Review of Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom
Phantom Requiem for the Phantom is basically a mix between Bourne Identity, The Departed and The Godfather. It is written by Gen Urobuchi (Fate/Zero, Madoka Magica, and PsychoPass), whose work have been critically acclaimed and praised by many. Why this show never got the same attention as the shows mentioned above is a complete mystery to me, as this is an ambitious, engaging and terrifically executed anime. Story: 9/10 (Excellent) The plot surrounds a character name Zwei: who gets captured, his memory gets wiped and is forced to work as an assassin for an underworld organization called Inferno. The best assassin in Inferno, Ein, trains him tobecome the ruthless bad ass he needs to be. What really makes this anime stand out is the interesting perspective it draws on assassins and the workings of being one. These qualities and their methods are cleverly integrated in very creative and interesting missions that are forced upon the two main characters. It has a grounded and realistic approach that really helps immerse you into the show. There are three major acts in this anime that progress the main character, and each present major challenges for him to overcome. The first two acts are outstanding: incredibly engaging, full of memorable and shocking moments, with excellent character development. Where the story stumbles... is during the last act.
One of the major problems with the last act was some odd and unrealistic decisions that breaks some of the realism established in the preceding acts. One example of this is when machine guns are firing at one of the assassins and the assassin just goes into God mode. The henchmen shoot like storm troopers somehow hitting every molecule around the assassin without hitting the assassin!! The show did such a good job making the gun fights feel threatening and real earlier, so what is with this hiccup?! One of the cool things in the show was seeing the assassins come up with ways to apply their training or clever thinking to outmatch their opponents. This obviously sticks out as a problem, because of how well handled they were before. Another problem with this third act was the tone; I am all for dark stuff, but holy crap it was bleak and negative to the point where it got tiring. The first arc offset this dark tone with plenty of well spaced missions and action, and the second act accomplished the same with an optimistic and humorous character. To me its important when having a dark story to have other elements to balance it; otherwise it becomes harder to enjoy after a while. One last major issue with this final act is a tragic moment near the end that isn't as impactful as it could have been due to a mishandled character. Without spoiling anything a major character could have been more sympathetic in her portrayal, as this character becomes surprisingly unlikable at this point of the show.
Despite its problems, the last arc makes up for its shortcomings with an admittedly riveting climax with things coming together strongly at the end. The ending itself is divisive and won't be to everyone's liking. However, I feel like it really couldn't have ended better.
Characters: 9/10 (great)
Despite the one mishandled character I mentioned earlier, the rest of the cast is handled amazingly. Zwei is an antihero done right. They find just the right balance between sympathy and stone cold bad-assery, which makes him a really strong protagonist to follow through the show. Of the secondary characters... Ms. McCunnen and Cal really stand out. Ms. McCunnen is manipulative, cunning and quick on her feet. She is a really cool character with some great moments. Cal was also excellent in the second act of the show, providing a charming and funny personality that the show needed. She also has the closest things to really heartwarming and emotionally genuine moments this anime has to offer.
Art/Animation/Sound: 9/10 (great)
The production values are surprisingly excellent for a studio I have never heard of. But it isn't the art and animation that blew me away, it was the music. The OP is beautiful and perfectly complements the show. The soundtrack is also killer: adrenaline pumping when it needs to be and giving the show a chilling and haunting atmosphere that fits wonderfully. The English dub is also really solid, so if your not anti-english dub that is an option. I found Ein's voice to be a bit odd in english, but everyone else is solid (especially Cal's VA).
Enjoyment: 9/10
Overall, I loved this show. I was always left in suspense and was constantly impressed with the smart and thought provoking elements of the show. In my eyes this is a show about ones actions, and the ramifications one faces as a result. The past is like a ghost that comes back to haunt you, that reminds you of your sins and has you struggle with it as a consequence. I really like shows that are thought provoking, and it is certainly memorable. If the final third could have just injected a bit more humanity and kept the grounded realism of the first two-thirds of the show it would have been perfect. This was like Death Note in a sense. Overall its fantastic, but the last third is clearly the most flawed part of the show.
I highly recommend this show. This may not appeal to you if you are looking for something fast paced, simple and purely fun. However, if you are looking for a great dark psychological thriller, this is a truly excellent show to watch.
Overall: 9/10