Watching this anime, from Ep 1, has been an exceedingly emotional journey. The combination of flawless animation, gorgeous music and magnificent storytelling puts Kimetsu no Yaiba right at the top.
Have I mentioned the animation? Have I? It’s bloody fantastic, pun intended. Obviously, with better technology, there has been an increase in the number of stylistically beautiful anime over the years (e.g. Violet Evergarden, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works etc). But frankly, I think this anime surpasses them in the way it highlights movement and how it melds different angles and perspectives. The animation style used is so unique. I love the combination of the bright and (sometimes) garish comic book-like effects in the foreground and the more typical and subtle soft landscapes. It’s stylistically brilliant and an absolute joy to watch.
Let’s talk about the audio effects. In most anime, music is used as an accent to the animation. Excellent song-writing is prevalent and memorable. That’s why we have iconic theme songs and instrumentals (think Studio Ghibli). However, what makes this anime stand out, is the way the audio pairs with the animation. Beautiful music aside, I can no longer imagine the animation without the audio effects. They can’t be separated; such is the perfection and appropriateness of the use of sound.
Finally, storytelling. Let me clarify. The story itself (primarily about family, love and perseverance), isn't particularly fresh or new. However, it's how the story is told that makes it so very compelling. I’m not going to give any spoilers, but the writer has done everything right. Unless your heart is made of stone in the manner of Dr Stone, your heartstrings will be wrung. I’m usually very critical of storytelling and character development but this anime has done those so well that my expectations soar with each episode. And every week, I continue to be impressed and delighted. Especially today’s Ep 19. Gosh. What a revelation. What an experience. Truly.
Also, having watched countless anime, I’m rarely surprised by most story developments. The way this story is written is so incredibly creative that I literally can’t predict anything. I mean, it's a fantasy anime, so there's a lot of room for creativity. However, what I think this anime has done best, is how it makes you feel about the characters. Many might have realised it, but I think how we (the audience) feel about the characters (demons included) mirrors how Tanjiro feels about them. As it goes along, the anime introduces characters and we're left wondering who they are, why they behave a certain way. With more information, our bond with these characters grow as well. Certain behaviourisms (those who have watched more recent episodes will totally get this) start making sense and it endears these characters to us. And of course, I think Tanjiro is a decent main character because he somehow always successfully makes me root for him. He's driven by a very clear purpose and the decisions he makes stem from that. I love his empathy; it's an ideal and frankly, quite refreshing because it allows us to see things from different perspectives. The writer somehow managed to do all that, all the while maintaining a logical and cohesive storyline. This, is what I call top-notch storytelling.
The anime hasn’t even ended, but I can truthfully say that I’m positive that this is going to maintain its place as my favourite anime of all time. If you want to experience the very best of Japanese animation, look no further. This is the anime to go for. You won’t regret it.
