Review of The Heroic Legend of Arslan

Let me just start off with saying this. I just finished this series and I feel pretty happy. Not sad, not angry, or frustrated. Just happy. I think its important to note this because when it really comes down to it, anime, no any art form is supposed to inspire feelings. These feelings are what make our lives more enjoyable and become important pieces of ourselves. This anime made me smile. So if you take anything away from this review, first take away that it is worth watching and will make you feel the spirit of adventure and kindness. I would say the story isexcellent. It is thought provoking, has few plot holes and leaves the viewer with a sense of mystery after each episode. This story really hits the ground running. After looking back from the first few episodes, a lot has happened. It isn't because I forgot but merely because there is so much going on that by the end, the events that happened at the beginning have tied together with the end. One another note, the story isn't complex (different than being eventful). There aren't many side stories going on and each iteration of the plot ends up meeting back to the main story. So in summation, the story is bulky but not confusing, which could be a nice break if any of you have just finished a confusing or saddening series. This anime heavily emphasizes the disputes of crusaders. The main enemy group, is a kingdom of religious warriors (this is not a spoiler). Much like in the Crusades by the Catholic Church in real life, these people are always trying to force their rules and views on their opposition. It really makes you think about what is truly right. On a side note, I have been raised Catholic so I really felt some neat feelings while watching this anime. Anyone with a religious belief, or even without one but with a belief in something, can understand the idea that "your way is the only way." It is hard to think around it. But this anime really shows you how horrible it looks when you try to force your ideals on others. Overall, great story. Nice and simple, but filling and somewhat mysterious.

The art is great. So many characters make such an imprint in your mind that you wish this series had more episodes just to see more art. it isn't what makes this series work, but it definitely doesn't hold the rest of the anime back. Some of the LARGE scale fights look a bit dinky at times but that is only because I assume it is tiresome for the writer to make never ending soldier images. The single combat is done very well, which is a big plus.

The sound actually didn't really catch my attention but the fact that I was feeling emotions from the scenes that mattered is a good indicator that the sound made a difference. I wish I had more to note on the music but it was what is was; not that bad but didn't leave a mark like others have done.

The characters and their development was what really made this anime. Not only will you fall in love with the art of many of the people, you will grow to feel for many of them. Each has their own subtle role to fill but you aren't really told what they are. Sure, you have the main character acting as a kingly figure, but everyone else is kind of on their own. Each character also changes over the course of meeting the main character, Arslan. What I find especially astounding is how well even some of the enemies tie together (I won't spoil anything but it is done pretty well). From the very beginning, the main character is exposed to all sorts of evils and treachery. He kills people but hates it, he cares for people but learns to do his duty. As the characters progress, you will question if what they do is right, and will wonder what is going on for each of them. Truly an intriguing set of characters.

Overall, I enjoyed this series with vigor and admiration. It is done well and although I grade it an 8, that is merely a baseline. It may suit people better than others but if you watch it you will surely leave it feeling happy and enabled to do good in the world.