Review of Attack on Titan
It may have a simplistic premise, but Attack on Titan is one of the most compelling and addictive action anime I have ever seen. The story of the last bastion of human life fighting for survival may lack nuance, but it is one that will strike a chord with most viewers . It is like a form of extreme patriotism, except on the scale of the whole of humanity rather than a nation. The threat of the titans feels very overwhelming to the humans, creating a constantly tense atmosphere, as if a giant tornado were approaching but no one knew quite when it would strike. Thetone then shifts and we see a more equal playing field. Humans are no longer running for their lives, but fighting for them. The second OP definitely reflects this less chaotic and more motivated aspect of humanity and the fight. Another plot point that keeps up the intrigue is the identity of the "female titan", which is revealed later on (although it is kind of obvious and could be seen coming). Discovering the contents of the basement is a great goal for the characters beyond simply surviving, and serves as further intrigue for the audience, but not really a mystery as of yet we have not really been given clues in the anime as to what it is, other than it could turn the tide of battle against the titans.
The fight scenes in this anime are very well choreographed and fluid. The 2D animation of the characters actually works with some of the 3D backgrounds in some of the more ambitious shots, which I usually find distracting. The viewers' understanding of the titans' weakness makes the battles feel coherent and easy to follow, and we are aware that characters can be killed off, increasing tension (although the main three do feel safe).
SPOILERS IN THIS PARAGRAPH- The titan transformation really added another dimension to both the plot and action of the show. The final fight between titan form Eren and Annie is a true spectacle to behold. It also opens up the possibility of the titan invasion being a man made thing, making it a whole lot more sinister than them just being another force of nature like a volcano.
One way the anime falls down a bit is the characters. Eren can come off as a but annoying and overdramatic in that anime way. He ranges from quiet contemplation to YELLING THINGS TO LET YOU KNOW IT'S REALLY INTENSE OK? with no inbetween. Mikasa is a bit bland and the generic 'quietly the best at everything' stereotype- although her unwavering devotion to Eren and her tragic backstory do elevate her beyond being an awful character. Armin is my favorite of the three, a nerd stereotype but with a drive to also become physically tougher that makes him an admirable character. Hopefully season 2 gives us some more character development to make these characters a bit deeper.
Overall, this is a great anime. It is compelling, action packed, beautiful to look at and has elements of a mystery that will be touched upon more in season 2. I would recommend the Japanese dub of this show, as I think the American/ English language dub is a bit too melodramatic and I personally hate American Eren. The titan roar is also spine chilling in the Jap dub, and annoyingly high pitched in the American dub.
9/10- Has flaws and is simplistic but I enjoyed this anime more than I can remember enjoying any anime in a long while.