Review of Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom

This review is going to be a little different. Instead of focusing on one main theme for my review like I usually do, I'm going to explain several. This is my second attempt at writing a review for this anime. Freedom is something that is not easy to achieve. Whether it's freedom of the heart, mind, body or soul; freedom does not come cheap. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom really portrays well how powerful the idea of freedom is. Ein has no freedom, and is a puppet to be used for peoples needs. Whether she's killing someone or having sex, none of it is for herself. Shenever does anything for herself, and truly believes that the only reason she exists is for someone else. Until she meets Zwei. Zwei goes under the same harsh training and brainwashing Ein does, but somehow manages to keep hold to some part of his humanity. Do you want to know why? Because he has freedom. Even if it is only a little, and most of it is false, he has some freedom. Because of that he can become truly strong. Ein is mesmerized in her own way at how strong Zwei is. Zwei surpasses Ein, solely because he has freedom. He still has enough freedom that he can go home if he wants. But he doesn't, because he's in love with Ein.

Love. Most people will agree with me when I say that love is one of, if not, the most powerful emotion. What will you do for your loved one? Anything? If not, then chances are they are not truly your loved one. When you will do anything for someone, that is truly when you and that person are at serenity. That is truly when love first blooms. Because this is the case, love is a powerful emotion. Ein and Zwei are the perfect example of love. They are truly living for each other, mainly because they both have nothing else. Having their pasts wiped, they have nothing but each other, which is what makes this story so beautiful. Trying not to give any spoilers, Ein and Zwei live and die for each other, with each other, by another.

Losing everything, only to find it, then lose it again will cause most people to go insane. Zwei is strong, but not invincible. His mind is erased, which cause him to lose everything. He finally finds one person he can put all his trust in, only to have her ripped out of his life, and by his own hand. The only way he can cope with this is to forget it. He forgets it and follows orders, just like a robot. He tries to move on, and when he finally moves on, she is thrust back into his life. Have you ever heard the saying " You don't know what you have untill it's gone"? Well, this saying has never been taken to such an extreme before. He's lost everything twice now, so Zwei definitely knows how to cherish something while he's got it. And cherish it he does, until the very, very end.

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom is truly a beautiful story that teaches us many things about life. Dealing with love, loss, the implications of freedom, and last but not least, revenge, you're emotions will run wild. Most of the time you'll be crying, or in awe. Sometime both at the same time. Honestly, I'm surprised this anime isn't under the romance section, because honestly it deals a lot with the implications of devoting your life to someone else. What's more romantic than that? Anyways, whatever you like, Phantom:Requiem for the Phantom will leave a big impact on how you look at the world. Whether you love it or hate it, your feelings will not be left in balance.