Why You Can't miss Sousou no Frieren!
You might be thinking: “Another fantasy anime!? I’ve already watched so many of those”.
But wait wait wait, hear me out. This Anime starts differently. The Demon King has already been defeated – so what is the story about and how will it progress? This is exactly, why Sousou no Frieren is different and why you need to watch it!
Plot
So, the story kicks off with the heroes returning home, basking in the glory of having defeated the demon king after a decade-long adventure. We’ve got Frieren the mage, Himmel the hero, Heiter the priest, and Eisen the warrior, each pivotal in their epic journey. But now, it’s time for farewells, and that’s where things take a turn. You see, Frieren is an elf, and time doesn't wear on her as it does on her human companions. She’s left to watch them age, and one by one, they say their goodbyes to this world.
Not long after Heiter also leaves but before he does, he introduces Frieren to a bright young apprentice named Fern. Frieren is the kind of person to travel alone but driven by Frieren's passion for seeking out new spells, the duo sets off, tracing back through the paths once treaded by the legends before them. On this seemingly aimless adventure, Frieren grapples with a sea of emotions, confronting regrets, and missed chances to form deeper connections with her departed friends. So, get ready, because Sousou no Frieren is going to leave you all in an existential crisis.
Time, Memories and Connections
Such a beautiful yet disturbing theory time is, isn’t it? It is because of time that we create memories, and because of memories we create connections. Sousou no Frieren is without a doubt one of the best in letting us feel how bittersweet time is. Imagine a world where every tick of the clock tells a different story for each person - a plethora of emotions, uniquely experienced by every individual. What if there was a world where time doesn’t just fly; it dances, creating a symphony of varied tales of joy and sorrow. That's precisely the emotional adventure this anime invites you to. This anime doesn’t just show us battles won but explores the emotional depths of friendships lost and the preciousness of the memories that remain. As we traverse through this fantasy world, it beautifully immerses us in Frieren’s perspective. Her adventures, which feel like mere minutes to her, span lifetimes for others.
Your heart will waver as you voyage through her experiences across episodes with more to come. You will clearly see this when she reunites with her friends after her excursions, they've all seemed to have aged significantly.
They as a party were once again united, but as we all know, “Where there is Life, there is also Death”.
The emotional floodgate opens when the anime explores the heart-wrenching reality of her friends' death. The cruel confrontation at Himmel’s funeral, where Frieren is mocked for her seemingly emotionless look, will stir something deep within you. But it's her internal struggle, grappling with the eternal farewell to an old friend, that becomes a real tear-jerker.
We've all been there, right? That pang of regret for not soaking up every moment with someone when we had the opportunity. And the way Heiter and Eisen envelop her with comfort in her sorrow is a raw, relatable moment, escaping the anime world and touching a very real human experience.
Another Journey
Trying to embark on a journey to find true meaning is what Sousou no Frieren is all about. With Heiter also gone, leaving behind Fern, it is now time for Frieren to start another journey.
Now a different kind of travel has been set, something that will warm and break our hearts at the same time. Imagine going on a second journey, and by the time we hit episode four, we realize this isn’t your regular retread. It’s not about battling demons or toppling evil, but it’s something much deeper, more soul-stirring. This masterpiece beautifully molds together not just a battle against evil but a gentle, self-reflective journey through internal conflicts, healing, and fondly remembering those who have departed, all while moving bravely ahead.
Production
With anime like Demon Slayer and Bleach coming out with god-tier animations its become harder to meet that standard, but that isn’t to say that “Sousou no Frieren” will be lacking.
Madhouse, the legendary studio behind countless smash hits, is the powerhouse bringing "Sousou no Frieren" to life, with Keiichirou Saitou (known for "Bocchi! The Rock") at the directorial helm. Kicking off with a bang, the series has launched its initial five episodes all at once, accompanied by an opening track from YOASOBI, the genius duo who crafted the opening for "Oshi No Ko's Idol."
We're basically saying this anime is sculpted to be a sensation. And, having soaked in those opening episodes, we’re placing our bets that it's going to sweep viewers off their feet. The series gently pulls us into a world that’s peaceful, serene, and wrapped in a rich, enchanting ambiance, prioritizing a deep, emotional tone over the bombastic adventures often seen in the fantasy genre. It is as if it brings the anime to life.
It stands apart, especially in its early episodes, as a refreshing antithesis to the likes of "The Witcher" and "Rings of Power." So, if you’re after something quietly charming and emotionally resonant, and aesthetically pleasing "Frieren" might just be your next must-watch series.
Why you can’t miss this
Sousou no Frieren is a must watch in my honest opinion. In every episode, and with every new scene, we're brought back to a moment of significant loss, witnessing how Frieren's past and present encounters entwine and reshape her memories. Now, this might sound like a lot to take in, but honestly, the anime nails it by letting each scene flow smoothly, allowing the story to unfold naturally, whether in quiet contemplation or in quick transitions.
Now, what’s gonna click with us viewers, especially after just a handful of episodes, is hard to predict, and "Frieren" really shouldn't be pitched against those shounen blockbusters that often steal the seasonal spotlight. It's not even playing the same game. Despite sharing the anime medium, it speaks to us in a different, more intimate language, embedding its narrative not in high-octane action, but in deeply emotional and thoughtful storytelling. So, if you're in for a rich, emotional journey, "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" is one to dive into.
This is why you can’t miss Sousou no Frieren!