Manga readers often look forward to the adaptions, and with it they hold deep within themselves, certain expectations from it. Overwhelmed by the beauty of the manga (critically acclaimed one's have a severe effect), they are looking forward to every details. Alas, few are bound to be disappointed, and being so, they overlook the challenges faced by this medium(animation), be it monetary, artistic or one of the most deadly one, time.
Such is not my case. I have not read the manga nor did I have a clue about the influence of Berserk as a manga even after I finished the anime. But after discovering that Berserk stand tall at number one position of the top rated manga, I was compelled to write about it, and open my review in such a way.
First, I will say this bluntly. Berserk is a gory, mature, disturbing and thought provoking tale. There is sufficient violence, wars and a touch of politics. The animated sequences hold strong despite their age. But what makes Berserk truly unique is what happens between the gore. Between the numerous sword slashes and mayhem caused by Guts and his huge sword, who cut one hundred men, single-handedly.
The protagonist, Guts and his tale is beautifully woven into this 25 part anime. The story can be divided into three parts. Here is where the anime shines. Each of these three parts explore his conflict, whether internal or external.
The first part, Guts, who went from penny to penny as a mercenary, lands himself in the Band of Hawks. As time passes he comes to respect the leader, who won him in battle, Griffith. And the lonesome Black Swordsman suddenly feels something that he has not felt in his entire life. Companionship. Be it Casca's rude behavior, Judeau playful nature or the bitterness of Corkus. He has a place in it. His own.
The second part, Griffith and Guts have started to walk on the path of friendship. Guts, enamored by the charisma of Griffith, finds himself walking the path of his dream. But in doing so something changes in him. The passion of Griffith burns in him and give rise the one on thing every man needs but rarely wants. Ambition. Now Guts no longer wants to walk in the shadow. He wants to light his own way. But to do so, he must sever the ties that hold him back.
That brings us to the third part, Guts leaves everything behind and sets a chain of chaotic events. Griffith falls and the Hawks are crushed. Guts, when trying to rescue the Hawks, experiences what every man craves. Love.
This brings us to the finale.
I have already said a lot about the protagonist. My favourite character however is Casca. A strong willed woman who will fight till her last breath. Her conflicting nature and relationship with both Guts and Griffith is well written. Apart from this Griffith is the most complex character in this series. Much can be said about him but I won't. The supporting character are fleshed out neatly. But the limelight mostly falls on the three.
There are many moments in Berserk which are carefully scripted and have enough context, but nothing (Guts and Griffith's duel, Casca and Guts consummation of love), nothing is more emotional devastating than the finale. That one moment where you feel the aura of evil coming from Femto, the helplessness of Casca and the raw anger Guts in a single scene. All of it leads to this master stroke of an ending.
Companionship and respect gave rise to admiration, admiration bred ambition, ambition caused chaos and chaos raised madness.
This is where my personal opinions comes in. Berserk has affected me in a way that no other anime has. This is the true nature of it. It cuts open a place inside you and places these characters and their stories, their joy, their sorrow, their pain that no other anime can. This experience, however varies from individual to individual. You may not feel so strongly, I may have felt it because of my emotional inclination. Who knows?
This 1997 will remain the best version of Berserk put to screen in my lifetime. Not because there won't be any other but because it cannot be surpassed. The traditional animation, music (especially Gut's theme), the occasional minimalist background art. Everything fits together like the last move of a Rubik cube.
Hence this review. I have a lot to talk about every anime I see. But it never translates into a review because, if simply put, I am lazy af. But this poorly structured and hastily written review is a step in direction to let go of lazy self. Though a small step. If this works, I might do wonders.
Concluding I would like to say. I have often disapproved the rating system of MAL. I just could not see myself express the anime into good, avg. or great. Yet surprisingly in this situation, I find myself to be satisfied. For in the humble opinion of this nineteen year old, Berserk is a masterpiece.
