Review of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

It's good, I can understand the hype around this anime, and since everything good has probably already been said, I'll add what I think is, for me, a problem that i feel i need to tell people after recommending it. At its core, Frieren has a really good concept—the deconstruction of adventure, self contemplative characters mixed with the calmness of its narrative, etc. The first dozen episodes set certain expectations about the direction of the story. However, as the episodes go by, and before you realize it, it starts turning into a cooler version of the same old thing. I think it's a series that "misleads," settingup expectations that won't always be met simply because of its target demographic. But in the end, it may be our fault for believing them. It is what it is, and that's not necessarily bad.

What seemed to be a peaceful exploration of a tranquil world, almost like a new Mushishi, suddenly pulls out, for example, a relatively generic shonen protagonist, a 1000-year-old demon loli, and some chunin exams. And compared to the mood it set up at the start, it feels like it's doing a parody of itself, but no, I mustn't forget that it's a shonen. After all, Frieren has to follow the formula.

If you're looking to watch something different, something contemplative, you'll find that here, but only in brief moments. But those moments are worth it.

If you're looking for a shonen, you'll get that too—one that plays in the familiar formula you know, but with a few twists that will probably appeal to you if you're patient.

It's very easy to recommend. I think anyone can like it, but I think it's best to approach this anime without any expectations. Honestly, it's hard. Everyone will tell you it's amazing, that it's the best, that it's groundbreaking, and while I understand why they say that, I recommend going into Frieren with an open mind. It is what it is. If you watch it based on what others say and get disappointed because expectations weren't met... well, partly, it's your fault for not having your own judgment.