Story: 7/10 B-
Animation/Art: 8/10 B-
Sound: 6/10 C
Characters: 8/10 B+
Acting(Subbed): 7/10 B
Enjoyment: 7/10 B
Overall: 7/10 B
TLDR:
This anime is very wholesome and heartwarming. While I don't think it has any special quality that can be called a masterpiece it certainly has many strong points and overall as a show has very little especially wrong with it. The story is simple but isn't the main focus. The main focus is on the relationship between the characters and the growth of Frieren as she begins to understand emotion better. In the character department this show is undoubtedly excellent, each one has well defined motivations, is understandable, and is a joy to watch. FERN AND STARK NEED TO JUST START DATING THIS IS AN AMAZING LOVE STORY!!! Also the animation here is actually really good, especially in the fight scenes. I’m shocked really, I didn’t expect this show to have any focus on fights at all. Overall 7/10, not incredible but is certainly worth a watch and I can at least see why people really like this show. Please remember that 7/10 is still good and worth a watch.
Story:
The story is pretty good. My biggest criticism is early on when it feels extremely slow paced. I don’t think that this anime gets going until episode 5 when Stark gets introduced. After that point there is a mix of action and fun side stories while as before that point its just side stories that are very slow paced. If you hate slow paced the first few episodes are gonna hurt bad. But afterwards when the characters begin their journey the story begins to take a more fast paced character and it also gets moved to the sidelines more as the focus becomes on the action and characters.
Animation/Art:
I did not think that this anime would have such good animation. The artstyle is different in a way that makes it immediately identifiable as Freiren. Each character that matters is designed in a unique way that makes them immediately identifiable. But the main appeal here is the animation during the fight scenes. I came into this show expecting practically zero fighting but my mind was blown during so many fights here. The first one that really impressed me was the first one with Stark (can’t say against whom). The sense of scale and power that they conveyed was incredible. The fights only then continued and the final battle in the dungeon with Fern and Frieren was just amazing. If you’re looking for an anime with good fights and are willing to wait for a while between each fight, Freiren isn’t a bad choice.
Sound:
This soundtrack was composed by Evan Call. He also happens to have composed my favorite show Violet Evergarden. Knowing this I came in with high expectations.
They were not met. The soundtrack certainly isn’t bad, it’s above average in fact, but it doesn’t carry any wow factor that makes me go “wow” when listening to it later. At the very least though it has some good moments like the Zooltrak scene or the fight with Frieren and Fern at the end. But overall not especially impressive. However, I do think that some of the sound effects are pretty cool.
Characters:
This is where the show really exels. The main focus of the show are the interaction between the characters and how Frieren evolves as a person. Each character is an absolute joy to watch with even small side characters getting some backstory that make them intriguing. The main trios interactions are especially funny and enjoyable to watch. They all act surprisingly realistic unlike some anime where the characters are way too over the top. This is really best seen between Fern and Stark who have a good relationship yet their arguments seem so realistic as to what might happen between friends. And they also got another thing. Fern and Stark got some great romance getting ready and I am DYING TO SEEM THEM GET TOGETHER!!! JUST DO IT ALREADY ITS SO OBVIOUS THAT YOU LOVE EACH OTHER!!! YOU ARE SOOOOO GOOD TOGETHER JUST DO IT ALREADY MY GOD HOLY SH-
Well back to other characters. Frierens is kinda mean in the beginning although it becomes clear why. Because of her long life Frieren has trouble connecting with other people. But as the show continues we get to see more and more emotion in her as she begins to understand how what she considered a tiny 10 year adventure in her several thousand year lifespan may be the most meaningful time of her life. We get to see her learn to feel, empathize and hate. It’s kind of hard to see at first but becomes more and more obvious and it is just so well done just wow. Chefs kiss.
Acting(subbed):
The acting here is good. Not anything excellent but still good. I think that Frierens voice actor is the real winner here. She was able to deliver emotion while at the same time seeming so deadpan all the time. As an actor doing something like that is really difficult. Just beneath the surface at so many points you can hear care, concern, and even hatred despite her wearing a face of near complete emotionlessness. The rest of the characters are also good. Stark has a great complaining voice and Ferns VA does a great job at the pouting. A shockingly good job at the pouting.
Enjoyment/Overall:
This anime is supremely wholesome. Honestly gives a Spy x Family level of wholesomeness. It has strong points to it and nothing is bad at all. I definitely enjoyed it. However, I don’t think that this show is truly excellent and I do believe that it is very overrated. It’s probably affected by recency bias and will soon lower in score as time goes on and the FMAB fans begin their retake of the throne. But it is definitely worth a watch. I can see why people like it so much, it really just makes you feel good. It sends a message of appreciating what is around you and that even things that seem small can have a big impact on somebody. A lot of people out there need to hear that message. Give this show a shot, you might really like it and at worst you had a good enough time.
