| Introduction Judging the quality of a work of art is not an easy thing to do, especially if the judge is not someone who has studied art. Anime is also one of them. As a work of art or entertainment, all the assumptions attached to it are relative to one person to another. However, how do you judge an anime as trash or masterpiece? No, we're not talking about "Master piece: the Animation", but anime which we think is a masterpiece. Masterpiece, if we refer to the definition from Wikipedia, it can be addressed to a work that has received a lot of critical praise, a work that is considered the greatest work of a person or a team. Another word, magnum opus, signifies that the work is of the highest standard in its caste. However, the masterpiece in its development has undergone a shift in meaning, and is slowly losing its 'meaning'. Many people easily shout the word masterpiece to justify their feelings for a work, or just blow up so that other people are interested and glanced at it. Therefore, this word is now nothing more than beautiful prose as a hyperbolic compliment so that potential viewers will be hit by clickbait to watch related works. I found several views regarding what a masterpiece is, as well as how the characteristics of an anime can be said to be a masterpiece by at least many people in a fairly relevant field. Let us examine from various aspects. Story. Of course, our initial goal in watching anime is to get the story (mostly), not to listen to the music, or watch the visuals. Hence, the most objective way to choose a title to watch is to read the synopsis. For entertainment media like this, the main substance is in the story. Even though there are anime that have good visuals, if the story is dregs, it can be a shame for the studio itself (Uchiage Hanabi). Well, actually the whole aspect of an anime itself is worth considering. However, this story can be said to have a greater weight than other elements. For anime series, the stable quality of the episodes must be maintained. One only has a weak episode or even a weightless filler, so don't expect to get a good response. Therefore, the longer a series is, the more difficult it will be to maintain the quality per episode, especially long run anime that refuse to finish, as well as anime that has been hit by milking such as the Naruto Boruto series. Soundtrack and Visual. Some audiences require a good soundtrack to adorn their favorite anime. At least, there is a track that is memorable, and is in line with the atmosphere in the story. It doesn't have to be too big like soap operas, it doesn't have to be bombastic like blockbusters. Having a soundtrack that fits the tension will certainly take the audience to a whole new level of experience. After the anime ends, it would be nice if it can give a deep impression so that the audience also wants to download or hear the OST again. A quality soundtrack will recall the accompanying scene whenever it is heard. But is it justifiable to consider anime a cutting-edge work only from the soundtrack? Well, I don't think so. There are times when the soundtrack only serves as a bonus. On the other hand, visuals and animation are the main elements in telling the story. Should the masterpiece have good visuals? For me, as long as the visual can convey the context of the story completely without missing anyone, then it's not a problem at all. In the end, enjoyment is mainly about the story, in the context to be conveyed. Similar to the soundtrack, good visuals are a bonus. Visuals that are "woah!" alone cannot be considered as a masterpiece as a whole, unless it is in discussions about sakuga or background art. Style of Execution. Some say, "It's not about the idea. It's about the execution". If an original and unique idea is poorly executed it will be useless. But the idea is simple and straightforward, with a masterful execution will hit. Execution is a term related to the directing and composition of various elements in anime production. How to create a scene, determine the tone, timing, point of view, how the voice actor will act, etc. The slick execution style will be referenced by many titles afterwards, by other directors. Abstract depictions such as human emotions are difficult to convey, without dialogue. In general, the mood is told by narratives and inner thoughts, or it can be by expression. In anime and manga media, fortunately, it can be used to depict human faces in a very expressive manner, which would be very difficult for human actors to practice. With this media, the level of tolerance and imagination of the audience increases so that imaginative depictions do not feel overwhelming. Ideas that are simple but executed well can have a big impact. Originality, Rarity and Revolusionarity. Does the masterpiece have to have an original idea? If you look at the previous paragraphs, then actually originality is not too much of a headache. Currently, there are many anime titles that carry similar themes and premises, and only vary the characters and settings. For example, we take the theme of time travel. The anime that is most prominent with this theme is of course Steins; Gate. Lots of people think it's the best anime, it's the ridiculous one. However, the idea of time travel was not solely raised by Steins; Gate. Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, Haruhi, even Tatami Galaxy and Doraemon have raised it first. That's why a good idea if executed brilliantly will reap success critically. And this originality leads to rarity which is getting here more and more impossible to create. It could be that an anime has a market theme, but is told from a different perspective. That's enough to make up a potential story. We can find scarcity not from the premise benchmark, but the style of execution. Anime which is considered rare are the ones that give the most unique touch in their production. Examples of Mushishi with its ambience, Mononoke with its trippy visuals, and One Room with its PoV. In this case, the masterpiece anime should be classified as rare, but rare anime does not necessarily make it a masterpiece. Originality and scarcity have not always shocked the anime-loving community. It seems that these three things are also vague. Does the masterpiece have to hit the market? Not really. Popularity is not directly proportional to quality. If revolutionary is one of the requirements of a masterpiece, then SAO must be said to be a masterpiece. In fact, SAO lost badly in critics to either Log Horizon or hack //. Who has the right to determine the masterpiece? Well, nobody, because the context is "determines". Try if you "think", then a series of titles will cross because that vocal fandom also influences. Here, the minor opinion will be suppressed or drowned a lot. That's how community works. You could say, the anime and manga community is not mature enough to recognize differences in opinion and voice. Many people are still childish and doesn't accept criticism of their favorite anime. Each person's insight into an entertainment medium is also different, so the standards are also different. But is there really an anime that deserves the title of masterpiece? It could be that, a title that we consider a masterpiece, turns out to be trash rated by other people, and vice versa. It's better not to take things too seriously in response to things like this. Besides, there is no point in conflict for trivial matters. A good work will not have less artistic value just because other people perceive it as mediocre. If the anime is good for you, well, there's no problem, right? All anime can be watched without having to listen to other people's opinions. Personally, I rarely mention masterpieces, because I prefer to use favorite terms. This is because there really isn't a single anime that is flawless. No matter how good the anime is, if you want to find a gap, you will find it too. It's different if anime has felt trash from the start, I don't hesitate to call it trash. As the saying goes, beauty is relative, but ugly is absolute. On the other hand, anime trash that knows its own quality is in another caste. It's called So Bad It's Good, and it could be a topic of discussion at another time. So what about you guys? What is a masterpiece anime like? Does anyone have different standards? Let me know. |
| Nakata Jouji as the voice actor of the antagonist. That is what makes an anime series a masterpiece. |
| “Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.” ― Saint Augustine |
| I must like it. Even I can't reliably predict what makes me like an anime, I used to think I valued plot, character development and other conventional aspects of the show but If I check my favourites It is clear that, I've liked and rated 10/10 for anime that didn't even particularly shine in those aspects, some of those anime are awfully simplistic yet it is very clear that I enjoy them. It simply has to rhyme with me, that's all. that's what makes an anime a masterpiece to me. |
| I think masterpiece is an exaggerated word... I have many 10's at my list, but they're all anime I enjoyed a lot. And we don't have any anime scored 10 at MAL, even if we remove ratings from trolls and haters. So from my point of view, a true MASTERPIECE, an anime where everyone will say it's flawless, will never exist. |
| Imagine how boring this world would be without Japan - a comment at youtube |
Anime is a Masterpiece only when its as funny as Grand Blue. |
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| Don't need to overthink it, if you think it's one of the all time best shows you've seen then it's a masterpiece for you. |
 IT'S NEVER OGRE |
JomyS said: Don't need to overthink it, if you think it's one of the all time best shows you've seen then it's a masterpiece for you. I completely agree. If you finish a show and there is no doubt in your mind that it's ten in your eyes then that's all there is to it. |
   How can they see the love in our eyes And still, they don't believe us? And after all this time They don't want to believe us |
| I agree with a lot of your points, more or less I see a masterpiece as you do. In fact, I rarely read a long text completely in forum, but I read your post to the end because you share a very similar opinion with me. As addition, I think a masterpiece is not a work that any people in industry can make it. I can consider an anime with solid/great value in every aspects of that anime as a masterpiece. But sometimes it just take an extraordinary story by a talented writer to make a masterpiece, even with average value in every other aspects (yes, I agree that story is the most crucial when talking about a masterpiece). |
"The Slave is the have-not, the oppressed one with nothing to spare. But because the Slave is in that despairing situation, having nothing, it can kill the Emperor !" |
| If I feel like it is. That is all. If I feel like I find it to be one. |
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| This is what you're looking for. https://myanimelist.net/anime/39392/Master_Piece_The_Animation?q=Masterpiece%20&cat=anime |
Anime was it's best 20000 years ago, when cavemen drew art with real depth. Modern anime is all garbage. I miss great old days of anime. |
Jim_Heart said: I agree with a lot of your points, more or less I see a masterpiece as you do. In fact, I rarely read a long text completely in forum, but I read your post to the end because you share a very similar opinion with me. As addition, I think a masterpiece is not a work that any people in industry can make it. I can consider an anime with solid/great value in every aspects of that anime as a masterpiece. But sometimes it just take an extraordinary story by a talented writer to make a masterpiece, even with average value in every other aspects (yes, I agree that story is the most crucial when talking about a masterpiece). I appreciate it, thanks for reading until the end. |
AcD4c said: I think masterpiece is an exaggerated word... I have many 10's at my list, but they're all anime I enjoyed a lot. And we don't have any anime scored 10 at MAL, even if we remove ratings from trolls and haters. So from my point of view, a true MASTERPIECE, an anime where everyone will say it's flawless, will never exist. Indeed, every show has a weak point itself if we are willing to find it. Therefore it's impossible to have an anime that is flawless. |
| Being good at everything and surviving the test of time, hope it helped! |
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| What makes an Anime a Masterpiece? Be Steins;Gate |
Alberto Delta Star Light Odorizzi |
Grand blue is indeed a very hilarious anime, I'd give it a strong solid 9/10. I know some people who genuinely didn't liked it at Instagram and it's quite sad to hear that. |
ChartTopper60 said: If I feel like it is. That is all. If I feel like I find it to be one. Nothing is wrong with that. You can think of it like that if you wanted to, at the end of the day it's all according to preference of each own person. |
mono_mer said: This is what you're looking for. https://myanimelist.net/anime/39392/Master_Piece_The_Animation?q=Masterpiece%20&cat=anime I wish not to be horny anymore. Go to horny jail. Bonk* |
Desam said: ChartTopper60 said: If I feel like it is. That is all. If I feel like I find it to be one. Nothing is wrong with that. You can think of it like that if you wanted to, at the end of the day it's all according to preference of each own person. I know that my post was a half-assed answer and I could really go into detail as to what and why I find an anime masterpiece, lol. |
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Katapullt said: I must like it. Even I can't reliably predict what makes me like an anime, I used to think I valued plot, character development and other conventional aspects of the show but If I check my favourites It is clear that, I've liked and rated 10/10 for anime that didn't even particularly shine in those aspects, some of those anime are awfully simplistic yet it is very clear that I enjoy them. It simply has to rhyme with me, that's all. that's what makes an anime a masterpiece to me. I can relate to that. No matter what people say, those anime that you enjoyed the hell out of it will always be a masterpiece for you. |
ChartTopper60 said: Desam said: Nothing is wrong with that. You can think of it like that if you wanted to, at the end of the day it's all according to preference of each own person. I know that my post was a half-assed answer and I could really go into detail as to what and why I find an anime masterpiece, lol. It's okay, it's up to you whether you wanted to go details or not, I don't really mind. I appreciate the response though! |
| Who are we to judge a work of art? Who are we to set the standard of a 10 for an anime? It all comes down to what you like, what you don't like, what you love, and what you hate about a show. Blend it all together and your rating shall reveal itself. Anime serves to entertain and if one is entertained greatly, then they shall give a fitting score, whether that be a 7, 8, 9, or even 10. It's only as complex as you dare make it. |
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| If you want an anime to become a masterpiece then first and foremost it should be really fucking good (duh). It must leave an impact on the anime community and by that, I don't mean the temporary impact that is left by anime like The promised neverland or Demon Slayer (nothing against those series, they are good) I am talking about an impact which can be felt even after years to come like they are still talked about and mentioned everywhere. Something you can expect from anime like death note, NGE, code geass, gurren lagann, FMAB etc. But that is just one aspect, there are also many anime which have not left a big of an impact but can compete with all the anime mentioned above like a fucking boss such as mononoke, death parade, Serial experiments lain, etc. Can they be considered a masterpiece? Sure they can. Endings matter as well, you can't just make something amazing and then fuck up the ending just to expect everyone to consider it a masterpiece (although this part is also very subjective and out of your control). An Anime doesn't become a masterpiece just because it left a huge impact or just because it's a "hidden gem" or "underrated". It becomes a masterpiece by being exceptionally good and everyone agreeing to the fact that that said anime IS really good. Also, you can consider an anime a masterpiece in your own mind (because fuck the world, amirite?), but then that anime will only be a masterpiece IN YOUR OWN HEAD so it doesn't MATTER. :) |
  Why do you hate cats? ♫ |
Jeritorias said: If you want an anime to become a masterpiece then first and foremost it should be really fucking good (duh). It must leave an impact on the anime community and by that, I don't mean the temporary impact that is left by anime like The promised neverland or Demon Slayer (nothing against those series, they are good) I am talking about an impact which can be felt even after years to come like they are still talked about and mentioned everywhere. Something you can expect from anime like death note, NGE, code geass, gurren lagann, FMAB etc. But that is just one aspect, there are also many anime which have not left a big of an impact but can compete with all the anime mentioned above like a fucking boss such as mononoke, death parade, Serial experiments lain, etc. Can they be considered a masterpiece? Sure they can. Endings matter as well, you can't just make something amazing and then fuck up the ending just to expect everyone to consider it a masterpiece (although this part is also very subjective and out of your control). An Anime doesn't become a masterpiece just because it left a huge impact or just because it's a "hidden gem" or "underrated". It becomes a masterpiece by being exceptionally good and everyone agreeing to the fact that that said anime IS really good. Also, you can consider an anime a masterpiece in your own mind (because fuck the world, amirite?), but then that anime will only be a masterpiece IN YOUR OWN HEAD so it doesn't MATTER. :) Yeah in the end the anime that you could considered as a masterpiece is in your own mind. |
| A masterpiece to me is when everything comes together at much better than average. Plot, characters, world building, themes, complexity, audiovisual, emotional impact, and a bunch of other things. A true anime masterpiece? I don't know... Ask scholars in 200 years. Right now I can call something a masterpiece, and someone else can argue that it's a piece of crap no better than annual Oscar bait. I adore Clannad for example, but a lot of people clearly loathe it for various reasons. Who is right? I'll be bones and dust before that's settled. DeltaLight said: Be Steins;Gate But this is also true. |
AquaMailman said: A masterpiece to me is when everything comes together at much better than average. Plot, characters, world building, themes, complexity, audiovisual, emotional impact, and a bunch of other things. A true anime masterpiece? I don't know... Ask scholars in 200 years. Right now I can call something a masterpiece, and someone else can argue that it's a piece of crap no better than annual Oscar bait. I adore Clannad for example, but a lot of people clearly loathe it for various reasons. Who is right? I'll be bones and dust before that's settled. DeltaLight said: Be Steins;Gate But this is also true. Thank you for the response. I heard alot of bad things about clannad too, haven't seen it though. |
| Tasting something is a judgement of what something is, how it works and/or what it means. There is a difference in quality between different taste judgements, as all knowledge are elitist, as there is always a small minority of people that show the highest quality of knowledge in any specific subject. Art is a knowledge, but not a knowledge in the same sense as the natural science, it is not testable or reducable to math. But art have quality, there is a difference not only on the level of craftmanship, but also on the level of relevance, consistency and sense of taste. This is easily understood when compared to manners, there is a sense of how to act, similarly there is a sense of what artistic choices are appropriate for the story in question. Making an artwork is not much different from making a thread on a forum, it is an event that can either go horrible or lead to interesting conversation. A masterpiece must be a universal story, leaving a mark on what it means to be human. |
Safeanew said: Tasting something is a judgement of what something is, how it works and/or what it means. There is a difference in quality between different taste judgements, as all knowledge are elitist, as there is always a small minority of people that show the highest quality of knowledge in any specific subject. Art is a knowledge, but not a knowledge in the same sense as the natural science, it is not testable or reducable to math. But art have quality, there is a difference not only on the level of craftmanship, but also on the level of relevance, consistency and sense of taste. This is easily understood when compared to manners, there is a sense of how to act, similarly there is a sense of what artistic choices are appropriate for the story in question. Making an artwork is not much different from making a thread on a forum, it is an event that can either go horrible or lead to interesting conversation. A masterpiece must be a universal story, leaving a mark on what it means to be human. That was an interesting read, thank you telling your thoughts. |
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