Review of Attack on Titan

"Why? You know why. Because I was born into this world." Season 1's jaw-dropping production, strong narrative setup, and scope back into the now morally divided cast provided a unique yet enlightening experience. It's easy to forget now just how grim early AoT was - and seeing the dire stakes humanity is put into is both empowering and allows the main theme to truly seep its roots: What does it mean to give up one's humanity for the greater good? This complex moral dilemma applied to a younger "suicidal maniac" Eren Yeager allows for the seeds to begin blossoming as this "emobidment of humanity's rage" is immediatelyforced to come to grips with this reality. In fact, seeing the entire cast come to grips with this reality that accompanies war, leadership, or even love is done in a way that brings dozens of incredible characterization moments but still room to grow as everyone begins searching for their own freedom outside the walls.

Tetsurou Araki's direction elevates these elements to staggering degrees. Mikasa's backstory, Armin's defense of Eren, every fight scene with the Attack Titan - every movement has exaggerated weight that invigorates the strongest of emotions every single time. It's unfortunate no season after this stands up in comparison in terms of production. The bolder outlined character models can be a little inconsistent in design and doesn't always quite hit but is a fair compromise for every glorious ODM/Titan fight scene.

Overall, Season 1 was such a treat to return to. Feels great having a refresher of Eren, Armin, and everyone else's initial development/setup and helped me remember some incredibly important aspects to their characters. Really is a near perfect beginning.

Female Titan > Trost