First off, it is important to understand exactly what kind of anime you are getting into. Shinsekai Yori is a story of mysteries, each being introduced in succession at the beginning of the anime. What appears to be a story about six curious children quickly turns dark, depressing, and confusing as each mystery is unveiled to both the characters and the viewers. To get the most out of Shinsekai Yori, you need to be ready to watch with a keen literary eye and a conscience braced for a heavy story.
STORY:
It is difficult to review the story without spoiling any of the show's numerous secrets, so I will try not to delve too deeply. Shinsekai Yori has a beautifully constructed plot that follows a group of children across several different stages in their life, starting at age 12 and ending when they are 26.
Many of the strengths of Shinsekai Yori lie in its characters, but it is how these characters interact with the mysterious world around them that makes it so special. Everything in this world has a secret, and the main cast is simply trying to understand how their society came to be, and why certain events are coming to pass.
Shinsekai Yori is a crescendo of mysteries. Thought-provoking questions are posed in the first half of the show, and their answers are brilliantly foreshadowed throughout. The second half reveals unexpected answers to these questions, building upon each secret and bringing the viewer to realize just how interconnected everything is, from the history of the village to the relationship between humans and the intelligent monsters who live just outside. Each answer builds upon the last, leading up to a staggering conclusion that flips the entire story on its head.
Shinsekai Yori will put you deep in thought, and the story's secret hero will force you to face difficult themes such as the nature of greed, power, democracy, sacrifice, and humanity itself. It will leave you with a pit in your stomach, so be braced for what you are about to see.
CHARACTERS:
As with any masterpiece, the characters are an important contributor to this anime's brilliance. The relationships feel real, particularly between Saki and Satoru. This sets Shinsekai Yori apart from other anime, in the sense that you can relate to and empathize with these characters at a deeper level. They all have unique personalities and feel REAL. The way they talk, make fun of each other, play outside, and interact in school simply makes sense.
I give characters a 9/10 for one simple but important reason. This is, in my opinion, the single greatest flaw in Shinsekai Yori: there is an important character (to the two leads) that is drastically underdeveloped considering the role he/she plays in the decisions, emotions, and motivations of the two lead characters. While it is not enough to distract the viewer from the better components of the anime, it is a shame that such a strong story has such an obvious flaw.
PRESENTATION:
One of the story's incredible strengths is how it's characters interact with the setting in which Shinsekai Yori is based. The time at which the show takes place is futuristic, but the world these children live in is not the polluted, dirty landscape we imagine when we think of the actual future of our planet. Nature is abundant, and technology is sparse, only being used where absolutely necessary. The children play outside and the village has a rural medieval feel.
The art in this anime is incredible, and while I did not like a couple of the stylistic choices for character expressions during the middle of the show, the sheer beauty of every backdrop in the entire production makes up for it. Animation remained clean throughout, and only ever added to the brilliance of Shinsekai Yori.
There is also some incredible music. The main theme plays at some point during every episode, and its a song sang by a children's choir that will give you the chills. There are other good tracks throughout, but some of the darker themes and action music is a little distracting. It won't impact your enjoyment of the show overall, but considering the music has such incredible high points, its a shame it was not well rounded throughout.
I should also add that voice acting gets top marks in my book (subbed, haven't watched dubbed).
CONCLUSION:
If you skipped to this point, read my intro as well; its important.
Shinsekai Yori is a brilliant anime, whose story watches a cast of wonderful characters unveil a crescendo of mysteries. It will leave you deep in thought when you finish, and the story demands a second watch. The sound and art are phenomenal, and the setting is unique and beautiful. If you decide to pick up Shinsekai Yori, bear these things in mind:
1. Do not drop this anime because of some of its controversial sexual themes. They are brief and play an important role in the story.
2. Watch this anime within a week's time. There is too much info to remember over a longer period.
3. There is a lull when they begin telling the story at age 26. Keep watching. It becomes very climactic, and you will rediscover your love for the two lead characters.
4. Watch with a literary eye. Infer as you go. Watching Shinsekai Yori will not be a passive experience!
With all this in mind, enjoy one of the most brilliantly crafted stories ever written!
