Review of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a very interesting anime. The main story of a typical fantasy anime where the heroes must band together and destroy the big bad guy, is over. The heroic epic of adventurers triumphing over evil has already been completed. What's left is a deeply personal and character-driven journey between Frieren, Fern, and Stark. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a bit of a slow burn but in the best way possible. There isn't much of a prominent plot, and sometimes even an entire episode goes by without much of anything really happening. So how is this show so good when barely anything ishappening? I think it's because of the characters. The characters in this show have a lot of depth and learning more about them is really the driving force of the show. Especially when it comes to Frieren herself. The slow pace of the show also highlights the action much more and makes the hard-hitting profound moments all the more impactful.

The fact that Frieren is functionally immortal sets her up to be a tragic character - forced to constantly watch her friends and loved ones die from old age and be forgotten by the world as she lives for thousands of years watching the world go by. But somehow this anime didn't leave me in a sad state after watching. The overall message is quite positive and hopeful: live in the moment, don't take for granted what you have, be kind, etc. It sounds a little corny and maybe a little cliché, but it's done so well. When you finish season 1 you will feel deeply connected to the characters with a desire to know even more about them.