Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
tiramisulover22
Ive watched this 3 years ago and it still hasn't gone down from my favorite anime of all time. I dont specifically remember the scenes but this handsdown tackles some serious ideologies, habits, feelings and so much more do NOT let the cover fool you. This resonated so deep in my heart, it was one of the very few animes ive cried to😭... It is extremely deep and relatable (even though I dont play shogi) and each character has a mind and development of their own. I personally love the ups and downs this anime implicitly and explicitly shows because lets be honest, isn't that what life is? Extremely underrated and although I recommend it, I may not watch it again because of how much it shook my soul from within🙈 Luv u chica umino hope you (have) find your peace and happiness💗💗
Read at the sourceImXolotL
Anime starts very good, side characters are fun to watch main character has character development and half to give everything he has to continue on his life but it starts getting apart at the second half, it focuses so much on side characters like other sports animes, some people can like it but that bores me until I stop watching eventually but that wasnt the case with this one cause it is a good example of the genre that focuses on side characters and shows their character development one by one, in my opinion it would be so much better to focus on fewer characters, the characters took part in the first half was enough to carry it to average 9 points but as I told it focuses on so many characters at some point we cant see the final development of each of them and im sure they are going t…
Read at the sourceJonaRM
I loved it. I can only say that I'd like to watch it as many times as possible; I feel like I'd learn something new each time.
Kiriyama's development is palpable in every episode. I felt his sadness, his loneliness, but the more he progresses, the more you feel a light by his side—the characters who support him are that light.
I would have loved to see him win everything, but you also learn from defeats, and I liked that too—how he learned and sought to improve in a new way.
Although there are several storylines, and not all of them were resolved, it felt good. It wasn't expected that they would all end this season because of their complexity, while a storyline that begins after the halfway point was skillfully introduced and concludes very well, featuring an unexpected character that y…
Read at the sourceSalvatierra21
Today, in 2026, I am revisiting this beautiful and captivating story. It explores countless themes that are almost impossible to describe, covering immense ground while fully developing every facet of its characters. The narrative of this series is incredibly dynamic: one moment it dives deep into psychological themes, and the next, it seamlessly transitions into a slice-of-life. Ultimately, it shifts into a sports drama without ever disrupting the pacing. That is exactly why I highly recommend it. Here, you will find a beautifully fleshed-out cast of characters, and the art style does complete justice to the original manga. It is clear that the team at Studio Shaft worked hard to avoid recycling the Bakemonogatari aesthetic—a signature style they had previously overused to the point of ex…
Read at the sourcearyanarora
Unbelievable. The characters are so grounded and meticulously written. The beauty with which the story slowly unveils itself in these little comprehensive chapters while flowing like an unhindered river stream is a wonder to experience. Great plot structure. There are pressure and release moments in heavy stories; writing them for a nonchalant, quiet and depressed person who barely expresses himself is already a tough concept.
However, the story paints protagonist's state of mind so vividly through his monologues and actions that you're forced to squander your own conscience and put yourself in his boots; this person would stay silent, with his hair flowing in the wind during the most heart wrenching events, but then in the most subtle moments he breaks, when it all becomes too much he w…
Read at the sourceibernard
The show feels like it doesn't really go anywhere until the very end. It's not that things aren't happening, but to me at least, they didn't seem all that interesting. At first I got the impression that the main character was a dark and broody character, which he sort of is, but he's also just a lame loser who half heartedly plays shogi and ignores the generosity of his friends. He's not super off putting, just not very entertaining to follow. The animation is very nice, but that pacing just feels off, like it's trying to hard to appear interesting without providing and substance. Like the constant water scenes which seem like they're supposed to be philosophical but end up being more whimsical and nothing more than eye candy or word vomit. It's not as bad as something like Vagabond, where…
Read at the sourceLendanis
I came across it during a time in my life when I was feeling depressed and it did me so much good... At times it makes you laugh, calms you down, or moves you deeply. Sometimes you just find yourself staring at the screen with a gentle smile. I definitely recommend it. 10/10! The artwork is unique and absolutely beautiful. The music perfectly captures the emotions of each scene. And the characters beyond amazing! From the side characters to the main ones, every single one is so well written that I’m sure you’ll love them all. The story might start off slow, but don’t give up! You won’t regret it.
Read at the sourcemvdl
*SPOILER-FREE REVIEW*
Sangatsu no Lion is a great anime. Its premise may seem simple—a boy trying to overcome depression—but it's more complex than that.
This anime focuses on overcoming depression, but it also features shogi (Japanese chess), which is very important to the Rei. While it's not exactly the anime's focus, it's relevant to the story and is frequently discussed. I found it interesting. I'd even heard of shogi in some other works, but this one delves deeper into the subject, and I'll tell you right away: it's quite complex.
The characters are well-crafted, in a way that makes you connect with them. Kiriyama Rei (the protagonist) develops well throughout this season. He's gradually changed by the other characters, especially the three sisters: Akari, Hina, and Momo.
The soun…
Read at the sourceelumizu
March Comes in Like a Lion tells a story that appears, at first glance, to revolve around professional shogi. Yet the board game itself is only one layer of a much deeper narrative. Beneath the matches and tournaments lies a quiet exploration of loneliness, healing, and the fragile process of learning how to live again after loss. At the center of the story stands Rei Kiriyama, a teenage professional shogi player who lives alone in Tokyo. Despite achieving a rare level of success at a young age, Rei’s life is defined less by victory and more by emotional isolation. The death of both parents in an accident during childhood leaves a lasting void that continues to shape the way Rei sees the world. After the tragedy, Rei is taken in by the family of a shogi master who recognizes the boy’s exce…
Read at the sourcePyro1610
Seldom do I come across where the characters' hearts carry the show instead of their "Aura". This show has that heart which makes you want to believe in the Protagonist's journey, his problems , the weight of pressure on his shoulders , His sadness , his happiness . This show may look like a sports anime but it is far from a sports anime . It is more of a journey of the player that plays the sport. Our MC is a "Genius" Shogi player who is supported by 3 neighborhood sisters who looks after him. This shows tackles aloneness , depression and teaches the value of friends and family. The supporting cast of this show is also amazing and paints different shade in the show.
The only goofy thing about this show is its name "March Comes in Like a Lion".
ITs MUST HAVE on Everyone's List.
Read at the sourcevpnburneraccount
So, I watched this about 10 years ago and re-watched again because why not, it's a great show. After my first watch 10 years ago, I figured there would be a season 3 after some time, it just fell off the radar, and I moved on. This time around, after the first two seasons, I read the Manga (still ongoing as of this review) and boy, I tell ya...
WTF is wrong with the Anime Industry; they have this absolute Gem of a story and have not made more than two seasons despite there being a plethora of content in the Manga. IMO, the stories that happen post-season 2 raise the bar significantly.
The people that have read the Manga absolutely feel sorry for the Anime-Only viewers - They are absolutely getting robbed of some of the best story telling this medium can provide. Shame on the Anime Indust…
Read at the sourceDumbleGus
Rei’s story is character rich and profoundly engaging. His experiences and emotional growth feel true to life (for the character) and are presented with a perfect balance of weight and lightness. There is a pretty unique story set in an urban, yet traditional, slice of life setting. There is also an opportunity to learn a lot about Shogi! I love the art style, obviously similar to Honey and Clover, it’s anime/manga, but original. This is one of those rare experiences that makes you feel a deep sadness while filling you with warmth and an inspired satisfaction. If you have seen Honey and Clover, and you were moved by Yuta’s journey, March Comes In Like a Lion has that emotional resonance and it is carried throughout the entire story. I come back to this one year after year. I have also been…
Read at the sourceRamun_Flame
I decided on a whim to rewatch this series after watching it back in the day and scoring it a '7'. I didn't watch, or at least get far in the second season. I didn't remember anything really, so it's kinda like I was going in fresh. During the first few episodes, I wondered why I had scored it only a '7'. The show has quite a strong start, and I'm not sure if I just got worn out, or if the quality declined, but it just couldn't keep my interest toward the end.
This show is very clearly about depression, but also covers other things like loneliness, dealing with loss, social norms, etc. It feels real in how the character acts. Now, I really hate people using depression as an excuse to not do anything, or waste their time, but the protagonist doesn't do that. He has all these feelings, but…
Read at the sourceH-Kyouma
Ahaha! Rejoice, for Hououin Kyouma has returned to bestow his wisdom upon the unworthy masses! This time, our target is none other than 3-gatsu no Lion, a tale of shogi, solitude, and the human condition!
At its core, this anime presents a fascinating journey, following a protagonist whose mind is an enigma, much like my own. The way it delves into emotions and relationships is commendable, capturing the essence of struggle with a level of nuance rarely seen in the realm of mere fiction. The animation? Exquisite! Shaft has once again harnessed its reality-warping abilities to craft a visually distinct experience, though at times it dances dangerously close to excessive stylization.
But alas! Even a tale of such potential is not without its flaws! The biggest transgression - the betrayal…
Read at the sourceKranst
March Comes In Like a Lion weaves a heartfelt story of interpersonal connection and emotional struggles through the lens of a misplaced Shogi player. Choice language and expressions accompanied by a delightfully crafted production give breath to relatable and thought-provoking concepts, and the themes explored resonate with the audience regardless of their familiarity with the board game. This series feels reminiscent of the vivid visualization one creates when deeply immersed in a novel. It is equal parts disheartening and uplifting, but outright beautiful in the message it conveys: Our life is often turbulent, but moments of calm certainly will come. Everyone has somewhere they belong.
Read at the sourceYvendous
The grandpa in this show said "it's bean roasting night" and now we say that for when we watch anime together as a group. For that I'm eternally grateful.
This show did not waste my time as it was very enjoyable throughout. An enjoyable art style with characters filling interesting roles around the main characters major flaws. There isn't a whole lot going on plot-wise which is absolutely fine for an anime like this. Shogi as a career definitely lead to some interesting situations and characters that felt unique.
This show has an interesting perspective on how the main character is affected by depression. How his friends treat him I think was handled well.
Read at the sourceperennial_suit
Loved "Honey and Clover", Hated This!
I simply did not enjoy 3-gatsu no Lion. It had a great premise and a great potential. There are some nice moments and arcs, I really enjoyed a couple of episodes. But I had to really force myself to push through the rest of them. I would say there are 5 major reasons why this show fails for me:
1) The story has a nice premise, but major themes and characters remain somewhat underdeveloped and unexplored. The pacing is weird and I didn't find it enjoyable.
2) Too much obnoxious humor and gags that I did not find funny at all. And when I say too much I mean TOO MUCH.
3) The Shogi aspect of the show made it totally boring and unrelatable to me. It's simply hard to pay attention to characters obsessing over something you simply do not care about in the sl…
Read at the sourceCBMiura
3-gatsu no Lion it's a heartwarming anime.
We're able to join Kiriyama Rei on his journey to overcome adversity and grow as a person while doing his job as a student and as a shogi player (Japanese Chess).
The animation it's just, beautiful, in my opinion the animation captures perfectly the emotions of the characters. It's an anime so easy to just watch and enjoy the whole show, you won't even see the time pass.
The characters are well developed, so as the shogi's matches. So if you don't enjoy chess I wouldn't recommend this anime for you.
3-gatsu no Lion it's a slow paced anime that focus on the characters emotions and growth as a person with a heavy narrative. Besides it gives a lot of importance to the matches.
Read at the sourceivY_OoO
Its one of the most underrated shows , the story is bittersweet it has wholesome moments and sad ones , perfect for people who enjoy drama the art style is unique and it has personality unlike the other shows who have the typical style , its one of my comfort shows <3 i remember watching it when i was going through tough time and i guess the main character was so relatable to me . the story shows different characters story/back story but it wasn't long or anything , you dont need to understand shogi to enjoy the anime since it relays more on the drama and they actually explain to you some terms and showcase the pawn roles in fun way.
story : 10/10
artstyle: 10/10
storypace; it was good i didn't felt too slow or fast .
IM BAISED.........coming from big fan
its my first time writing a…
Read at the sourcePeyta12
March Comes in Like a Lion is a frustrating show that often sacrifices it's plot and impact for comedy with no relevant audience. It demonstrates an above average ability to write complex characters and emotional struggles, however uses it so little that it calls into question who the target demographic even is. The comedy seems written for nobody older than 12 but the weight and subject matter of the drama falls much more into the seinen category it is marked as. The music is perfectly adequate for the show and the OPs and EDs are very good, both in tone and overall quality. It also has Studio Shaft's trademark directing, which is personally jarring with its erratic jumps and framing, but this is far more of a subjective comment. The art style is also unique, but is not inherently bad, an…
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