MILD SPOILERS BELOW
NARRATIVE:
While it may start out as slightly traditional mecha anime, TTGL is so much more. One particular episode in the first half of the series (I won't specify which, but you'll know it when you see it) is one of the most incredible pieces of action and storytelling I have ever seen. It shifts the story in such a surprising way that I still can't find the words to describe it. Don't let me dissuade you from believing that there's nothing noteworthy afterwards, because there is so much more. TTGL had me laughing out loud, crying tears of sadness and joy, and cheering quite often throughout its 27-episode run.
CHARACTERS:
Every character in TTGL brings something unique and enjoyable to the table as they come into their own or you learn more about them. Kamina's bravado and inspirational speeches, Yoko's blend of badassery and compassion, Rossiu's somewhat dark practicality - which is often in direct opposition of the everyone else's gung-ho attitudes - are all fantastic. Even the show's villain's are complex characters with reasoning that you can understand while never forgiving them for the atrocities they commit. However, there is one character who stands above all others: Simon, one of the TTGL's main protagonists. His development throughout TTGL is absolutely perfect, and he also brilliantly embodies the series' main theme.
OVERALL MESSAGE:
TTGL continually enforces that you should always believe in yourself and encourage others to do the same. Many characters in the series struggle with self doubt or hopelessness at one point or another, but seeing them overcome it and grow stronger because of it is genuinely gratifying each and every time. The reason the characters in TTGL can continue to push forward no matter the odds is because they believe in themselves and each other. As someone who struggled with self esteem for a long time, I loved how TTGL displays such a deep and accurate understanding of how tough it is to feel like you have no potential, or that something is so far out of reach it isn't even worth trying to obtain, but also tells you to "grit those teeth" and keep moving forward anyway.
All in all, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is masterpiece among action anime that weaves an incredibly strong, human story about believing in yourself, and to never give up on what's important.
