Darling in the FranXX

In the distant future, humanity has been driven to near-extinction by giant beasts known as Klaxosaurs, forcing the surviving humans to take refuge in massive fortress cities called Plantations. Children raised here are trained to pilot giant mechas known as FranXX—the only weapons known to be effective against the Klaxosaurs—in boy-girl pairs. Bred for the sole purpose of piloting these machines, these children know nothing of the outside world and are only able to prove their existence by defending their race.

Hiro, an aspiring FranXX pilot, has lost his motivation and self-confidence after failing an aptitude test. Skipping out on his class' graduation ceremony, Hiro retreats to a forest lake, where he encounters a mysterious girl with two horns growing out of her head. She introduces herself by her codename Zero Two, which is known to belong to an infamous FranXX pilot known as the "Partner Killer." Before Hiro can digest the encounter, the Plantation is rocked by a sudden Klaxosaur attack. Zero Two engages the creature in her FranXX, but it is heavily damaged in the skirmish and crashes near Hiro. Finding her partner dead, Zero Two invites Hiro to pilot the mecha with her, and the duo easily defeats the Klaxosaur in the ensuing fight. With a new partner by his side, Hiro has been given a chance at redemption for his past failures, but at what cost?

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Zero Two Main

Tomatsu, Haruka Japanese

Ichigo Main

Ichinose, Kana Japanese

Hiro Main

Uemura, Yuuto Japanese

Kokoro Main

Hayami, Saori Japanese

Gorou Main

Umehara, Yuuichirou Japanese

Miku Main

Yamashita, Nanami Japanese

Mitsuru Main

Ichikawa, Aoi Japanese

Zorome Main

Tamura, Mutsumi Japanese

Ikuno Main

Ishigami, Shizuka Japanese

Futoshi Main

Gotou, Hiroki Japanese

Cook, Justin Producer

Wakabayashi, Hiromi Producer

Kamagata, Eiichi Producer

Toba, Yousuke Producer

Reviews

Jun 8, 2024

CurrentlyReading

Recommended

This show is a masterclass on how NOT to weave a gigantic plot twist into a story. There are few animes that have changed me for the worst, and Darfra is one of those. Everything in this anime was literal perfection, top notch, masterfuly crafted. That is, until episode 16 hits and you're left muttring three letters: WTF?

This is an anime that, like many others, attempts to mimic Evangalion to its core, but fails miserably and ruins everything it had built up in the previous fifteen episodes. The setting, the story, the characters. Poof, gone. And for what? Overcomplicated, convoluted plot twists should only be ... left to the masters themselves: Hirohiko Araki.

Not only was the conclusion to this was messy, but it was plain STUPID. Utterly incomprehensible and ridiculous.

This cast of characters is as complex as the themes explored, and very masterfully written. The art is as spectacular as the wonderful Mecha fight scenes our eyes were lucky to soak in. Fan service here, much like Kill la Kill, is used as plot devices to explore deeper themes of longing for human connection and romance. They also explore a character's gay feelings, which is presented as something that is outside the norm of the way the Franxx were constructed - so basically how society has forced people to see relationships in one binary. Incredibly deep themes.

I still highly recommend it, however, because as a community I fully believe we should suffer together.

Art - 10
Characters - 10
Narrative - 3
Music and Sound - 10

Finale Grade: 7

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Jul 23, 2024

Eclipse00410

Mixed Feelings

*Darling in the FranXX** is a beautiful, emotionally deep anime combining mecha action with deep themes of love and identity. It is set in a dystopian future where the story is driven by the shifting relationship between Hiro and Zero Two. Character development is brilliant; every single member of Squad 13 brings along richness in the story. The animation is actually very nice, with bright colors and smooth action scenes that bring the world to life. The soundtrack also goes very well with the series and will catch viewers with memorable opening and ending themes. Voice acting is also commendable, as it performed the emotions ... of the characters very well. It touches complex themes regarding humanity, connection, and individuality, making the viewer reflect on deeper issues. Though it does face some problems in terms of pace towards the end, the experience overall is so fulfilling that I believe a good 9 out of 10 is worth it.

Has anybody seen it already, or are you going to? I'd love to hear your thoughts

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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May 28, 2024

0004_1

Not Recommended

No Short Recap, i dont really feel like doing one for this show

Art - 8/10 Animation is good, character models are good, CG if used is alright, Very trigger esk easily the high point of this show.

Characters 2/10 i hate 90% of characters, there is probably 3 characters that are likeable and don't act childish, I can understand characters acting childish if they are done in a true way how children act but how they are portrayed in Darling In The Franxx is just annoying.

Story 2/10 Story is boring, Basic and not unique, the most unique part of the story is when zero ... two turns into a spaceship.

OSt/Sound Design - 5/10 Nothing special here, alot of shouting from the kids in the show that gets annoying, but ost is fine and the opening is a banger.

Enjoyment - 5/10 I enjoyed the first half of the show and episode 15 decently, but the rest was all just shit story being dragged to fill out 24 episodes.

Overall 4/10 Do not watch this unless you want to be disappointed and lead on by a good opening and a cast of formidable characters. Not Worth.

Reviewer’s Rating: 4

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