Review of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End has concluded and the biggest accolade I've seen attributed it that, not only has Frieren revived the fantasy genre, reinvigorated Madhouse's position, but most notably, that it is an anime free of tropes/clichés — but the last point isn't reflective of reality. What makes Frieren special is how it handles tropes that makes it free from cliché. A common take I dislike is that tropes are inherently bad, they aren't. Many tropes can vibrate with the essence of said character, it is just the lack of characterization associated with the trope that makes many meaningless, and thus, cliché. Frieren can beargued, at least in the beginning, to be a Mary Sue, but the more you learn, she isn't exactly one. Her power doesn't come from just because, but rather, her immense dedication to her passion of collecting magic for the past millennium. Stark has the trope of an overpowered character who doesn't believe in his own strength, classic.. but he suffers from impersonator syndrome, he doesn't even believe in himself. Instead of that notion coming out of nowhere, he has, albeit flawed, a reason nonetheless. The use of a trope is of his character itself, not as a cliche.

In fantasy shows, elves are generally very long-lived, and you will not believe who is an elf.. Frieren. To an elf, a lifespan such as ours is very short lasting, as time is essentially distorted. What is 10 ENTIRE YEARS to us may feel as if it was a month for her. What's a reasonable time for an elf to visit a friend is almost an entire generation.. or 3. But this is what establishes the beauty of Frieren.

People have called Frieren a “kuudere”, which is an archetype of a character who is outright detached from emotions; in essence, yes, Frieren is reminiscent of such an archetype, yet, she is not. She experiences emotions, and throughout my life, I've evolved too. From crying at an embargo of chocolate pudding and being isolated in my chambers for hours on end (mom said it's bedtime and no snacks); but, if for whatever reason, my mother repeated that, I, in my love for chocolate pudding, wouldn't shed a tear, it’s a bad example, but I've grown up. How I experience and express emotions has matured, and who knows through the experiences of a mage who has lived for over 1,000 years, how she expresses and experiences emotions has evolved? – The biggest issue with kuuderes, to me, is you cannot attach your emotions to most of them, you cannot empathize, you cannot relate to them. They are seemingly emotional androids, but you can and do with Frieren -- unlike a kuudere, she isn't emotionless, she's emotionally distanced. The show and its beauty isn't about experiencing emotions for the first time, she has already shown an abundance, and clearly, it couldn't be her first time, but it is to value why you can and do feel those emotions and the time associated with the memories/present that evoke such emotions. To value the people you have in your life and to be empathetic to those around you too. Frieren is shown many times, even if she has difficulty understanding emotions, to care and worry just as deeply.

With this, I took as a message to appreciate time, to live life for what it's worth, even if you feel you have the time to laze around, there is also much more you can do in your life – and the lack of appreciation can snowball into regret, Frieren thought she had all the time in the world, and she was correct, but her beloved did not. It has helped me realize how limited our time is, without the existential crisis, and to appreciate who we have, when we have them. Animes have moved me, instead of idolizing values preached, this anime has spurred me into action to actually.. do. I've spent more time with my family, I've started to apologize a lot more, as the time spent with negativity, with what time we have, are ill-spent. I already knew it, but Frieren pushed me to do it.

Shows, in their purest forms, have two things: intention & obstacle. One Piece? Luffy (main character, if you somehow didn't know) wants to be the pirate king -- that is his intent, now the obstacle is the government, who hates pirates; and other pirates. But where is this formula in Frieren? Of course, we have setbacks, but setbacks aren't exactly obstacles, just as going to nana's house and there being a roadblock (very rude roadblock!) doesn't mean it's impossible, it essentially just requires a detour that may delay you. The episodes are so compact with details and an undertone of pure enjoyment, episodes can feel like they flew by, but you’re left satisfied feeling you’ve actually learned about the world, its magic, the characters, all of it. The show, for me, hasn’t dragged out once. People can enjoy shows who do that, hell, I watched all of One Piece. But, there are times when I am anything but fond of it. Frieren allows you to love it, if you, of course, so choose to. But the show is about and focuses heavily on the present and not, “when will this happen?” or “this is the goal we’re going to accomplish btw!! :3” – For example, while I am interested in seeing what this "heaven" thing is all about.. the fact I have rarely put that much thought into seeing the goal and more into the journey.. Its ability to accomplish such a feat of keeping you enthralled is a testimony to its paramount storytelling.

One thing many animes preach, with Frieren not being an exception, is that collectivism is better than individualism, yet, their execution makes the messaging fall flat. A character can be so insanely overpowered or always lucky that it ruins the idea of actual group work and learning together. While some animes can execute that part successfully, some further fall flat as the character can still end up remaining self-centered/individualistic. Frieren, however, doesn't make this mistake. In many instances, the characters have to work together, independently, but for an overarching goal and to fight in an accommodating way which accounts for each other's strengths and weaknesses; most notably in episodes 8-10. Even if Frieren can probably win without much difficulty, she is both an ally and a teacher, and whilst those under her care may doubt their strength, Frieren knows they can endure & succeed and encourages the working-together aspect. Which we see even more within the Mage Exam Arc.

I love almost everything about Frieren, especially the visual storytelling, there is almost, if not any, unnecessary dialogue just for the sake of it. You can see communication in people's visible expressions, their pause, their hand gestures, etc., which communicate people's emotions and change. Take the ballroom for example, we see Fern initially apprehensive at Stark's hand, then comfortability, then happiness. And while it's nice to learn one's mindset and characterization, internal monologue aren't always necessary, and in my opinion, takes away from the scene and focuses on the character instead of the moment. Frieren balances the dialogue, allowing for truly amazing moments. It develops relationships between people, Fern & Stark are the highlight of that. We see characters get closer and learn to confide in one another, have banter, mess around, it not only feels, it is organic.

I've seen arguments such as "who's the better couple? Deku x Explosion-Guy or Deku x Guy-Who-Couldn't-Dodge-The-Kettle" and to me, it feels like a cop-out, just "oh. my. god. he works hard? i am in love" WHAT DO YOU MEAN? THAT'S IT? - I've been in love before, it can feel as sudden as that, but there are building blocks that set the fundamental foundation to allow yourself to properly fall in love; to trust, to love, to feel comfortable, everything. Instead of showing us a random loaf of bread, it gives us crumbs that build the bread itself, you see the dough form and mold into the bread itself, that you can see.

Additionally, with the characters, we have huge differences. Characters actually feel like characters, and I love all of them. We actually see growth and characters mellowing out as the series progresses. There are some people I haven’t seen or spoken to in years, yet, they were awesome people, even if I knew them for a short time, but y’know, the world is small sometimes, I am sure I’ll meet at least one of them again in the future – but this is also what’s beautiful about Frieren, we have outstanding characters we may or may not see again, but the fact we were able to be introduced to such characters is what I find special and realistic about Frieren. Also, reasonings. Stark started his journey with Frieren as his master requested it, and he wanted to give great stories to his master. To Fern, on the other hand, who lost her family in war, and Heiter, who saved her life, Frieren is essentially the only family she has left. With the juxtaposition of their reasonings and chemistry, plus love for Frieren, I find it very special.

People generally give accolades to a talented creator for their music composition in a series, which Evan Call, by all accounts, rightfully so. But no matter how good a soundtrack is, if the anime studio uses it improperly or doesn't let the music truly take its form, bringing a scene to the emotional place we need to truly appreciate the sentimental aspects of the show to even greater heights, the music is then, tragically, equated to jack when misused. Madhouse, in practically every instance, used the soundtrack properly at every perfect instance, they let it play out and let the emotions hit deeply, and it works. The soundtrack is my favorite from Evan Call, and I cannot imagine one more fitting for Frieren. I give my props for Madhouse giving the respect Evan deserves by utilizing his music so skillfully and efficiently, and Evan for composing it as masterfully as he has.

Lastly, the visuals. There’s not much I can say which can articulates the appreciation it deserves, but it is genuinely an amazing fest on the eyes, how amazing the backgrounds are crafted, which can be appreciated, from things as simply being seen as a hand behind the flower, you can appreciate the beautiful world that Frieren lives in and you are, alongside her, on a journey on. For a show more philosophical and somewhat laid-back, it genuinely may be, especially as of Episode 26, the best animated show I have ever seen. The visuals are insane during fights, with beautiful colors bringing and the power that can truly be felt in your room, and it truly brings out the heart and soul of the animators, voice actors, and every component that is in the show.

Frieren is at its strongest with characters, and while I wish to fangirl in the most masculine way further, and would’ve given more specific examples, but I do not want to spoil the show further for those who read my review without having been exposed to the show previously. I encourage you to watch it, it may take a bit or be strong during the first episode, but it will become a soft, if not, all-time favorite. It has touched places in my heart and pushed me forward to places that I never expected to be moved from a piece of media, it has opened my eyes even further. Thank you to the amazing staff who made the show as great as it is, the mangaka & their artist, voice actors, and everybody. For all of this and how it spoke to me, this is the greatest show I have ever watched. Even though it just ended, I’ve watched over 75 episodes of Frieren due to how many times I’ve already rewatched it. Additionally, thank you to all who have read my review too. This anime is a perfect 10/10; in characters, story, animation, art, sound, everything.

P.S: One thing I see many people didn't take note of is how dedicated the sound team was, when Frieren jumps or tilts her head, you can actually hear the sound of her earrings moving, I thought that level of detail was genuinely so amazing. :^)