Review Of Naruto Season 3 (Episodes 53-80)

 

Disclaimer: This is not an actual review. I am neither a film/TV critic nor a journalist. The content of this review is mainly based on my view and opinion of this series. The word "review" is only used to categorize and grab the reader's attention.

Warning: May contain spoilers!

The Netflix has divided the Naruto TV series into nine seasons. The third season contains 28 episodes. According to the originaloverall number of episodes, the first episode of the third season is episode 53 (“Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns”) and the last episode is episode 80 (“The Third Hokage, Forever”).

Check Out: Review of Naruto Season 1 (Episodes 1-26)

Overview:

Naruto Getting Training From Master Jiraiya

The third season begins with Naruto getting training for his final match of the Chūnin exam from Master Jiraiya, one of the legendary three ninjas aka “Toad Sage”.

The third season had it all. Actions, emotions, comedy, in short everything that one asks for in an anime season. The music, action, animation everything was beyond superb.

Check Out: Review Of Naruto Season 2 (Episodes 27-52)

What I Liked About Naruto Season 3 (Episode 53-80):

This season is my favorite so far. So, there are a bunch of things I am going to talk about.

Sasuke's Entry In Chūnin Exam With Kakashi 

The season peaked after Episode 12 (Zero Motivation: The Guy with Cloud Envy). Sasuke’s return and his new look changed everything and set the new tone and motion for the season. I loved how after mastering the Chidori and his training with Kakashe for the final match against Gaara he transformed. The hair and outfit changed to deep black, showing that there was somewhat of a dark side being unlocked due to Orochimaru’s curse.

Sasuke Using Chidori In His Match Against Gaara

In Episode 16 (“Zero Hour! Destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village Begins”), the moment the war broke out, that moment gave me goosebumps. It felt like a new kind of adrenaline. And all that happened because of the amazing background music. Music plays a significant role in creating the mood and atmosphere. Naruto’s soundtrack, theme music, and background scores always create a feeling of excitement while watching.

Apart from this, I loved watching the third Hokage’s fight with Orochimaru and with first and second Hokage. 

Third Hokage Vs Orochimaru 

I also liked how the Rookie Nine’s parents were adult, skilled and more powerful versions of their kids. It was simply cute. The original "Ino-Shika-Cha" were really cool and awesome.

The OG "Ino-Shika-Cha"

We finally got to see Gaara’s true form. I actually felt bad for Gaara after watching his childhood memories. The child was capable of being a good person but his father and the people of his village pushed him to become a monster. Naruto kept drawing a resemblance between himself and Gaara which at first, I thought was not the case. But slowly I realized that Naruto could’ve turned out to be like Gaara if Iruka Sensei hadn’t shown up in his life. 

Gaara Transfroming Into His Monster Form

Gaara had Yashamaru who taught him what love is, but it was the same Yashamaru that broke his heart. If before dying Yashamaru hadn’t confessed and admitted his true feelings, Gaara might have held onto what he said earlier and turned out to be different. Anyway, Gaara’s whole story made me really sad and I felt bad for him. I was glad that in the end Kankurō and Temari came to get him. It was a good sign for Gaara and kind of made him realize that he is not alone and there are people still who look out for him.

Young Gaara With Yashamaru Before His Death

What I Didn't Like About Naruto Season 3 (Episodes 53-80)

Well as I said this was my favourite season so far so there isn’t much that I don’t like about it.

But there are two things that I found annoying. In the first few episodes, in which Naruto was getting training from Master Jiraiya I absolutely found Jiraiya’s behavior creepy and annoying. Even if they wanted to show that he is a womanizer and pervert, maybe they could have done it moderately and made it quick.

Gaara's Monster Form

The second thing that I found annoying was how Temari and  Kankurō acted and behaved every time Gaara lost control. I mean I get that they were scared of his true form but saying again and again “He is losing control” and all those expressions made me think Gaara would be much more hideous but in the end, I was like “Oh that’s it”. I mean I wasn’t scared. Like yes, I admit Gaara is powerful and a tough opponent for both Sasuke and Naruto but I have seen worse monsters and villains. So, in the end, all the build-up didn't help because his true form didn't send chills down my spine which I thought would be the case.

Conclusion

Overall, this was an amazing season. I loved almost every second of it. I loved how there were so many fights/battles happening simultaneously and we got a glimpse of all of that. I also loved how each and every ninja and shinobi was part of the battle. There were only one or two things that I didn’t like otherwise this was a 4/5 stars season.

In the end, we saw someone with Sharingan watching the village and I am assuming that was Sasuke’s brother. It will be interesting to watch what this new character’s arrival brings to the life of Sasuke, Naruto and the people of Hidden Leaf Village. Also, Orochimaru isn't dead and he hates the leaf village more than ever now. I am sure he will strike again but how? Can’t wait to start season 4!