Ranked #2098

Soukou no Strain

This is quite simply one of my favorite anime series, ever. It's amazing how much tension, mystery, drama, romance, and anguish it packs into just 13 episodes. Occasional comedic interludes underscore the generally serious nature of the show.

So, what is it about? Set in a far-off future, it tells the story of a fascinating young girl named Sara Werec. She is smart and competitive, yet kind and caring. She is also completely devoted to her older brother Ralph, who is all the family she has in the entire galaxy. Unfortunately Ralph, a mecha pilot, has been sent to the opposite end of said galaxy to fight. Because of the time-distorting effects of near-lightspeed travel, the only way Sara will ever see her brother again is by becoming a pilot herself.

Of course if things could work out that easily, this series wouldn't be nearly as exciting as it is. Soukou no Strain is full of unexpected twists and turns, perfectly delivered. However, unlike other series that execute decent plots with cliche casts, this anime derives its impact from its strong and varied characters. Sara, Ralph, and a few others make up the core. The development of this group over the course of the series is in turns pleasant and horrifying, but always dramatic and interesting to watch. Even the support characters stick out in my mind; though superficially stereotypical, they are put in trying situations that expose an inner layer of thoughts and emotions. Ultimately the focus of this story is on the characters, and therein lies its power.

At the same time, Soukou no Strain is a well thought out piece of science fiction. It uses non-trivial scientific concepts (ie. consequences of relativity) in a credible manner. The beautifully designed mechas are smoothly animated. Action sequences are exciting and involve an array of interesting tactics. There is actual thinking involved!

If you are a fan of thrilling stories, real characters, or intelligent science fiction, you owe it to yourself to see Soukou no Strain. The first few episodes are especially intense, and I have no doubt that they will get you hooked. I re-watch them more often than anything else from any other series. Particularly, the scream at the end of episode 1 gives me shivers just from thinking about it.

Incidentally, the character names and storyline of Soukou no Strain are loosely (and I mean, loosely) based off of Francis Hodgson Burnett's 1905 book "A Little Princess". Watching this anime inspired me to check it out at the library. I was delightfully surprised by a charming tale that wormed its way into my heart and remains a cherished favorite. I believe you can find the text online; I highly recommend you give it a try as well. read more

Soukou no Strain is without a doubt one of the best sci-fiction series out there. The series isn't heavily focused on the war itself and between regular mecha battles but instead its primarily focus is on Sara Werc, on how she cope with the loss of her friends and the betrayal of her brother.

Clearly the first episode is what drives us towards the edge of our seats. With the lost of Sara friends and the shocking revelation of being betrayed by her own brother, it instantly give us the questions into why he betrayed her? what made him betrayed her? etc. and in addition, who is the strange "cute" girl being taken by her brother? what is his intentions with her? whats his purpose in taking her? etc. etc. All these questions and many more are being answered constantly as we progress throughout each episode while new questions are being brought out and answered towards the very end.

The storyline is excellent! We can not ask for a better storyline (with no cliche) full with drama and thrills and seeing there are no 'fillers' along the way, there is never a dull moment from start to finish.

While the series may not be for everyones taste or it does not live up to your average mecha series, I sincerely hope you give ep. 1 a try because it intensity reaches at a climax point towards the end. With great character development and full of mysteries and suprises ahead, the series lives up towards it hype and no viewer will walk away without a smile on their face.
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