Review of Attack on Titan
It's perfect. I am a believer that no piece of entertainment is or will ever be perfect in the sense that every single aspect of the show is handled with the utmost care down to the most minute details. That's why I am giving Attack on Titan a 10. It comes close to perfection, and that's all it boils down to in the end - you can tell everyone involved in this production - from the storyline, character arcs, sound, animation, message - they gave it their all. It pays off. It results in one of the most riveting and exhilarating shows I've ever seen.I can only liken the experience to when I first discovered Game of Thrones, when I was a young teen. Just awe-inspiring the fact that people, yes people in our world, in our reality, created such a phenomenon. This is creativity on steroids if I've ever seen it.
Right from the beginning, the show is already at the highest stakes. It would seem like after the first couple episodes the terror the titans plant in your heart would begin to subside, and the effect would wear off after seeing countless death after death. Surprisingly, it never does. With each episodes, new questions arise. New areas of the story that are explored. Character backstories and motivations. Full on action packed episodes of soldiers dying and succeeding. New characters introduced; weak and strong. Political intrigue and militaristic strategy. I was wondering how the plot would progress. With such simple ideas, the story could virtually go in any direction it wants. I think I am satisfied with where they went. It opens the possibilities even more (which are hopefully delved into even more in season 2).
The art is, for the most, part, stunning. I really like the rough, sketched, outlines and designs all the characters have. It adds to the grittiness of the show that I feel is necessary in order to maintain that sense of constant dread and impending doom. There's not much vibrancy or visually stimulating shots, but there are two things I want to note that always wowed me: the closeups on characters faces and the fight scenes. When they pan to someone's face up close, I literally cannot take my eyes off when I see their irises. I know it sounds weird, but the way they drew it is so incredibly captivating. As for the fight scenes, I felt it when they zipped across buildings and trees. I felt the momentum watching it. I think I might've stopped breathing once, not sure.
The soundtrack is decent. I skipped the OP and ED just cause once is enough. If there's anything I could fault this show with anything, it might be the music. There's not much to remember. But it's fine. It does its job well.
Everything aside though, the reason why I think I found myself on the verge of tears nearly every episode is simply the core theme and message behind it all. When the characters are crying, and pouring their emotions out, you can really feel it. If you're open minded enough and willing to envision yourself in their shoes, it's understandable why people would be constantly in fear of their lives and future. You'd understand the mass hysteria and uncertainty any moment brings. It's a realistic portrayal of how any humans would act. At the end of the day, the show is about seeking freedom; to go wherever you want to go, to be who you want to be, love who you want to love. When characters like Armin describe the world outside the walls exactly like ours, with such wonder, it just reminds me that our world is beautiful. I think this show does a great job of teaching us that our freedom is priceless. That's why I'm giving it a 10; it describes the human experience in a beautiful and haunting way.