86 is a piece of work that does not cut any corners in terms of its quality. Clean animations, emotional music, strong writing and an experienced director.
This series follow best girl Vladilena Milizé doing everything within her power to care and give the best to the people that are suffering under the oppression of her own country. Part 1 of the series focuses on her internalized guilt on the sins of her own people while forming genuine long distance relations with the oppressed people that she desperately wants to help. Part 2 of the series focuses on Shinei Nouzen dealing with his own skeletons in his closet and his struggles to remain sane throughout all he has been through. A really clean and logical progression of the story, giving solid characterization for the main leads and subtle clues for the cause of the war and the overarching story.
Visually impressive, A-1 pictures yet again delivers a great Anime that is fashioned in its pristine clean aesthetic. It's vibrant appearance can be argued to be a detriment to the series because although settings of royalty and comfort from the upper class was beautifully rendered they sometimes fail to capture the pitiful and miserable conditions of the ones that are oppressed and in addition and the atmosphere of their grim and morbid fates. The visual attention for the world building nonetheless was detailed and immersive. Characters and factions reflect their place in the story. Speaking of characters, definitely strong visual design for each and every character regardless of their importance to the story or if they are just going to appear in a few episodes.
The music is pretty good and what was memorable to me was how it elevates the cinematic scenes of really key moments in the series. The ED OST for part 1 definitely fits the mood of hope in despair and the ED OST for part 2 definitely fits the mood of looking forward to a brighter future. The series transition to each and every ED OST via its excellent directing felt really smooth and despite having a static ED with no animation, I always find myself reluctant to skip it because it feels the music is part of the episode. This was especially amazing in how they utilized the ED for the final episode for part 2. It was such a masterful build up towards a long awaited reunion.
Lastly I talk about the writing where this is the part where most people seems to really nitpick about. First of all yes this is definitely an Attack on Titan inspired series but it is not a rip-off. The setting is basically replacing titans with robot spiders. But just because they copy the setting does not mean they copied the story, the characters and plot is entirely different. It would be just as insane as calling Legend of the Galactic Heroes a rip-off of Star Wars. What I like about the flow of the writing and direction is the patience the team have with this series. They do no try to shove in too many plot elements at once like most series. We focus on characters and plot elements one by one. This is one of the few Animes where I always understood and was aware of what is going on as each exposition is given ample time to sink in.
One final thing... A common criticism that I hear about the writing is that it is really basic and does not say much about the subject matter it portrays which is mainly segregation and racism; basically saying RACISM BAD. Which is... yea? Racism... is definitely bad... what is so complicated about it? I just really do not understand this strange animosity towards being reminded in an unnuanced manner that Racism is bad. Like... do you disagree? It almost feels like anyone that make this criticism is being defensive like
Overall, textbook good series. Great animation, great music, great direction and great writing. That's about it, see ya.
59.5 out of 68 users liked this review
