Story: 10/10
Now, since I'm not writing any spoilers, the synopsis basically tells you all you need to know. Arbiters pass judgements on humans after they die. Arbiters have no feelings. They are intended to draw the darkness out of people's souls. And that's what they do. But that is not the only thing this anime is about. It encompasses so much more than just "Is this person good or bad" and it explores many themes of humanity in a very tangible, almost simplistic way.
It's easy to understand, and while it is heavy, it doesn't seem dark. Some might disagree with me here, but what distinguishes the difference between heavy and dark to me, is that dark leaves no room for curiosity and simply gives you an image; heavy, gives you outlines and shading but no colors, so you are left to imagine and create your own interpretations, all within the set guidelines that you understand. Both are hard to process emotionally.
This anime is so thought provoking. It truly made me think, and feel. It made me cry, more than once, and I actually can't even remember the last time an anime made me cry. (jk, yes I can. it was definitely gunslinger girl, when I was like, 13. would it make me cry again though? probably not.)
Anyways, the only thing this anime left me wanting, was more episodes.
Art: 10/10
Beautiful style, great colors, and a fluidity that many anime lack. I was particular impressed with this art.
Sound: 9/10
Definitely added to the mood. And I also love that they weren't afraid to use silence, too. That's as much of a tool as music is, and sometimes content creators seem to forget that.
Character: 10/10
This show is all about character devolvement. I mean that's basically the premise, to judge someone's character. So of course they have to utilize it. I was very impressed with the way they made the main characters, but actually the real beauty is the way they developed the "guests" aka, humans being judged. So beautifully done in short episodes. And the way they judge these characters also says a lot about the main characters themselves. Overall, fantastic in all areas.
Overall: 10/10
I would recommend this to everyone. I truly think that this could appeal to almost anyone. It was just beautifully done. I will for sure rewatch this many times! For a 12 episode series, I am truly impressed. I wish there were more episodes, not because I found it lacking, but because I find it truly incredible. But alas, all good things must come to an end.
