The anime Sousou no Frieren was one of the best anime of last year's autumn season. To this day, if one looks at the impact of that year's anime, it has taken first place globally and for me, due to its excellent adaptation to its world and the handling of the characters within the events that unfold. It does this without slipping into an obscure fantasy trope that an isekai would present, or a path that is inconsistent with the conclusion of each event. A review is necessary. This review of mine covers the first 12 episodes of the anime, and I believe it's good to have a write-up on it that can serve as a good preface for our future knowledge of the story, especially since manga readers say, "You haven't seen anything yet..."
Frieren's Story
It tells the story of an elf girl who is one of the world's protectors against the evil of demons. Along with a team of loyal friends, they journey across the world to eradicate evil from the land. After their return and victory, becoming heroes of the world and eliminating evil, Frieren witnesses the death of her loyal friends one by one. This is because Frieren's lifespan as an elf is long and immortal, and she is now over a thousand years old. She wants to pursue her master's dream and find a place called the "Abode of Souls" where they can rest.
The Characters
Throughout the 12 episodes, we have been introduced to several characters, including the heroes. The first four episodes showed the entire timeline of their lives over 80 years since the heroes' return to their homeland and the establishment of global peace. This psychological situation has put the main character, Frieren, under a lot of pressure, as her years of experience with her loyal friends are coming to an end one by one, without Frieren having the ability to cry or feel deeply. She stoically accepts this unchanging reality, a reality she has lived with for a thousand years.
However, the way this subject is presented in the story is well-done, making Frieren want to seek the theory of the abode of the dead to see the immortal souls again. Then, over the course of 12 episodes, we were shown several other characters who, in terms of goals, are still following the sincere beliefs of their masters, which is to fulfill their promises. We see a story where the characters' goal is to restore the essence of trust, protection, courage, and belief in the teachings they received. What the masters bestow creates a kind of message for the students' future.
The Narrative
The story revolves within a fantasy world; it is not an isekai. Rather, it was created this way, and in it, humans, demons, elves, and dragons exist, as far as we have been shown. The main power within it is magic, and Frieren is someone who seeks to learn all kinds of magic. Her goal is not to become stronger or to defeat enemies, but simply to follow her master's will. Within the story, two calendars are used. The first begins after the defeat of the Demon King, which they call the "Calendar of Peace," and it lasted for 80 years. Then, after 80 years and the death of the first hero, Himmel, the story's calendar changes to the anniversary of Himmel's passing, and so far, 30 years have passed since that event.
Evaluation
In the end, my opinion is clear that the story deserves a rating of 9/10. Although the pace of the story appears calm and slow, this approach does justice to everything and leaves no questions unanswered. It will be worth watching. It has a rhythm similar to the iyashikei genre, adapted to a world of magic and fantasy that makes you feel like it's an isekai. But no, it is a delightfully expansive fantasy.
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