For anime enthusiasts, fall 2023 was the finest season yet since so many programs, including Dr. Stone, Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, and others, released thrilling new episodes after their spectacular returns. Amidst these comeback programs, a brand-new anime series named Sousou no Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey's End) debuted covertly. To everyone's amazement, it quickly overtook all other programs to emerge as the greatest anime of autumn 2023, as shown by the top rankings.
Curious, I began watching Frieren lately, and it's been the finest choice I've made so far in 2024. As a result, I'm here today with a unique piece in the hopes of enticing everyone to watch this program right away after falling in love with it. I have listed five reasons for you to watch Frieren immediately, without giving away too much about the anime.
1. The Best of Non-Linear Storytelling
The main factor contributing to Frieren: Beyond Journey's End's popularity, in my opinion, is its storyline. Don't get me wrong; I don't find this show's non-linear plot to be particularly confusing.
Frieren narrates a simple tale in a world reminiscent of Tolkien, mostly influenced by Dungeons & Dragons. We follow Frieren and her companions as they embark on adventures, complete side missions, battle demons, and much more. However, this is also the point at which the author's non-linear narrative really starts to shine.
After defeating the Demon King, the anime opens with Frieren, the main character, and her companions making their way back home. Thus, the program intrigues us right away as to how they managed to protect the globe from a lurking evil. As of right now, the chronology shows .As an elf , Frieren has a longer lifespan (almost immortality) than her human friends.
As a consequence, she gradually witnesses her partners' deaths as the years pass quickly. After its conclusion, this is the start of a true narrative.
Following the passing of her pals, she once again embarks on a solo journey with new recruits , achieving the unfulfilled wishes of her friends. She begins to think back on her experiences with her allies in defeating the Demon King as time goes on. Here is when the plot takes a non-linear turn, allowing us to simultaneously experience two distinct and interesting journeys.
The narrative develops in a non-linear way, giving the audience the opportunity to simultaneously experience two distinct and interesting journeys.
The excellent use of flashbacks and current events keeps us interested in finding out all there is to know about this planet and its inhabitants, character by character, even if the pace is sluggish and it's okay to accept that. The author meant for the spectators to feel a keen feeling of emotion, which is evoked by this simple but clever action.
In summary, it is an unparalleled experience as we watch two parallel journeys that are intricately linked to one other. Numerous excellent anime series, including Durara, Monogatari, and Baccano, have non-linear plots. However, Frieren stands out from the others because its non-linear plot keeps us informed and presents everything in a way that is easy to understand, reflecting a carefree way of living.
2. All-Day Enchanting Characters to Root for
This anime's lovely array of characters is its second finest feature; you can't help but cheer for them. The program is entertaining to watch since it has a diverse cast of characters, including talking demons, humans, dwarves, elves, and more.
However, they are more than that since each character's journey and characteristics are carefully considered and presented. This is when the criticisms about the sluggish pace could start to surface, but it also gives you a chance to relate to characters other than the protagonist.
The finest illustration of this is Frieren, who is first shown as more of an insensitive figure. For an elf with a lengthy lifespan, everything seems so ridiculous. When you consider her whole existence, her experiences in defeating the Demon King were just a tiny portion of it. You may thus see why she regarded her relationships and their time together as unimportant.
But after defeating the Demon King, Frieren starts again and thinks back on her time with her companions, starting to self-reflect on her deeds. Along the way, she stumbles across a number of serendipitous events that deepen her friendships with her friends and awaken a previously latent compassion and kindness in her.
This is just one example; there are many more well written characters who add depth to the narrative and improve the entire experience. The deuteragonists of this anime, Fern and Stark, who were named Best Boy and Girl of Fall 2023, are proof of what I just stated.
Every character in Frieren has a backstory, and discovering more about them teaches important truths about life that we often ignore or misinterpret in the real world.
3. Magnificent Animation That Makes You Want More
Powerhouse Mad Studios is responsible for hits like Monster, One Punch Man, Death Note, Hunter x Hunter (2011), and so on. They have once again shown why they are the greatest in the industry with Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.
This anime has an iconic flowing animation that is seductive and eye-catching, while not being as detailed and artistically rich as ufotable's Demon Slayer.
You can just stop an episode at any random point, and presto—you have instant wallpaper content. That is how amazing this anime's animation and visual aesthetic are. Every sight in Frieren is vibrant, which effortlessly contributes to the journey's vividness and memorability.
Frieren is now regarded as one of the greatest anime adaptations ever as Madhouse remained true to the original and painted the frames with the skill of an artist.
Not to mention, the storyboarding and execution of the action sequences are flawless, with smooth, fluid animation that makes for a really enjoyable viewing experience. Thus, I'm sure you won't be able to look away while watching, and after you're done, you'll still find it impressive.
4. Stunning World Construction and Nuanced Power Dynamics
There are several anime out there that have amazing D&D-based worldbuilding, and Sousou no Frieren has quickly become one of such shows because to its amazing worldbuilding. Each place they go and each side trip they take is well planned. The names of the places and personalities reveal that the whole structure draws inspiration from European nations, particularly Germany.
The studio has skillfully created and portrayed a wide range of creatures, including scary demons, magical elves, magical monsters, and lush vegetation. Every episode is utterly engrossing and exciting when combined with Madhouse's seductive graphics.
Second, the series' power system is distinct and includes a lot of unique components. We have priests, demons, and elves who can perform their special magics. strong fighters equipped with a variety of awesome weapon sets. You won't get confused by the system since it was designed with the viewers' ease of understanding in mind.
Check it out for yourself; this anime has some very amazing action sequences.
5. Talented Voice Actors Who Bring Characters to Life
Not to mention, the voice performers for Sousou no Frieren did an amazing job giving the characters spirit. With their lovely voices, a multitude of gifted voice actors have joined Frieren to bring the adventure to life.Several well-known Japanese voice actors have appeared in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, including:- Atsumi Tanezaki (known for Anya Forger from Spy x Family and Rio Futaba from Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai)
- Kana Ichinose (Known for Ichigo from Darling in the FranXX, Yuzuriha Ogawa from Dr. Stone, and Maki Shijou from Kaguya-sama: Love is War)
- Chiaki Kobayashi (Known for Askeladd from Vinland Saga, Gabimaru from Hell’s Paradise, and Mash Burnedead from Mashle: Magic and Muscles)
- Nobuhiko Okamoto (Known for Katsuki Bakugo from MHA and Yuu Nishinoya from Haikyuu)
- Junichi Suwabe (Well-known for Ryomen Sukuna from JJK, Yami Sukehiro from Black Clover, and Archer from the FATE series)