(Spoiler free)
Shingeki no Kyojin or better well known as Attack on titans is a must-watch for all the action anime fans out there.
The story take places in a medieval post-apocalyptic world where mankind, or what is left, is forced to hide in 3 series of enormous concentric walls set on hierarchical scale. At the center is placed the king and all the high-profile people, the second includes the 3 military corps and medium-wealthy citizens and the last, but not least, is where the majority of population is located, composed by farmers and artisans. Each boundary wall stretches for a dozen of miles of land.
The reason why humanity is on the edge of extinction is, like title suggests, the presence of man-eating titans. Like a zombie, the only purpose who pushes those giants to attack are exclusively the human race. In fact a giant could live forever without feeding, but as soon as they see a man they just devour him for pure pleasure. Why? That is the million-dollar question which it won't be revealed even at the end of the first series, while on the other hand, you'll find little hints about titans origins.
STORY 9/10
The story structure is very fluid and each episode contributes to the overall plot so there aren't any fillers. Although this is a 'Shounen' genre and the action is the starring role, it never falls on predictable and big plot holes, and this is a very nice thing considering all those rushed series that forces unlike events only because the story calls for it.
What it differs fundamentally from other fantasy anime lies in its Unique and Original story. More deeply, after few mins from the beginning you will get literally crushed in a brutal carnage. The first thing which strikes one is the appearance, followed by a dazzling lighting, of a colossal titan who stands above the 60 m walls. With just a kick he breaks through the majestic door allowing other minor titans to rampage the city. This is where the two protagonists Eren Jaeger and Mikasa Ackerman witness their mother's head rip off by a titan and the slaughter of almost all village people, gifting us one of the MOST INTENSE epic scenes i've ever seen. From all the blood shed in battle the red string of fate ends up binding to Eren,still unaware of the fact he has the key to save the world. With the burning fire on his eyes and a crazy note in his voice, he swears for vengeance and ~actual words~Killl Them All. (Omg Moment)
ART 10/10
The animation is Outstanding and you can see miles away the studio put a lot of efforts in it. The quality remains the same from the start up to the last scene, so don't worry about that, it won't undergoes any change during the episodes as so often happens in many anime. The characters designs are stunning and seem like underlined with a black pen and even the setting is well-finished in all aspects.
What it won't certainly pass unnoticed is the three dimensional maneuver gear, a sort of equipment which allows great mobility to fight in a 3D space when facing the titans in combat.This device will grant you spectacular and breathtaking scenes, so get ready for some epic acrobatics feats.
Whilst animation does his duty very well, the art on the whole doesn't goof on ridicoulus or childish situations, that's why i think 'Seinen' should be more suitable for this anime.
The air you breath is filled with despair and the emotional state of each character succeeds on getting empathize in their situations. The personalities are truly fitting and the reason that makes humanity to fight is very motivating, like a war to survive, you fight or you die.
SOUND over 9000/10
Brace yourselves, Epic Osts are coming.
Without any doubts the stronger point of the series, correction : of All the anime series. Seriously talking, the osts are so damned epics that you will get stuck in a loop without no chance to escape [Play-repeat..] [Play-repeat...] thus, once you get infected the only remedy is time, you know, time heals all wounds so i would advise you to make your peace with this. The pacing and songs suits up perfectly and make you sweating for excitement up to grieving from sadness, so get ready and make some room in your playlist. It will worth every byte.Nothing to say more, no, really , just go and download every track!! and spread the infection.
Characters's voices are also great so if you are going to watch this series, do it in its original language, got it? Janepese voices make it better, i could say for experience since i watched the anime in japan sub ita the first time and then in my language. Result: it ruined the viewing.
Eren's voice in berserk mode is very devastating..
Why are you still here? The tracks!!Gogogo.
CHARACTER 9/10
Attack on titans has one of the largest character's arsenal ever seen: Tsundere girls,crazy yanderes ,dandere,big breasted women and cute lovely loli... Nah, just kidding. Fortunately for us, this alternative mediaval world doesn't allow this odd creatures to come in, also because the part of the monster has already been given to the titans, so stereotypes characters, i'm sorry but you won't steal again the show. However, aot's world is a tough place to live. Being weak means you will be short-lived, thus, having a strong personality is the minimun requirement. Every character has its own pre-set nature, some will have a growth during the series, but despite this, they are unpredictable or just damned stupid, in poor words, they are Real, acting like a human. There aren't any fanservice or embarassing moments for the viewer---> 'sigh of relief'
To avoid some serious spoilers i won't describe any of the characters,however, i assure you will love each one of them,and more than anyone else the stronger badass soldier of all mankind, Levi Ackerman. The studio has released 2 ovas about his past and the fact that 2 episodes are ranked 8,5 speaks for itself.
OVERALL 10/10
Since many people tend to skip all the review and just looking at the overall thoughts, (i do too) i saved you some things.
Shingeki no Kyojin brought a full breath of fresh air in the anime world and it was right this series which made me get close to it. I didn't even know the existence of some masterpieces until a couple of months ago and i watched it for just pure chance.. ~manna from heaven~
This anime has seriously the power to break the mental chains to all those closed-minds who still think anime are just childish cartoons. Take it from someone who's been one!! From a more mature point of view, Aot has nothing to envy to the most popular american series like Games of Thrones or ...(ok now i'm shooting in my foot) but regarding the enjoyment, they are almost on the same level IMO.
It is a matter of mentality and fame. The latter can spring curiosity, and from curiosity you can gradually open the mind to see Japanese animation in a different and positive light, but this is still an utopian dream.
However,put that aside, if you think action is the only protagonist of the series you're wrong, because a good slice of story is cut by dialogues and very well done flashbacks. This anime is so detailed and doesn't present any imperfections, so if you're trying to look for a needle in a haystack, i'm sorry, but you won't find it. The atmosphere makes you feel involved in every character situations, and you can feel the danger gets under your skin in all the fight against the titans.
The first episode is stellar, one of the best start, seriously, after the first peaceful moments letting the viewer to acclimatize and introduce the story, an abrupt change breaks the quietness and the plot quickly gets off the ground leaving us with a big question that still bother me and all the non-manga-readers: Who are those special titans appeared out of nowhere and Why did they break the walls??! Maybe the giants are not the only threat for mankind...cough...cough. By the way, i hope the mistery behind the titans will be revealed in the second upcoming season so what are you waiting for? In this anime you will discover the pure meaning of epicness, bravery, courage sacrifice that will touch your heart deeply, you can't miss it, oh and don t forget about the tracks! ;)
