TLDR
This is what ice skating can be?!
What it's about
After retiring from competitive ice skating, two time Olympic gold medallist Yuzuru Hanyu performs in Tokyo Dome’s first-ever solo ice show, portraying Hanyu’s life and future on the ice.
The take
As one of the greatest ice skaters of all time, Yuzuru Hanyu has become an icon, not just for Japan, but for both fans of the sport and the art worldwide. As he retired from competing, fans looked forward to watching one of his ice shows, but few anticipated the popularity and reception of GIFT at the Tokyo Dome. It’s a spectacular show, thankfully filmed and streamed on Disney+ for international audiences who missed out on watching in life, but it’s not just spectacular due to the insane athleticism and skill director Mikiko depicts from Hanyu’s routines, or the sheer length of the entire show. Through shortened versions of his previous ice shows and his Olympics run, Hanyu adds an interesting mix to express his journey in ice skating, with unexpected tracks from pop culture, as well as his famous Notte Stellata, which he performs annually for his Miyagi hometown. It’s an unprecedented show only Hanyu could make, one even new viewers could enjoy.
What stands out
The program itself. I don’t think there’s anything like it. I knew nothing about this man going in, and after watching, I can’t help but admire the way he transformed skating into a story, and the way he’s gone through life in general.