The Unforgettable Magic of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Will Exceed All Your Expectations
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an awe-inspiring masterpiece that will leave you captivated This emotionally charged series, helmed by the renowned director of Bocchi the Rock, weaves a clever and powerful fantasy narrative that is nothing short of extraordinary Prepare to embark on a stunning, feel-good adventure that will touch your heart
Highlights
"Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" is an emotionally engaging anime that explores the themes of time, life, and companionship.
Frieren, the main character, embarks on a journey of introspection, revisiting her past escapades and the gradual departure of her companions throughout a half-century.
The anime gracefully captures the profound bond between Frieren and her comrades, emphasizing the affection and poignant essence of their transient companionship.
Caution: This content may include small spoilers for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Time swiftly passes, constantly slipping away, and often deceiving, yet in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, time takes center stage as it explores the deep aspects of life and camaraderie. Since its debut, this series has generated a significant amount of positive attention and without a doubt, if the rest of the episodes are as captivating as the premiere, it unquestionably lives up to the hype.
A Mere 10 Years
: A fresh take on the beloved manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, Frieren takes the animated world by storm under the skillful animation of Madhouse and the direction of the brilliant Keiichirou Saitou, renowned for their recent success in 2022's Bocchi the Rock. Embarking on a poignant journey, this captivating story revolves around an elven mage who meticulously retraces the footsteps of her former adventuring companions, cherishing their memories, facing her own inner turmoil of not forging deeper bonds with them, and forging new unforgettable moments in the process.
Although the exact number of episodes in this series is currently unknown, the initial batch of four episodes was released simultaneously, providing an unexpected and delightful starting point for the thrilling journey that lies ahead in the following weeks. Interestingly, this captivating adventure commences at the conclusion of another extraordinary quest.
The elven mage Frieren and her three companions, Himmel, Heiter, and Eisen, have successfully completed a monumental decade-long mission to vanquish the demon king. Their triumphant return is met with jubilation throughout the kingdom, as gifts and congratulations are plentifully bestowed upon the valiant heroes. As a meteor shower illuminates the night sky, filling their hearts with joy, Frieren, however, remains unimpressed.
"There is a superior vantage point to witness this meteor shower," she remarks, assuring her comrades that she will lead them there when it reoccurs in 50 years. You see, as elves live for such extended periods, the time spent with her companions is inconsequential to Frieren. True to her word, the audience follows her over the course of the next 50 years with astonishing nonchalance and urgency, rendering the passage of time seemingly insignificant – precisely as intended. While her friends age considerably, Frieren herself remains unchanging.
Anime fans who watched Maquia: Where The Promised Flower Blooms, a film by Mari Okada in 2018, might find similarities to this premise and should brace themselves for an emotional journey. While both Frieren's premise and the film explore themes of life and relationships, this series takes a faster pace. Each episode takes us to new places, skipping months and even years.
In the first four episodes, we follow Frieren as she mourns the loss of friends and realizes the depth of her love for them, despite their short presence in her life. This realization fuels her desire to learn more about them and herself, leading her on a quest. Joining her is Fern, a young girl who also possesses magical abilities and shares a bond with Frieren's friend Heiter, whom she considered as a father figure.
A Clever, Powerful Fantasy Story
Many fantasy stories showcase non-human races with longer life spans than humans, yet few delve into the profound impact this has on characters' perceptions of existence. The very essence of an individual's relationship with the world undergoes a fundamental transformation. Works like Maquia have explored this concept by illustrating the protagonist's gradual realization of the immense burden it carries as she matures. However, Frieren, the focal character in this story, has already experienced an extraordinarily lengthy life prior to its commencement; thus, she is accustomed to such dynamics.
The story's avoidance of being completely bleak is due to the immense joy it takes in recounting the past. Anyone familiar with playing Dungeons & Dragons can instantly connect with the characters as they reflect on the humorous struggles they endured. Despite its exploration of death, the tale overflows with a love that permeates every scene and every note of Evan Call's exquisite soundtrack.
Through Frieren's perspective, even the passing of time itself becomes less intimidating. Time only becomes daunting when Frieren - and the audience - are reminded of its relativity and preciousness. Fern serves as a valuable companion because, being human, she cannot afford to waste years in one place, and she doesn't want Frieren to repeat the same mistake, knowing the consequences it has had on her in the past.
This theme of time not only expands beyond the existential but also serves as the means by which the messages of the individual episodes are conveyed. In Episode 3, when a villain from Frieren's past is poised to make a comeback, an emphasis is placed on how people learn from the past to prepare for the future. This concept is subtly introduced and ultimately unfolds like a timeless fable. For all the frightening aspects of time, there are also numerous essential elements that contribute to the overall beauty of life.
A Gorgeous Feel-Good Adventure
Madhouse has experienced a true rebirth in recent years, with a completely different image from what it was in the 2000s. While some saw the studio's changes as the end of an era, their current repertoire of thoughtful and visually captivating dramas has brought forth a new one. Works such as ACCA 13 and Sonny Boy by Shingo Natsume, along with films like Goodbye Don Glees, showcase Madhouse as it hits its stride once again.
Director Saitou is determined to impress audiences for the second year in a row, following the success of last year's anime of the year, Bocchi the Rock. It's an understatement to say that this show is gorgeous; its beauty shines through in the seamless storytelling. The characters are captivating, with their expressions and actions, and the magical effects are breathtaking - from shields deflecting energy blasts to characters effortlessly levitating objects.
Although Frieren seems to prioritize its stunning visuals, it's worth noting that the show doesn't have much action, at least not yet. However, the opening suggests there will be more challenges ahead, but what stands out is the outstanding animation quality even in less intense moments. Hopefully, the production schedule will allow for this consistency to continue.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is an incredibly captivating experience that aims to engage audiences from the very beginning. The team led by Saitou masterfully combines intense emotions with heartwarming character interactions, ensuring that viewers are fully immersed throughout. This enthralling story delves into the concept of time and its significance, highlighting the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.
