#WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH 86
Here are 5 major reasons why you should watch 86. This is relatively spoiler-free since I don't really discuss plot points but don't quote me on that.
#No. 1: Part 2/ Season 2's OP
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Honestly, I only decided to watch/read this series after putting it on hold for so long because of s2's op. I had heard that there were so many hidden spoilers in it and the song seemed pretty cool, so I decided to read the LN and I'm really glad I read the LN before actually watching the show. S2's OP is so good omg. I honestly tear up just from watching the OP. The song and the visuals themselves very accurately capture and represent a majority of the emotions and concepts this current arc is trying to portray. LN readers know what I'm talking about. Even if you haven't read the LN, as the show progresses you'll notice things about the OP with each episode so it's low-key like a present with many layers that keeps unwrapping itself and I love that sm.
#No. 2: THE ANIMATION/VISUALS/VISUAL SYMBOLISM/ DIRECTING
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With each episode, A-1 Pictures studio really manages to impress me with the crazy amount of foreshadowing and detailing that goes into the scenes of the anime. MY GOD THE LEVEL OF DETAIL! They really pay so much attention to detail and I think that shows how much effort they really put into this adaptation. That's really impressive. There are a lot of examples but I'll give a few:
The stop on the tracks
at this point in the anime, shin can't see a reason to live and he becomes more and more suicidal with every mission. The stop on the tracks symbolizes how he cant see a way forward in his life.
The parallels with lena's glass box and the memorial:
The parallels of lena's environment here (in s1ep1 and s1ep4):
I think it represents the change in her state of mind after what happened in s1 ep4.In the first, she's this idealistic and naive young woman who still has faith in her efforts to right wrongs. In the second, she has seen her illusions crumble and faced the stark reality of the 86 situation. This is the end of old Lena, a new one was born when she faced Spearhead squadron and apologized.
Kiriya/Morpho
in this shot when they were talking about Kiriya becoming a legion. the name of the unit kiriya became is called a morpho and they showed a morpho butterfly here. It's crazy foreshadowing.
Lena's military sketches
A-1 Pictures went above and beyond when they showed Lena's notebook sketches around the 10:55 timestamp of s1 ep5. Those sketches use NATO Joint Military Symbology. And it's not just some random picture they copied off the internet. The sketch depicts 1st Squadron, a mechanized anti-tank unit, attacking an enemy mechanized anti-tank regiment; two enemy squadrons are contained (restricted from maneuvering) because the bridges in front of them are impassable; and 2nd and 3rd Platoon maneuver across the far-right bridge and attack their flank.
Besides detailing and foreshadowing, the way some episodes are structured are just so well done. This adaptation used so many film elements and tools to really bring the light novel to life. This is especially noticeable in episode 11 of part 2 with the brilliant use of aspect ratios (the black/white bars). This twitter thread goes more into detail on it It was very creative.
#No. 3: DIVERSE THEMES
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Lmao honestly it's almost like I'm writing a paper on why I love 86 at this point but imma still continue. Honestly guys I'm still reeling from ep5 of part 2. (check out this twitter thread that expands more on this) That episode really highlighted all the things I love about 86. As an LN reader, 86 is one of the few stories that attracts a wide audience since it has military action, compelling characters, themes on racism, and the effects on its victims (Shin and the 86 lacking a future to live for), and lastly a decently well-developed romance. All these elements and somewhat heavy themes mixed together make for a really great story. I especially love how realistic this show portrays the effects of war PTSD on its victims (check out this reddit post that goes more into detail on that). No other anime comes close to this level of detail and realism besides maybe Violet Evergarden.
#No. 4: THE CHARACTERS
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This show has such fun and engaging characters that are really well written and fleshed out. They get you so emotionally invested in this show. They're all going through such different things. AND IT GETS BETTER IN THE LIGHT NOVEL. THESE CHARACTERS ARE ALWAYS ALWAYS GROWING and we grow along side them as well.
My favorite character is Shin. I just love his development the most. It's absolutely stunning. Here are some shots of his development over time.
this particular shot of shin x kiri really makes me tear up every time I think deeply about it. there's just so much going on in this shot T.T
#No. 5: THE MUSIC
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Not really much to say here but the OST for this show is fucking amazing. EVERY SINGLE SONG FITS THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS AND EMOTIONS OF THIS SHOW PERFECTLY, ITS KINDA INSANE. Here are some of my favs
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https://twitter.com/hourly86/status/1505275211175899140
literally holding you at gunpoint at this point, go watch this anime or read the fucking LN.
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