics of the Blazers' powers and how they interact with each other, which adds to the tension during the fights.
One potential weakness of the show is its pacing. The first few episodes can feel slow as they focus on introducing the characters and their relationships. However, once the story picks up, the pacing becomes better and the show becomes more engaging. Additionally, some viewers may find the romantic subplot between Ikki and Stella to be cliché, although it is executed well enough that it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the show.
Overall, A Chivalry of a Failed Knight is an enjoyable anime that combines elements of action, romance, and fantasy into a satisfying package. Its likable characters, exciting fight scenes, and well-executed story make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
