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Often we become captivated by stories that leave us dreaming of more. For better or worse, Berserk excels at this. The story is an exceptional tale of friendship, woven between desire and sacrifice. "How delicious. I feel it all over again. Love, hate, ultimate pleasure, ultimate pain, life, and death, all here to enjoy, before our very eyes! The true nature of man and the devil is here and now” Slan. I find this quote appropriate to the anime overall, as I felt ultimate “Good” and “Evil”, across the journey, that is shown through the Band of the Hawk.

Berserk’s story begins with an episode, that ... may seem rather out of place from the other episodes that follow, unless your familiar with the manga. It depicts a time frame that is distant from the rest of the anime. I viewed it as an intriguing opening, allowing for the protagonist Guts to be introduced twice. They show you a brief look into the man he has become, only to then represent him near the beginning of his journey as the boy he was.

It would be unfair to say that Berserk is simply a war story, though within the Golden Age Arc. The battle between Midland and Chuder plays a major role in the development of the characters and story. Using the 100 year war as a opportunity, allows for the main cast’s dreams to began to be forged. The pacing of the story may feel slow at times, but it maintains a very realistic path. Each trial placed before the Band of the Hawk forces and then allows for them to prove their strength as mere mercenaries. Even if you find an episode or section to be slow, it’s never not well thought out and often ultimately exciting. Grifith is a master tactician. It’s always interesting to see his plans come to fruition, due to the charisma he possesses and the devotion shown from his Band of the Hawk. While to be put simply, Guts is a one of a kind legendary bad ass. Together they can change the world. Truly just watching the characters grow through the events and their interaction with one another, begins to create a very believable relationship between the core cast. The story of Berserk is a dark, yet wonderful tale of striving to understanding one’s ambition and purpose, while having to face the reality of the unknown, and the desires of those closest to us.

Age decays most, yet Berserk instead seems to appreciate with its timeless atmosphere. First appearing in 1997 don’t be discouraged by the older animation. This art style fits the story perfectly. It’s rough and sharp, the color’s are presented beautifully and the shadowing is never misused. It has a very realistic design while maintaining a wonderful depiction of a distant 15/16th Europe century civilization. Though it’s easily able to break away and transition smoothly into darker realities when needed. At times Incredibly detailed sketches are used. This adds a uniquely different technique of presentation which I found refreshing. It shows a different and vivid description of the characters and events. The main cast of character designs, are both interesting and diverse. As the story progresses alterations of age won’t go unnoticed, which gives an added believability to the characters and timeline. At times the battle animation can feel lackluster when compared to some of the higher action paced fights, seen in newer, and other supernatural anime. Thats not to say the battles are not impressive or suspenseful. So give it a chance and you might just find what Berserk has to offer enjoyable and memorable. This being, the pinnacle of what a human with enough desire may achieve. Which in the end is part of what makes it such a great story.

To describe the characters is never an easy task for any story. The relationship that the core characters share is very deep. To the point where it becomes a twisted love triangle. Now thats not to say the show relies on it’s romance to carry it, but it ultimately effects the choices they make. The supporting cast has minor roles though they add a nice mix of comedy and family atmosphere. I believe they all play their parts perfectly, even with some having little dialogue and no background explanation. The cast varies from honest men, to scheming cowards, incompetent fools, and dangerous monsters (both metaphorically and literally). Honestly this show takes a lot from it's interaction between the characters. While their are a decent amount of battle scenes, their is much more meaningful conversations which honestly is very enjoyable. This really is a wonderful cast of characters, both heroes and villains. The way the nobles view commoners and the court drama caused by the Bank of the Hawk is very believable. As the story progresses the characters really grow with one another. After all they are a family, bleeding and fighting together, united under one mans dream.

Musical scores can either add to a shows greatness or hinder its potential. Berserk has a very supportive soundtrack which fits incredibly well within the setting it’s accompanying. Each scene seems to become more with the addition of music that truly seem to capture the emotion show on screen. "Behelit" presents mystery and uncertainty, “Fear" and “Monster" send chills of evil and hopelessness. While “Earth" and “Gatsu" are wonderful and full of life. The ending song, "Waiting So Long", could not be a better choice (jokes aside about the Manga). I think it fits very well with the idea of the characters, and the waiting they must endure to both find their purpose and understand what it was they truly hold as important. With thrilling sound effects and wonderful voice acting, you end up with a beautifully complex story, complimented by an equally unique soundtrack.

Berserk is a story about finding and attaining dreams. However one’s dream may often only become a reality with the help of another, and sadly when forced alone, surrounded by sorrow, sometimes our dreams become nightmares. What Berserk offers is a story that presents relatable ideas. Being “lower” in the eyes of others simply by where we where born or what gender we are. Being unsure of where and what it is we should do. Being excepted into a new family. Having our own dreams, devoting our dream to another. Fighting to become the strongest. Realizing what we lost along the way. There is so much that Berserk offers. A rather dark, though incredibly moving story. Berserk strives to show you how with enough determination. You just might get the world.

"Couldn't you settle for a smile, and a fond farewell?" Guts.

Fear, Loss, Hope and Betrayal. Desire, Strength, Lies, and Perfection. If only Shinsekai Yori could be described with just these few words. You rarely see an anime that blends the Story, Art, Sound, and the growth of Characters so fluently. Its not simple to achieve this level of artistry. As a result, it’s not a simple story to watch. Your constantly given questions till the very end. However this makes the anime incredibly enjoyable to watch. It feels as though your brought closer into the story because of it. This Dark masterpiece questions humanities desires, darkens the line that separates Children form Adults, and presents ... a twisted morality as the cost for power. While never losing hope of a better future.

With 1000 years passing society has been shattered through the evolution of humanity. Humans awakening of Cantus/Pk, proved to be unruly. As the episodes progress more of the timeline preceding the present is reviled. As shocking as the past appears, sadly its not an unrealistic possibility given the chaos created through Cantus, and the nature of humanity.

The setting is placed in what appears from afar as a utopia. Vast flora surrounds a seemingly tranquil town. While flowing stream’s cascade into waterways, connecting lands of mystery and wonder. The setting is very breathtaking, although its only the contour of the story. Strongly influenced by the lives and minds of the 5 children in Group One at Sage Academy, a school for teaching children how to use and control their Cantus. The story follows them from age 12 to 26. The main cast is incredibly realistic, often making believable choices and appearing very “human". However they feel distant, as far as becoming attached to them. I thought personally while they each had their moments of brilliance, they struggled to break away from simply, appearing “normal” (Looking past their Cantus of course). Although the cast overall, portray’s friendship and conflict, in a fashion that is easily some of the best writing I’ve seen. Personally I loved having the narration told by Saki Watanabe, I felt an allure about her through out the story. Hearing her reflect thoughts on her past at times, while also watching her own life mature, created a beautiful temperament.

I enjoyed that almost immediately there is a sense of danger placed into the story. Its not direct at first, but by using stories told by children, it makes for a intriguing prelim. The plot is paced extremely well, allowing for proper character development, (which there is a lot of), and story progression to mature simultaneously. At times it may feel that a lot is explained at once. So don’t be afraid to re-watch a section if you think you missed something. Its difficult to review the story with out touching on spoilers. There are so many details intertwined together, to create a perfectly flowing story. It takes adventurous children, turned rebellious teens, and finally determined young adults. Mix’s in a beastly, yet sadly relatable conflict. This being the sub species Queerats relation with the Humans. While using realistic context, the story also ties in romance and desire. Along with unique ideas such as, Cantus Leakage, Karma Demons, and Fiends. When you put it all together it creates a wonderful story. That with each episode continues to impress.

Your taken into this vast world filled with deep colors, blurring reality and fantasy effortlessly at times. The characters are drawn with detail and look very appropriate. I thought each character had a fitting appearance to portray their personality. Although their design consistency, wavers now and then unfortunately. Some details vary depending on the Key animator, working with that episode. Also a few minor animation effects, such as awkward amounts of arrows. Feel out of place but are easily forgotten by the end. Overall the shadows and colors are always vivid. While the art tone maintains a darker look. The entire story resonates to eclipse the viewer into and different but familiar world. Reflecting rivers and warped realities, the mysterious fauna seen throughout the story. All the Art elements together, create a perfect tint for the clandestine theme in Shinsekai Yori.

With music generally maintaining a serious tone, Shinsekai Yori has an incredible soundtrack. Traditional Song of Shadows, Ienikaeru (Going Home), History of Sorrow, Last Letter. They are all such moving pieces and there are so many more. The themes and scenery are portrayed wonderfully though the music, making it all very chilling. It seemed to me that appropriate score’s are often used as an introduction, in place of a opening sequence. It was a wonderful choice for the story, because of the absence of a typical OP, the show maintains more of it's mystery. The voice acting is excellent (Viewed Subbed Version). The tones match with the character designs/personalities, and it never feels forced or inadequate while expressing emotion. The entire Sound (Songs, Effects, Voice) is presented spectacularly.

This anime is incredibly detailed and well written. Ranging in all emotion it dose have a more serious tone to it. This is not a show for everyone. However it is incredibly unique, especially well written, and immense with beautiful music. Your able to see children, grow into teenagers, and finally as adults. The emotions of innocence, adolescence, and maturity, mixing together along the journey. Creates characters that are relatable and show believable emotion constantly. The choices made, and how they grew after each trial, made them feel all so real. You watch as life tries to survive, but it’s more then just that. This a true masterpiece to watch. The story will leave you thinking about not simply what you’ve just watched, but about Life and the choices we ourselves make, and the choices of societies past and future.

"We have to change our way of thinking, If we plan to change the future." Watanabe Saki.

Humans have always been captivated by the idea of reaching a greater purpose. Whether its physical adaptation, or enlightenment through the mysteries of our own mind. Its an arduous journey for either. Within the world of Lux theres a glimpse of both. What you forfeit by the end will depend truly on how deep your willing to look. I would not recommend this as a light or easy watch. This is a show to be viewed multiple times and picked apart due to its immense detail.

The plot progress’s sequentially giving the story a realistic tone. It follows a linear path using flashbacks and precognition ... at times for character development. The story flows uniquely as each event follows one after another. Theres no time skips or out of place fillers. Just day an night unfolding in different shapes. Its exhausting to watch yet because of this technique of story telling, the emotion crafted throughout the show creates undeniable believability in the characters and the way they develop within the setting as it changes.

Vivid and shocking to say the least, the beautiful vista’s shown amongst the fragmental city of Lux, juxtaposed below the haunting Surface World, together they create an allure unmatched in unforgettability. The contrast surrounding Lux and the Surface World is compelling. The way one is struggling to live while the other has lost the will to struggle is a chilling comparison. The animation is filled with symbolism, while presenting a perfect tint for the story, makes it a thrilling watch.

With a soundtrack diverse and unique its awkward at times. It pushes you away then brings you in effortlessly at just the right moments. This added to the struggle seen throughout the story making it truly engaging. As for the sound from Voice acting and Gunshots, to the dragging of Ichise texhnolyzed leg or Violent incidents. Its always crisp and clear, unless of course is the distorted technolyzed sound which fit perfectly into the tone of the story.

Your shown the lives of those who strive to find purpose while they wriggle amongst others around them. Though their goals may differ from Understanding yourself, Protecting whats important, Creating preeminent, or Fabricating chaos. They feel real. As the events unfold often out of their control you watch while they strain and attempt to survive while never losing sight of their desires. Its a tragically beautiful story with a wonderfully realistic cast of characters.

Conclusion If you are open minded, looking for a unique show, that will present you with a elaborate story and leave it up to you to decide how to interpret the events. Texhnolyze will deliver a experience that may change how you separate superlative story telling from the mediocre.

"You just said that you don't belong to anything, but that's a lie. You belong to this city. Without a doubt, so does your freedom.” Yoshii Kazuho.

Sitting alone in the dark watching someone tell the day you had forgotten. You just might lose your mind.

Thinking about who you are and why you are this person may often cause your thoughts to clash amongst one another. This is strongly shown in the main character Mima Kirigoe. The story is truly some of the best writing I’ve ever seen. Its a mix of linear progression and short time jumps. This enhances the disarray shown in Mima. All of the scenes show believable emotion on what a character might do faced with the situation. The story is very unique in the way it ties ... together what is a dream and what is reality. Mima aspiring to be an actor allows this story to use clever writing to really add mystery and delusion while maintaing truth. The pacing is flawless. When it begins to steamroll watching for the first time you will be asking what the hell is going on a lot. It can be a very exciting show with thought provoking themes. It is accompanied by some less then easy to watch moments. They add to the emotional strain on Mima pulling her mind apart but may not be watchable by everyone. This is a masterpiece of complex emotional thoughts and detailed writing, used in the telling of the story which ties together everything in the end.

The art shows beautiful symbolism. Tones are darkened slightly to add an extra layer of mystery an unease. It has a realistic world and character design to it. Each character’s look matches their personality extremely well. The eyes on the creeper characters give a twisted feeling to them. Mima switches from upbeat and happy to paranoid or depressed effortlessly. Its never out of place for the scene in the story. Watching the Art techniques used to portray confusion in Mima’s mind, believing a glass door isn’t there, or the splash a puddle makes (or doesn’t) is the necessary details that make this movie wonderful. The heavy blurs mixing dream and reality the quick transitions tying plot together with story progression while maintaing illusion is executed flawlessly in Perfect Blue.

The soundtrack fits the story at every scene. Its eerie and frighting when it needs to be an able to switch immediately to a lighter mood with the Pop songs without totally losing the emotion from before. The sound overall from camera flashes to violent climaxes along with all of the voice acting (Viewed Subbed Version) is amazing. I personally enjoyed the distorting of one of the "CHAM!" songs to accompany a scene that otherwise would feel out of place. This allowed for the story to mix emotions that wouldn’t be seen together otherwise. It was a nice trick further showing the brilliant writing shown throughout both the Art and Sound.

I want to be very careful on how I explain the characters as their development is truly at the core of the story. All the supporting characters fit their role in the story exceptionally well. The choices and decision made are believable. They have realistic ideas and goals shown in the story that define the decisions they make. The characters have common afflictions which relates them to one another in multiple ways. The devoplment of Mima is shockingly beautiful to say the least. I felt I could understand some of the feelings she had in choosing to become a different person and the difficulty in leaving part of your life behind. All of the characters feel real even just the filling ones talking about the gossip revolving around Mima’s life.

This is a truly unique story with a beautifully integrate plot, a perfectly toned art style, exceptionally well scored soundtrack, and believable an interesting characters. The story is gritty and bold as well as exciting and impassioned. If you are looking for a show that will get your mind thinking and are able to handle a few disheartening scenes. You will lose your thoughts within the chaos of perfection that is Perfect Blue.

“Like I Care! I Am Who I Am!!.” Mima Kirigoe.