Review of Sword Art Online

Before I start this review, I want to say that most animes I like, I don't write reviews for since (for the most part) it's very obvious why people like it. For S.A.O, my experience has been different than with most animes. I went from being really uninterested and disappointed, to really enjoying it - so I thought I'd share that opinion. Alright, so S.A.O starts off with a really good plot line. It has elements of other-worldly anime, without being full-out magic. Basically, it has amazing potential. The issue is, that the first 9 episodes jump so much, and are all over theplace, which leaves the watcher feeling unsure of who to be attached to. Kirito comes off misogynistic, and arrogant - to say the least. You don't see much character development, and even more than that, once Asuna and Kirito get together you almost feel as though they've lost the only individualistic parts about them, in exchange for being in love. The thing is, once you get over that hump.. no, even DESPITE that hump, I found myself really eager to keep watching. Maybe it's the art and scenery, or just the idea of the plot in general, but it still remained enjoyable to watch. However, it did have many moments where I laughed out loud at how stupid some of the lines sounded. So far this sounds like a terrible review, but now I'll talk about why I actually enjoyed SAO, and why I would recommend it.

So, like I said, when I first started it, I was really unimpressed. I didn't understand why it was so popular, or why it had a high rating. I read reviews saying it was shit, and I thought it had no depth whatsover. It showed all this death and darkness, but none of it sunk in while watching it. I really feel like the moment that changed, for me at least, was when Asuna saved Kirito when he'd been poisoned. It was the first point where I felt like I really wanted something to happen, despite knowing he would obviously be okay (because he's the main character). I still felt, in a sense, on the edge of my seat.

Okay, now, the second plot line. ALO. I like this part better than the first season, to be completely honest. It totally has unnecessary fanservice, and covers the topics of forbidden love of incest, and rape - but honestly I really don't think that that makes it bad. I think that the character development is 100x better than the first season. You actually get to see Kirito's personality more than just watching each girl fall for him (though, they still do). However, seeing his kindness, devotion and stamina, why wouldn't everyone fall for him? You also see things he struggles with in a way that the first season didn't really emote properly. And despite Asuna becoming princess peach, I don't agree with the people who say she's become a damsel in distress. Just because she's not in physical combat does not make her a weak character. She is constantly fighting, and doing her best emotionally. She has a lot of self respect, and is mentally really strong considering the fucked up situation she's in. If you think that her no longer having fighting scenes makes her weak or any less of a badass, I really think that's an irrelevant argument. The second season does a good job of telling how people feel where the first season was a lot of show. I also think Sugu is a really powerful female lead - and if you take out the incest bit - her feelings are definitely relatable.

All in all, I really think that the show progressed for the better towards the end. I completely see why people watch it, despite my disappointment at the start. It was definitely an enjoyable anime to watch - and although it isn't the most intellectually stimulating, it still is way better than people say it is. I wouldn't say it's the best anime in the world, but I definitely am still thinking about it after it's over... And I think that, like a good book or film, the after thought is real proof of how much you like something.