Review of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Some new generation viewers may find Sousou no Frieren a slow and boring anime because it doesn't have much action, but I think it's exactly this feature that draws attention. Personally, the premise of the magical world with elves, mana and dungeons is not that interesting, but: firstly, this anime deals with that masterfully, and secondly, that's not what this anime is about. This is just the environment for a story of deeper reflection, which reflects on friendship, on love, and above all, on time and life; but it doesn't do it in the cliché and repetitive way that you usually see in other shonen. Frierenbrings a new vision to the current context of mainstream Japanese animation, which will hopefully influence new productions in the genre.

Beautiful artistic style, high quality animation with excellent continuity, a story that makes you want to know more about, interesting characters (emotionally and visually), just the right amount of action, just the right amount of humor and fan-service, and female characters who are powerful without being sexually exploited.

It moves you, it convinces you. It makes you feel at home, belonging, cozy, and makes you care about the characters.

Suddenly I'm not angry anymore about it stealing Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood's top spot on MAL. Frieren deserves it.