The plot is simple, focusing on Frieren's journey towards heaven, but it’s more of a side quest for her. The weak story serves as a backdrop for exploring Frieren’s character and her reflections on past adventures.
Characters
Frieren is a wonderful character with pain that humans can't comprehend, the curse of near immortality. Everyone, or at least every human, in her life will die, and although her time traveling with the hero’s party was just a short part of her lifespan, it’s something that has impacted her whole life. Fern is a very weak character, but again she was written that way, as she isn’t meant to be an overly loud or determined character like Stark, but instead she is an unbiased and regular girl who knows magic. Of course, there are elements that deepen her character, but she just seems like a regular person. I have mixed feelings about Stark as he is a strong coward, and I hate that trope, but when it comes down to it, he holds his own and is reliable, and although sometimes annoying, he is funny at times. As for all other characters, I feel like the author has a good time allowing them to portray everything that they want in the story. Aside from Fern, I don’t feel there is a weak main or side character as everyone, even randoms, got good exposure and a good story. Also, I feel like the magic each character uses is a reflection of their character, which is an element of the story I enjoyed a lot.
Visuals and Animation
Animation isn’t something I pay attention to much, and I didn’t even notice how bad "Seven Deadly Sins" was until people pointed it out. Though the animation in this anime was amazing and something that completely caught me off guard. The most random scenes would have the most beautiful animations, and the action scenes were even more phenomenal. I even went out of my way to find the name of the studio, "MADHOUSE". The scenic shots helped build the feel of an adventure, the random fields of flowers, and the huge cities were all enhanced through the animations, and I believe it was a big part of the world-building in the anime.
Music and Sound
This was my favorite part of the whole show. The music was so perfectly crafted I was shocked. When you're playing an RPG fantasy game, you want this music to be playing. It reminded me of "How to Train Your Dragon" and every time that adventure music would play. I enjoyed this part the most, but now I can’t come up with the words for it, but the music was something else. I genuinely think this part was the best part of the anime and the most well done.
World-Building
I think world-building was one of the stronger parts of the anime. The world felt vast and rich with history, each location teeming with its own stories and legends. The journey through various landscapes, from serene villages to bustling cities, enhanced the sense of adventure and discovery. The magical elements were seamlessly integrated into the world, making it feel both fantastical and believable.
Themes and Messages
"Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" beautifully explores themes of time, loss, and the enduring nature of memories. It’s a poignant reminder that the moments we share with others, however brief, leave an indelible mark on our lives. The series emphasizes the importance of cherishing relationships and the impact they have on our personal growth. Frieren's journey is a testament to the idea that even in a world where time seems infinite, it’s the human connections that truly give life meaning.
