Before we begin. I must stress that this show is not for everyone. If you absolutely can't watch an anime with the following characteristics, you might not want to watch this show.
*Spoilers
1) No comic relief
2) Slow-Paced in the narration of its story, with the only exception at a few high points of the story
3) Homosexual theme, being relevant to the story (light shounen-ai and light shoujo-ai only happen in 1 episode)
Now, let's begin.
- - - Story - - -
With minimal fan-service and without any comic relief, audiences are left with no choice but to take the show very seriously. In that sense, SY (Shinsekai Yori) does not disappoint. Overall, it has a fascinating and remarkably solid story line, one that examines the irregularities of human society in details, from various perspectives. Everything that occurs in earlier episodes happens in order to set up for the conclusion.
It might be shocking to say this, for such a convoluted fantasy, psychological story, it has virtually no plot hole.
However, the slow-paced, no-comic-relief nature of SY might put a lot of people (including me) off. I am serious. There are points in this anime that I almost considered on dropping, but narrowly avoided that by a conviction to finish this anime. Fortunately, I was rewarded with a dramatic and immensely satisfying ending.
9/10 (not perfect score because of pacing)
- - - Art - - -
Character design for main characters is decent, but there are severe distortion of characters' faces at different moments. The background is beautiful, but often repetitively used. The weakest link is the animation, which is average at best.
7.5/10
- - - Sound - - -
There is no OP in this anime, and there are 2 EDs for 25 eps. I don't mind the fact that there is no OP, and the EDs are enjoyable to listen to.
Nevertheless, it must be mentioned that the soundtracks used, while appropriate, is endlessly repetitive. There were times when I wished that they would add more soundtracks, but in the end, they were adequate and appropriate for the story being told.
8/10
- - - Character - - -
While characters are praised for being "realistic", viewers can't really attach to them on an emotional level. Also, characters are not memorable either.
That being said, a huge plus is that this anime tells different stories throughout main characters life from 12 to 26 years old. I was relieved when our main characters don't always "stay a child", as with most other anime.
7/10
- - - Enjoyment - - -
Slow-pacing, lack of comic relief, and not-the-best-characters on the negative side.
Great story, fascinating social commentary, and extraordinary ending on the plus side.
7/10
- - - Overall - - -
I can understand why this anime is ranked so high on MAL. This is a very dark, mature work that stands defiantly against popular trends in anime.
8/10
