Yet here I tried to write a non-spoiler review for the series. This is more like a love letter than anything.
LotGH is, a space opera epic that explores every aspect of human condition. The story is grand, huge in both scope and depth, yet a very simple one, about humans pursuing there dreams and well, becoming heroes & legends. The plot is told in a form of a historic documentary, which gives a feeling of grandness, as if the story told is just a small part of the entire history of the galaxy. The world and lore in LotGH is built to perfection, it feels realistic as if it could be ours. The show utilizes this tone and aspect to beyond perfection, always reminding us of the grandness of the plot. The plot is organic, realistic and progresses in the most sensible way. This said, the show does surprise you, it does have twists and turns, but all feel organic and needed and not forced at all. The plot has a lot of foreshadowing or more like it sets up plot points that become relevant later in the story. The cast of characters is gigantic, roughly 120 characters. I have never ever seen such a realistic interesting and characterized cast of characters in ANY media. They all have a purpose, all have distinct personalities and goals. All makes sense given their respective characterization. The best aspect of this show in fact, is the dialogue between the characters, each line spoken feels like it was written by a great mind. Each dialogue is needed, and either characterizes the characterizes or advances the plot, seeing each dialogue progress the ever ticking plot forward bit by bit is the most joy I have ever felt watching a show. period. It is important to point out that most characters are static, that said their perfect characterization, realism and dialogue make them all great and perfectly written. These very characters are flawed as well, none of them are merry-sues. In this show actions have consequences, if a character makes a mistake (normally because of their flaws) he will pay for it in some way or another. There is no plot armour, characters die... a lot. The show is objective, it does not try to sway the viewer at any direction or to give answers like "democracy good, monarchy bad", instead it gives an objective look at every single theme that it talks about and lets the viewer decide weather they agree or not with the beliefs of the character. So it strengthens your views or even can change it if you find yourself agreeing with what is said. The show does every single aspect so perfectly, building tension, foreshadowing, making emotional scenes etc. The show even does romance perfectly, better than almost every single romance show out there. The show handles gender rolls and femininity better than any show in the medium, no sexualization no trashy western "ideals" and "ideas". The two main characters, protagonists, are amazingly complicated and are not just "exact opposites" like in most shows. Because they are on the opposite sides, you often are going to be afraid that one will die because of the other. Because of the objectivity of the show it is YOU who chooses which side to take, the show never guides you or gives you a definitive answer as to who is in the right and or wrong. Yang and Rienhard, both face there problems with their respective governing systems and thus both the positives and negatives these systems effect them, their actions and plot. The core of LotGH is Yang's dilemma and Rienhard's ambition. Each is explores by the characters, plot and dialogue of the show absolutely perfectly. Both Yang and Reinhard represent the two basis' of human condition, the pen and the sword. The battles in LotGH are the crème-dela-crème of the series, they have immense depth in their strategy and the characters and their strength and flaws shine the brightest there. Given the fact that there is no plot armour the viewer is constantly at the edge of their seat, afraid of another member of their beloved cast dying. The series is absolutely perfect, it does everything to right... so perfectly. There is only one point that the series truly falls short in terms of writing, and that is religion, the show basically gives only one view of religion, a very negative look of "space ISIS" and how religion can be used in a negative way. But it never tries to show the positives of religion and how it is important for a stable society. Although given the setting of the show it is just normal that religion is not in full strength within the people in that point in history. Still, given the show's track record of amazing objectivity this flaw quite stands out, Yet overwhelmed by how many other things the show mastered. Given the scope of the show and the scope of the aspects that the show has done absolutely perfectly the religion problem is quite redundant. The music is perfect, fits what is going on and the vibe perfectly. The visuals are outdated and the only thing that is subpar about the show, although with each act of the show it progressivly becomes smoother and better. By the end of the series it is not bad. All in all the show is the best anime I have seen and the greatest series I have watched in general. Nothing compares to it. Neither in scope nor depth.
Plot- 10/10 Characters - 10/10 Sound - 10/10 visuals - 4/10 Enjoyment - 10/10
