If you're an avid anime fan, this anime is your standard "rags-to-riches" storyline which follows Ikki Kurogane, who's ranked F in the academy, progress through the ranks to determine to people that being ranked based on your magical aptitude is not accurate to a person's ability. He meets Stella Vermilion, a princess from another country who's ranked A, who ends up becoming rivals with him and challenges him to a duel after Ikki saw her mostly naked in HIS bedroom. The two end up duelling each other and Ikki wins, with Stella slowly beginning to fall for him as he doesn't see her for her status as a princess, but as herself. From hereon, Ikki slowly rises up to the top with Stella by his side.
As you watch on however, the minute details begin to separate the show from it's other Typical counterparts (Asterisks War, Infinite Stratos, etc.). There are a few girls who get introduced, enough for the show to fall into the "harem-trap" that most shows go for. However, the one thing the writers' nail is Character Development. The side girls aren't love interests, they don't want to fall in love with Ikki, they either become his friendly rivals, his student's or best friends. It's refreshing and interesting. Including the development between Ikki and Stella, it's wonderful to see them grow with each other!
The animation, considering the small studio and budget, is pretty damn good! Best thing about it, it's also used as a storytelling piece. Soundtrack is okay, not much to talk about there (nothing that caught my attention, aside from the opening theme). Overall, it was an enjoyable watch. Not exactly world-class, but it's generic storytelling told in a refreshed way! So whether your a long-time anime fan, or your starting out, Chivalry of a Failed Knight is an alright watch to see. I'd definitely recommend it.
