The anime adaptation of “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman: My Hotshot Disciples Are All Grown Up Now and They Won’t Leave Me Alone” has finally arrived! The premiere, which aired on April 5, 2025, has generated a buzz among anime fans. Let’s dive into what the first episode offers and whether it’s worth your time.
The Plot Thickens: From Village Dojo to Royal Knights
Beryl Gardinant, a middle-aged swordsman, leads a peaceful life running a dojo in a remote village. Content with teaching the local children, he believes his dreams of adventure are long gone. However, his quiet life is upended by the arrival of Allucia Citrus, a former student who has risen to become the Commander of the Royal Order of Knights.
Allucia brings Beryl an unexpected offer: to become a special instructor for the Liberion Order in the capital city of Baltrain. Unable to refuse an Imperial Order, Beryl embarks on a journey to the capital, where he reunites with other former students and faces new challenges.
The first episode sees Beryl adjusting to his new role and facing skepticism from Henblitz Drought, the Order’s vice commander. A duel ensues, where Beryl’s experience and skill prevail, earning him the respect of the knights.
A Fresh Take on Fantasy?
“From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” presents a refreshing twist on the typical fantasy anime. The protagonist, Beryl, is not a young, overpowered hero but a middle-aged man with a lifetime of teaching experience. This sets the series apart from many of its contemporaries, offering a unique perspective on the genre.
One of the anime’s strengths is its portrayal of Beryl as a mature and thoughtful character. He possesses a careworn demeanor and a genuine passion for teaching. Despite his skills, Beryl remains humble and somewhat oblivious to the extent of his impact on his former students.
Production Quality and Music
The anime is produced by Passione and Hayabusa Film, with Akio Kazumi directing. Kunihiko Okada handles the scripts, while Satsuki Hayasaka is responsible for character design and chief animation direction. Yasuharu Takanashi composes the music.
The opening theme song, “Heroes,” is performed by Takanori Nishikawa, and the ending theme song, “Alright!!!,” is performed by Flow. The animation has been described as solid, with decently choreographed action scenes. However, some reviewers have noted that the CGI used in certain scenes, such as the duel between Beryl and Henblitz, appears somewhat dated compared to the 2D animation.
Cast
The voice cast includes:
- Hiroaki Hirata as Beryl Gardenant
- Nao Toyama as Allucia Citrus
- Yuki Hirose as Curuni Crueciel
- Hinaki Yano as Ficelle Harbeller
- Hitomi Ueda as Surena Lysandra
- Chiwa Saito as Lucy Diamond
- Kaito Ishikawa as Henblitz Drout
- Arisa Nakada as Mewi Freya
- Ryota Osaka as Spur
Potential Pitfalls
Some critics have pointed out potential issues with the series. One concern is the harem-like dynamic between Beryl and his former students. While the anime avoids some of the more problematic aspects of the genre by portraying the students as adults, the focus on their adoration of Beryl could become repetitive.
Another criticism is that the female characters initially lack depth beyond their admiration for Beryl. It remains to be seen whether the series will develop their personalities and motivations further.
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch?
Despite its potential pitfalls, “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” offers a promising start. The unique protagonist, solid production values, and engaging storyline make it a worthwhile watch for fans of fantasy anime. Whether the series can overcome its challenges and deliver a truly exceptional story remains to be seen, but the premiere episode certainly piques interest.
