The Controversial Twist Ending of School Days Anime: An In-Depth Exploration
Since its 2007 debut, the School Days anime has sparked intense debate and controversy due to its unexpected and thought-provoking ending Delve into the reasons behind its controversial reputation and explore the implications of this highly charged series
Ever since its release in 2007, the School Days anime has sparked intense discussions. Despite much debate about its message and symbolism, no consensus has been reached. Some fans see it as a realistic and groundbreaking portrayal, while others view it as disturbing and inappropriate. These conflicting perspectives make School Days a highly controversial anime.
The anime adaptation of the visual novel centers around Makoto Itou, a typical protagonist in a harem scenario. Initially, School Days presents itself as a standard romantic comedy anime, but the series takes an unexpected turn with its dark ending. What sets this anime apart in the harem genre is its exploration of significant social issues such as infidelity, sexual assault, and emotional abuse.
Disclaimer: This article contains discussions of violence and disturbing content consistent with the series. Reader discretion is advised.
How the School Days anime ended and what it implies
Makoto Itou (Image via TNK Studio)
The anime "School Days" follows the story of high school student Makoto Itou, whose life becomes complicated after being set up on a date with Kotonoha Katsura by his classmate Sekai Saonji. As the story unfolds, Makoto becomes involved in intimate relationships with multiple girls at his school, unable to fully understand his own desires. His ignorance and immaturity lead him to make selfish and hurtful decisions, ultimately devastating the emotions of those involved, such as cheating on Kotonoha with Sekai.
The series ends in a shocking double murder, as Sekai beheads Makoto and Kotonoha kills her in revenge, leaving viewers horrified. The stark difference between its romantic start and dark conclusion has captivated anime fans, taking them on an emotional and thought-provoking journey. Ultimately, the series highlights the consequences of ignorance, toxic relationships, and emotional instability.
Why the School Days anime has a controversial reputation
The anime's unique storytelling and its boldness in challenging societal norms has sparked numerous discussions and debates among fans. Some view the anime as needlessly harsh and troubling due to characters like Makoto and Sekai, while others see their portrayal as a reflection of real-life. Both perspectives have validity, contributing to the controversy surrounding this anime.
Viewers of the School Days anime, expecting the usual harem anime experience, were taken aback by the unexpected and shocking deaths towards the end. This shift in tone toward a darker reality left many fans surprised and disturbed. Some argue that proper trigger warnings were not given, leaving viewers unprepared for the tragic conclusion.
Concluding thoughts
A still from the anime (Image via TNK Studio)
Despite its controversy, School Days anime delivers a valuable message to viewers about empathy and the significance of personal responsibility. The series effectively showcases the repercussions of inconsiderate behavior and flawlessly portrays its characters in a realistic and relatable manner.
The School Days anime may not be suitable for sensitive viewers, but it prompts individuals to consider and address crucial social issues in today's society. It emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the repercussions of one's actions and demonstrates that showing empathy towards others is not a sign of weakness, but rather a display of strength.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the controversial twist ending of the School Days anime. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's boldness in challenging societal norms and its willingness to tackle dark and taboo subjects.
On the other hand, I found the ending to be gratuitous and unnecessary. It felt like the show was trying to shock value for the sake of shock value, and it left me feeling disturbed and uncomfortable.
I think the School Days anime is a well-made show with a lot to offer. However, I would caution viewers to be aware of the show's controversial content before deciding whether or not to watch it.
