As many other reviewers stated, I assumed that the anime was going to be about terrorism in Japan, but it wasn’t. While it was a crucial element to the show, it wasn’t specifically focused on it. The act of terrorism highlights other issues, i.e. scientific experiments conducted on humans. As the names of the main characters suggest, they were test subjects in medical experiments.
The strongest elements on the show were the stunning artwork, music selection (all OST were excellent), and character/plot development.
The characters themselves were like a complex puzzle to solve. Both Nine and Twelve committed the acts of terrorism by placing bombs in public locations but what did they want to achieve from it? The puzzle might be harder to solve even after the ending. It’s something that can be discussed and argued over in order to gain better understanding on the characters. Without a doubt, Nine was my favorite character in the show. While he put on a cold demeanor, he also had a soft side to himself that was evident when it came to those close to him like Twelve. The duo were the heart of the show.
It’s shows like this that inspire me to continue watching anime because they contain so much substance. It allows you to think, question, and seek knowledge. How much do we know about the government we live in, how much is kept hidden from us, are medical experiments conducted secretly and how can we end patriarchy that continuously feed on the weak? I finished the show with a heavy heart not only because of the impact of the story but because the show portrayed a fragment of the reality we live in today.
