@@FlexiejayAnime yeah, the second ending is pretty amazing. It isn't a remix, it's the second part of the same song. People have speculated that the first OP is from Himmel's perspective and the second is Frieren's reply(which took her over 30 years to figure out).
9:35 I am a Taiwanese, and I'd like to honor the anime and the heroes. Several months ago in Taiwan, we had an hero stopped a knife attack on a train. Despite getting his face injured, he saved all the passengers. When people asked him where he found the courage to stand up and protect others, he said, "That's what Himmel the Hero would have done."
I remember hearing about that somewhere. It was the first time in what felt like years that I heard a news story about someone doing something truly selfless for the people around them. I hope I can remember to think "What would Himmel do?" the next time I see someone that needs help.
@@j_b2397 I believe Himmel, the hero, would be happy that you think this way . People sometimes label manga and anime watchers negatively, but in reality, they can also provide positive influences on society.
The realization that the two songs are the two of them talking to each other was so emotional for me. Just a sobbing mess. This show is beautiful on so many levels.
Rewatches of Frieren are so great. Did you know that the cloak billowing scene in the end of the flashback that makes Frieren cry during Himmel's funeral is the scene where Himmel says "tearful goodbyes aren't our style"? She realizes this is their last goodbye and she's okay to cry.
The series never really flat-out states it, but there are several moments where you're remembered that Frieren is essentially Fern's adoptive Mother, as well as her master, and they're always really touching.
Was going to say this. Throughout the series you can see little gestures and behaviours that Fern has clearly learnt from Frieren. The same way a child would copy their parents habits. I've seen a comment a while back that Fern essentially is Frieren's human copy.
To me one of the most touching moments between Frieren and Fern in the whole anime. It's both an acknowledgement of their bond as guardian and child, and their evolution into equals who care about each other.
The duality of Frieren's cozy moments partnered with total emotional devastation is unmatched. The Stark x Fern ship is so strong that we have an in universe captain in Sein, he will be missed. Thank you for reacting!
The unconditional love that Himmel had for Frieren is something that needs to be studied. I don't know how that man was so kind, gentle and wise as he was without haviny a single shortcoming. Dude had it all figured out. The man knew Frieren better than she even knew herself.
He had shortcomings. But they were more than tolerable. They somehow completed his character, in a wholesome way. He did EVERYTHING for Frieren, whenever he could. He truly loved her! And it took Frieren losing him, to mortality, for her to realize what he had been trying to tell her all this time! Such a sad story! But also such a powerful lesson to teach the rest of us.
You diving into the complexities of this show are why I love watching your reacts so much. It is easy to enjoy this show at surface level, but there's also so much depth to explore in the details, as you put "tiny nuances in character development, the small shifts of the eye, or a smirk, or one conversation, ... or Frieren looking out the window." Not to mention the expert balance of levity to contrast the somber. The amount of love and care put into every aspect of this series really shines.
I love the mother-daughter moment between Frieren and Fern. No words were needed to show that Frieren loved Fern as she was holding her hand. Oh man… I can just see Frieren crying her eyes out when Fern passes away… 😢
I have always thought that someday, in a distant future epilogue after the end of this story, it'll be Frieren at the end of this same journey again bringing Fern and Stark's grandkids to see their deceased grandparents at Aureole.
5:00 they are translating many things into ridiculous but ‘Mattaku’ could mean something positive and warm too. I think he meant cute and he was happy to see how they learn about friendship/ relationship. I love the way he said it. it was like if he was their parent English isn’t my first language so i’m sorry if i’m miss understanding the subtleties. just wanted more people to know how kind he is
Having once owned a tortoise, in real life, they really are a joy to have around. Even though, really, they're not very cute. Nor are they terribly cuddly critters. But it doesn't matter. Just watching them EAT is somehow fulfilling for me! I almost feel like this Anime tries to drive that point home to us. lol
@@SuperChristianX I've watched it and various reactors a large number of times, probably in the upper 30's for most episodes, and there's still little bits that get pointed out that I hadn't noticed or seen pointed out before.
"It is very hard to find words to describe how I feel, I just feel like I need to cry, like that is how I feel. Why? I don't know cuz there were so many beautiful things that were going on." - FLEXIEJAYANIME. Beautiful reaction in itself. Humans cry for sad things, but also we cry when we are happy or we attend a wedding, or we perceive a certain kind of beauty. Frieren trades in this kind of coin of the realm. This Flexie reaction is probably the most pure and honest reaction to "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End".
We cry when something moves us. You're right. _Frieren_ has the science of moving the human heart down pat. It's honestly shocking just how good this show is. The first half of this episode has the party waiting around, which should be the epitome of boredom. The second half was dealing with a cold. And yet we're glued to the screens and crying our eyes out. Think about that. This show has _No Filler Episodes!_ If anything should be classified as filler, it is this one. Yet here we are. The simple act of getting a girl back on a prank is an event that builds greater trust in a relationship. Foraging for medicinal ingredients becomes a perfect means for character development and reflecting on the man in your past that so moved you that you're walking straight across the known world on the off chance you can have a chat with his spirit. Let's get spicy. Compare Frieren's goal to Frodo's. I do not think it's a bad comparison, either.
It was interesting going from the first op which to me personally was like a hype bop to get excited for whereas the second opening feels like waking up to a warm sunrise. Incredibly blessed to have this series in our lives. Now where’s season 2 I NEED IT
I love how much you noticed Frieren's character growth. She really does change so much since the start of the show. Now through the end of the show there's several small moments of her just smiling at her friends that hit like a truck. It shows how much she has learned about what it means to live with people and be around people. It shows her love for her friends
The way I interpret the ED is that Frieren used to only appreciate the people around her after they were gone. That's why she is lying next to a grave that could be Flamme or Himmel. But she changed and now she learned to enjoy the time with her friends and learn more about them. That's why she is now seen lying next to Fern. She isn't stuck in the past anymore she is experiencing the moment and living in the present
18:25 This is just a personal theory of mine (specifically side-stepping spoilers that possibly contribute to this theory), but...if you think back across the show, Himmel has always demonstrated his love by example, whether by action or speech. You COULD say, "that was just Himmel" and attribute it all to him just being perfect. But I like to believe that Frieren was actually the source of his drive & passion to showcase his love to the world. Let me elaborate: I think that Himmel SO loved Frieren that not only did he respect her lack of emotional awareness/maturity & thus refuse to push his love onto her when she wasn't ready for it, he ALSO *sensed* that she wanted to connect with people and thus demonstrated his love FOR her by being inspired HIMSELF to show to Frieren, for HER OWN SAKE, what love looks like, in all its possible forms. That is, I think the world-loving persona of Himmel that we recognize originates from him wanting to give Frieren the gift of love and enable her to love people the way she always wanted. And in the process, he happens to become so loving as to become a hero that defeated a Demon King. Further still, Himmel actually achieved his goal: he inspired her to fulfill his same role of showcasing love for others and inspiring them to do the same. If you review all the prior episodes where they frequently edit match cuts between the old/new party as they retread the journey, they pair Heiter with Fern, Eisen with Stark, and Frieren with Himmel. She has assumed the role as the "heart" of the party who leads the others and teaches them Himmel's wisdom & deeply personal, familial love. Love strong enough to defeat the Demon King, sturdy enough to withstand decades, magical enough to transcend Death. Sorta changes your perspective on all of Himmel's little "moments", doesn't it? Now we *technically* know that, when Himmel approached her in the forest, Heiter & Eisen were already with him, and he already had an air of peace about him, so MAYBE he had this hero aura before she joined up with them? But I get the sense that this hero aura/persona only grew & intensified as he traveled with her & fell in love more & more deeply.
This OP is one of my favourite anime songs of all time. I spent a lot of money getting a single coil split on my guitar so I could play it and get the same sort of sound.
To understand how amazing Frieren is, one needs to take a step back. C. S. Lewis wrote a small article called "Talking about Bicycles", in it he talks about how we approach things in life, enchantment, dis enchantment and re enchantment. The purpose of growing up is getting to the last one. Frieren is pure re enchantment.
This Cour 2 ending theme song, "Anytime Anywhere", has several changes in its lyrics from Cour 1. Not just the English "And you alright. Can you hear me?" that was changed to "And I'm alright (I'll be alright). Yeah I hear you (I care about you)." but also some of the Japanese lyrics have a few changes to it.
I like the inclusion of butterflies in the new opening, as butterflies have such short lifespans of two to four weeks. So, humans to Frieren, are like butterflies to us, since compared to Frieren human beings have such short lifespans.
I am so stunned by critiques saying that Frieren and Fern are one dimensional characters, when in fact these are one of the most human like, nuanced characters written in media. Not in anime but in media! Up there with Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, True Detective s1, Arcane, AoT. And the development is subtle. Not shouting or screaming. Subtle actions or reactions. And Flexie noticed it. And this is why I will remain humble subscriber to your channel Flexie. You noticed it. And if one day I become millionaire, I would become Patreon as well
Some say Stark milking the cow is on one hand giving Fern space to not make her ashamed, and on the other - to soften his touch. It is not cetain but given how everything in this show has purpose I won't be suprised to be true.
i rly love the difference of the view from fern and stark on the Cheek accident, it wasnt never the touching itself, it was about his strength of the right hand on her shoulder oO. ive to cry every time because to know what both end-songs are meaning make it so sad
I love how this entire episode was just about treating a cold, yet it conveyed so much character development. This is why Frieren is my favorite anime.
For me, the funny thing with Sein's monologue and montage... I got the opposite impression - I was pretty sure he was going to decided to stick with Frieren because of a newfound appreciation for life, living, companionship and a respect for regret. I thought that he was going to resolve to go with them because Gorilla, of all people, would understand and support Sein finding a reason and a motivation and a *home* (away from home) and because of precisely that - he'd found a group of people he really liked and respected and wanted to stay with and didn't want to regret leaving. I was floored when, after that discussion and montage, that he decided to go after Gorilla instead. I was hoping he'd stick with them because they had such a great dynamic. But that's life, you know? And that's precisely what Frieren: Beyond Journey's End presents and underscores from the beginning... Mono no aware
I've seen criticism towards Stark and Fern for being immature even as teenagers with their fight, but I think it actually plays into their backgrounds well. Neither really have social skills because they were pretty much raised without having friends or peers around them, though Stark has a few more memories of his family than Fern does. So despite their argument seeming like something 4th graders in our time would do, these are little banters that they are experiencing for the first time. Even Fern acknowledges it because she's old enough to recognize that what she did was immature but having to actually process how to react to it is something that needs to be experienced.
I'm not sure if anyone has brought this up. But Himmels name means "Sky". And this isn't the first time this has happened. I'm sure you can picture a few other scenes before this episode where something happens or they start back on their travels after making a pitstop and the camera pans to the clear blue sky. Just a subtle visual reminder that Himmel is watching over them every step of the way. That alone brings so much more depth and beauty to soooo many scenes.
@@JagdWehrwolf I'm almost absolutely sure everyone looks up to the sky when they say his name. Heiter did it. Frieren did it. Sein did it. The old guy in a Luffy hat. Even Old Man Voll.
"Frieren" is a truly exceptional show. We all feel the same feelings that you do, with every episode. I can count on ONE HAND the number of other Animes that have made me feel that emotional, so beautifully, before this one!
I've recently seen a comment about how it is impossible to accurately explain to someone who has not seen it what this show is about: 'So in this episode, there was a blizzard and they stayed toghether for a month and young warrior and young mage got into argument and Priest gave them advice and they made up. And then the young mage got sick and was ashamed when her mistress was holding her hand to comfort her and asked not to treat her like a child. Then her mistress made a cure, held her hand and said she knows the young mage is not a child anymore. it was Great!!!'
20:04 apparently Frieren had such a huge impact on Japanese Society that there were posts about parents and their toddlers/kids, where the parents used the phrase "that's what the Hero Himmel would've done" as tool of help to bring them up and teaching them what to do
There are still some more juicy Himmel flashbacks left in the adaptation. More things I'm sure we all can't wait to see the reactions to. Frieren is just packed so full of moments big and small that make you feel something, there's nothing else like it.
"It's what Himmel would've done" is an incredible motivation. Like, to actually use in real life, it's incredible powerful (because Himmel was incredible) Also his line in this episode "It's not only children that need emotional support" absolutely destroyed me and makes me want to get a hug from someone
The new opening is called "Sunny" (or "Haru" in Japanese) and is performed by Yorushika. This are the lyrics of the full version of the song: th-cam.com/video/uF7eT3nhyZ0/w-d-xo.html And the ending is the second half of the song "Anytime, Anywhere" by Milet. It has some changes on the lyrics in comparison with the first ending.
The tomb of Flamme in episode 10 was square shaped. In this ending the tomb has a rounded top. It is clearly not Flamme's. Frieren, lying in front of the tombstone, is depicted at the end as lying in Fern's lap. I think this ending depicts Freelen remembering her after Fern's death.
No matter how grown up a child is, they are still a child to their parents. In 10, 20, 30 years, Fern will still be a child to Frieren, and Frieren will still call her “my girl”.
20:11 I think this is why the op/ed shifted. Frieren has progressed substantially dealing with the impact that Himmel had on her life and with her unexpected grief at his passing. She's going forward, happy that it happened, and optimistic about being better from here on out.
8:30 that actually happened to me. My gf at the time asked me to hold her wrist tightly to see if she could free herself. I am 6'4 and she is 5'4. She struggled for a couple of seconds with laughs and giggles and then, in an instant, she started to panic for real. There is something about feeling trap like that that is terrifying, and i think that that happened to Fern.
yeah, a lot of people dont realise how ridiculously easy it is for any man to overpower a women. and thats a terrifying realization when you first experience it.
@@nickvanachthoven7252yeah, and it's surprising for us when we are young too, o remember playing wrestling with my first gf and she got scared that I could block both her hands with one of mine, and mind you I'm not a big guy. It made me see this kind of interactions in a different light
Grabbing Fern from behind just like that just wasn't the best thing to do, even if she couldn't respond with a zoltraak very, very quickly. You could see the fear in her eyes.
@@nickvanachthoven7252 Well, it is not so much man and woman, it is more like I was so massive compared to her. I could have as easily restrained a man of roughly her size. That is why boxing has weight categories. I was one feet taller than her and weighted almost twice as much. That was the issue. But anyway, my comment is about this sudden scare that she felt. I have seen it happening too, so it feels very realistic to me.
It's so funny. On the surface, "nothing" happened this episode. They got delayed by weather and then one of them got a cold. And yet, at the same time, "so much" happened this episode. One subtle bit I really like is how every "lovers' quarrel" between Fern and Stark actually turns out to be someone totally different than what it initially appears. In this case, we assume it's just Fern being annoyed by Stark's childish prank, but after talking to both of them, Sein learns that it actually had nothing to do with that. It perfectly underscores the show's point that "people won't know how you feel unless you tell them". I used to think that a perfect relationship meant never fighting with each other, but eventually I realized that was impossible, and trying to stick to that ideal just meant I was avoiding issues that needed to be discussed.
It hurts to think that Fern will be as old as Flamme in no time and will die, losing basically her daughter; it makes sense for elves not wanting to create strong bonds with humans.
This is just an idea, but maybe when you finish this season, why not have a video or something where you talk about it. I feel like since episode 1 there's so much to discuss. Also there are always small detail here and there that connect characters, like when Frieren learned a spell to turn sweet grapes into sour simply because she remembered it was Eisen favourite food. The well made flashbacks and small interactions in between characters that help the story progression and allow us to understand the relationship these characters have with each other and how important they actually are in Frieren life and growth. Example: As we move forward we understand more about the heroes and their importance keeps growing. In the beginning we were sad about Himmel passing away, but it was only in recent episodes we started to feel his death more. The characters. They are so relatable to me. When Eisen was trembling, scared about facing a powerful foe, he admitted his fears and embraced them by saying it was fear that brought him to that point, that fear itself isn't a bad thing to have. I find that very relatable, powerful and also comforting? Like owning to your own flaws will make you stronger. I don't know, i feel like there's so much to talk about, that it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on each character, if you relate to anyone of them, favourite moments, things you wish that could happen differently, etc. Either way i wrote too much lol. Thank you for your reaction as always, i look forward to the next one ! Take care
Re: the ending, speculation is that the grave is Fern's given the butterfly imagery and ending scene. Barring an untimely end, Frieren will bury most of her apprentices and associates. This makes Himmel's decision to never seek a romantic relationship more bittersweet as he sought to spare her an even more tragic parting.
The New Opening Song is very beautiful since the song's name "晴る" translate into German is Himmel. You can copy it to Google Translate and check it, it's real.
After the end of this episode I remember not being able to sleep thinking that there are only 2 ways for this show to end - Either Frieren dies and goes to Oreol with Himmel, or Fern dies. Both options destroyed my soul.
Frieren joining Himmel in that "afterlife place" would actually be the best ending for HER. Maybe not for us, but definitely it would be a happy ending that Frieren herself would be satisfied with.
Honestly, I don't see that ending fitting into the tone of the show. The one way I can imagine it going is it ending with Frieren meeting Himmel and just showing their greeting, not showing the conversation they have after that. This way, Ende would live up to its name. It would probably disappoint a lot of people, but it would fit the author's style a lot more. edit: if you're wondering what I mean, look up the ending of the video game Transistor. I imagine a similar ending to that
the symbolism of the new ending is how she lay once at flame's grave, someday she will be at fern's grave too. the first ending was more about himmel and frieren and this ending is more about fern and frieren. imo this new arc is all about the relationship between a student and a teacher. that's why the new opening ends with both of their staffs
If you remove the first four episodes, which were released as one movie, and treat episode 5 as episode 1, this would be the halfway point, hence the OP change. 10:58 Also Sein recently returned in the manga. In anime terms, that will happen at around Season 3 if Frieren gets one.
Its fern's grave. Sorry to say, but it is.. as you noticed the flying butterfly, it represents ferns soul. And similar to fern's hair pin that frieren gave to her, and was put in a box, similar to a coffin.. so much meaning on that ED claymation. First time i realize it, i cried. I think this show is not about frieren's love to himmel. Its about frieren's first time to love a warm bodied person, which is her "daugther" figure, fern.. understand the claymation. Watch it atleast 5 times.. im sure you'll get it. And it will definitely hurt your feelings..
I agree. But I can also see an alternate interpretation as Frierens previous (or even first) loss, which was her master which has a similar grave. From that she moves on to find others to love, like Fern.
13:33 The traditional age of adulthood is 20 in Japan, and Stark had his 18th birthday already, so I always just figure they're both 18 around this time in the story. In stories that don't mention that there's no legal drinking age, a lot of Japanese author tend to default to 20 just because it's quicker for both the authors and the readers. 14:09 And that's the willow-looking tree that represents Fern's hair swaying in the first ED! It's funny that it makes its debut after the ED's been changed out. The second ED animation was actually photographed on like multiple layers of glass panes, I remember it looking like a whole thing on twitter
What a gem of an episode guys... 😭AND new OP/ED ?! Aaaah!! 🥵
Also not me trying to NOT think about all the Fern/Frieren symbolism in the ED visuals... I'm in denial guys.
@@FlexiejayAnime yeah, the second ending is pretty amazing.
It isn't a remix, it's the second part of the same song. People have speculated that the first OP is from Himmel's perspective and the second is Frieren's reply(which took her over 30 years to figure out).
Having read ahead in the manga I am so anxious to get the next season, a lot will happen.
@@captainnerd6452 I cannot wait for chapter 117 to get out to the reactors. No spoilers tho.
@@ObiwanNekody I think I know which one you mean, and I agree. I just hope we get another 26 episode season, that would be ideal.
9:35 I am a Taiwanese, and I'd like to honor the anime and the heroes.
Several months ago in Taiwan, we had an hero stopped a knife attack on a train.
Despite getting his face injured, he saved all the passengers.
When people asked him where he found the courage to stand up and protect others,
he said, "That's what Himmel the Hero would have done."
I remember hearing about that somewhere. It was the first time in what felt like years that I heard a news story about someone doing something truly selfless for the people around them. I hope I can remember to think "What would Himmel do?" the next time I see someone that needs help.
@@j_b2397 I believe Himmel, the hero, would be happy that you think this way .
People sometimes label manga and anime watchers negatively, but in reality, they can also provide positive influences on society.
I also remember hearing this story. People sometimes forget that anime is _art,_ and art can inspire us.
The ending is one song. The 1st Verse is Himmel's call. The 2nd is Frieren's reply - I am alright!
This^
The realization that the two songs are the two of them talking to each other was so emotional for me. Just a sobbing mess.
This show is beautiful on so many levels.
You know you're just gonna make Jess cry again at the start of the next reaction when she comments on this, right? :D
oi, i hadnt realised that yet.
why must you hurt me in the feels.
To this day, the lullaby at the end gets me. The way Mlet sings makes me feel the pain of the loved one no longer at your side...
When you find out why Himmel loves Frieren so much, I guarantee you’ll want to go back and re-watch the whole show all over again! 😭
I can’t wait. It’s episode 27 or 28, right? Such a great moment.
Rewatches of Frieren are so great. Did you know that the cloak billowing scene in the end of the flashback that makes Frieren cry during Himmel's funeral is the scene where Himmel says "tearful goodbyes aren't our style"?
She realizes this is their last goodbye and she's okay to cry.
The series never really flat-out states it, but there are several moments where you're remembered that Frieren is essentially Fern's adoptive Mother, as well as her master, and they're always really touching.
Was going to say this. Throughout the series you can see little gestures and behaviours that Fern has clearly learnt from Frieren. The same way a child would copy their parents habits. I've seen a comment a while back that Fern essentially is Frieren's human copy.
I love this show sm bruh like it has everything I love in a fantasy show 😭
To me one of the most touching moments between Frieren and Fern in the whole anime. It's both an acknowledgement of their bond as guardian and child, and their evolution into equals who care about each other.
The duality of Frieren's cozy moments partnered with total emotional devastation is unmatched. The Stark x Fern ship is so strong that we have an in universe captain in Sein, he will be missed. Thank you for reacting!
I love what kind of spells Frieren thinks of as "Legendary", she's truly in love with magic.
The unconditional love that Himmel had for Frieren is something that needs to be studied. I don't know how that man was so kind, gentle and wise as he was without haviny a single shortcoming. Dude had it all figured out. The man knew Frieren better than she even knew herself.
Also, he uses those "Aren't I so Handsome" moments to defuse any relationship progression with her.
He had shortcomings. But they were more than tolerable. They somehow completed his character, in a wholesome way. He did EVERYTHING for Frieren, whenever he could. He truly loved her! And it took Frieren losing him, to mortality, for her to realize what he had been trying to tell her all this time! Such a sad story! But also such a powerful lesson to teach the rest of us.
You diving into the complexities of this show are why I love watching your reacts so much. It is easy to enjoy this show at surface level, but there's also so much depth to explore in the details, as you put "tiny nuances in character development, the small shifts of the eye, or a smirk, or one conversation, ... or Frieren looking out the window." Not to mention the expert balance of levity to contrast the somber. The amount of love and care put into every aspect of this series really shines.
I love the mother-daughter moment between Frieren and Fern. No words were needed to show that Frieren loved Fern as she was holding her hand. Oh man… I can just see Frieren crying her eyes out when Fern passes away… 😢
Naw I don't think so. After ep 28 tells us "it would be embarrassing when we meet again"
I have always thought that someday, in a distant future epilogue after the end of this story, it'll be Frieren at the end of this same journey again bringing Fern and Stark's grandkids to see their deceased grandparents at Aureole.
5:00 they are translating many things into ridiculous but ‘Mattaku’ could mean something positive and warm too. I think he meant cute and he was happy to see how they learn about friendship/ relationship. I love the way he said it. it was like if he was their parent
English isn’t my first language so i’m sorry if i’m miss understanding the subtleties. just wanted more people to know how kind he is
13:55 Stark feeding the tortoise mirrors Fern doing the same in episode 2. 🐢
Yes! I just noticed that just now haha. I think should rewatch this show so I'll see some more hidden callbacks, easter eggs, etc.
Its interesting, that nearly nobody recognized that or has mentioned that.
Having once owned a tortoise, in real life, they really are a joy to have around. Even though, really, they're not very cute. Nor are they terribly cuddly critters. But it doesn't matter. Just watching them EAT is somehow fulfilling for me!
I almost feel like this Anime tries to drive that point home to us. lol
@@SuperChristianX I've watched it and various reactors a large number of times, probably in the upper 30's for most episodes, and there's still little bits that get pointed out that I hadn't noticed or seen pointed out before.
This is by far one of the most cozy-est shows ever. Thats like the only way I can describe it, like a warm hug.
"It is very hard to find words to describe how I feel, I just feel like I need to cry, like that is how I feel. Why? I don't know cuz there were so many beautiful things that were going on." - FLEXIEJAYANIME. Beautiful reaction in itself. Humans cry for sad things, but also we cry when we are happy or we attend a wedding, or we perceive a certain kind of beauty. Frieren trades in this kind of coin of the realm. This Flexie reaction is probably the most pure and honest reaction to "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End".
We cry when something moves us. You're right. _Frieren_ has the science of moving the human heart down pat. It's honestly shocking just how good this show is.
The first half of this episode has the party waiting around, which should be the epitome of boredom. The second half was dealing with a cold. And yet we're glued to the screens and crying our eyes out. Think about that. This show has _No Filler Episodes!_ If anything should be classified as filler, it is this one.
Yet here we are. The simple act of getting a girl back on a prank is an event that builds greater trust in a relationship. Foraging for medicinal ingredients becomes a perfect means for character development and reflecting on the man in your past that so moved you that you're walking straight across the known world on the off chance you can have a chat with his spirit.
Let's get spicy. Compare Frieren's goal to Frodo's. I do not think it's a bad comparison, either.
This just cleanses your soul in such a way that you can't help but feel such a deep and profound closeness to its characters.
It was interesting going from the first op which to me personally was like a hype bop to get excited for whereas the second opening feels like waking up to a warm sunrise. Incredibly blessed to have this series in our lives. Now where’s season 2 I NEED IT
I love how much you noticed Frieren's character growth. She really does change so much since the start of the show. Now through the end of the show there's several small moments of her just smiling at her friends that hit like a truck. It shows how much she has learned about what it means to live with people and be around people. It shows her love for her friends
Frieren really is the type of show that leaves you thinking "man, i should probably call my mom"
The way I interpret the ED is that Frieren used to only appreciate the people around her after they were gone. That's why she is lying next to a grave that could be Flamme or Himmel. But she changed and now she learned to enjoy the time with her friends and learn more about them. That's why she is now seen lying next to Fern. She isn't stuck in the past anymore she is experiencing the moment and living in the present
I love this interpretation. I was reading it as foreshadowing Fern's death at the end of the series and that is just too much for me to handle.
18:25 This is just a personal theory of mine (specifically side-stepping spoilers that possibly contribute to this theory), but...if you think back across the show, Himmel has always demonstrated his love by example, whether by action or speech. You COULD say, "that was just Himmel" and attribute it all to him just being perfect. But I like to believe that Frieren was actually the source of his drive & passion to showcase his love to the world. Let me elaborate:
I think that Himmel SO loved Frieren that not only did he respect her lack of emotional awareness/maturity & thus refuse to push his love onto her when she wasn't ready for it, he ALSO *sensed* that she wanted to connect with people and thus demonstrated his love FOR her by being inspired HIMSELF to show to Frieren, for HER OWN SAKE, what love looks like, in all its possible forms. That is, I think the world-loving persona of Himmel that we recognize originates from him wanting to give Frieren the gift of love and enable her to love people the way she always wanted. And in the process, he happens to become so loving as to become a hero that defeated a Demon King.
Further still, Himmel actually achieved his goal: he inspired her to fulfill his same role of showcasing love for others and inspiring them to do the same. If you review all the prior episodes where they frequently edit match cuts between the old/new party as they retread the journey, they pair Heiter with Fern, Eisen with Stark, and Frieren with Himmel. She has assumed the role as the "heart" of the party who leads the others and teaches them Himmel's wisdom & deeply personal, familial love. Love strong enough to defeat the Demon King, sturdy enough to withstand decades, magical enough to transcend Death.
Sorta changes your perspective on all of Himmel's little "moments", doesn't it?
Now we *technically* know that, when Himmel approached her in the forest, Heiter & Eisen were already with him, and he already had an air of peace about him, so MAYBE he had this hero aura before she joined up with them? But I get the sense that this hero aura/persona only grew & intensified as he traveled with her & fell in love more & more deeply.
This OP is one of my favourite anime songs of all time. I spent a lot of money getting a single coil split on my guitar so I could play it and get the same sort of sound.
8:36 Funny how different translations can be. In the official french subtitles, Sein says "Get a room already, ffs !" lmaoo
To understand how amazing Frieren is, one needs to take a step back. C. S. Lewis wrote a small article called "Talking about Bicycles", in it he talks about how we approach things in life, enchantment, dis enchantment and re enchantment. The purpose of growing up is getting to the last one. Frieren is pure re enchantment.
i've already watched frieren a lot of times, but i can't evade to watch the best reactions bout it!
This Cour 2 ending theme song, "Anytime Anywhere", has several changes in its lyrics from Cour 1. Not just the English "And you alright. Can you hear me?" that was changed to "And I'm alright (I'll be alright). Yeah I hear you (I care about you)." but also some of the Japanese lyrics have a few changes to it.
Frieren takes too many side quests along the way that the giant tortoise from episode 2 caught up to her in this episode. :D
I like the inclusion of butterflies in the new opening, as butterflies have such short lifespans of two to four weeks. So, humans to Frieren, are like butterflies to us, since compared to Frieren human beings have such short lifespans.
Wait - I did not consider that comparison!! 😭💔
Depending on the species, some butterflies live for three to six months. For Frieren, it's like the dwarves.
was here, before the title changed to 17 :) love your reactions 😊
I am so stunned by critiques saying that Frieren and Fern are one dimensional characters, when in fact these are one of the most human like, nuanced characters written in media. Not in anime but in media! Up there with Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, True Detective s1, Arcane, AoT. And the development is subtle. Not shouting or screaming. Subtle actions or reactions. And Flexie noticed it. And this is why I will remain humble subscriber to your channel Flexie. You noticed it. And if one day I become millionaire, I would become Patreon as well
Flexie: I watch this show 10x to you and your recomendations!
We, the children of Frieren: It's what Himmel the hero would have done!
Some say Stark milking the cow is on one hand giving Fern space to not make her ashamed, and on the other - to soften his touch. It is not cetain but given how everything in this show has purpose I won't be suprised to be true.
I never thought of it as softening his touch, always just viewed it as him helping people out, it's what he does every town they visit.
I think 7:58 is when Frieren knew Sein was leaving.
Their chat in the tavern afterwards was their own farewell amongst 2 awkward geniuses.
i rly love the difference of the view from fern and stark on the Cheek accident, it wasnt never the touching itself, it was about his strength of the right hand on her shoulder oO. ive to cry every time because to know what both end-songs are meaning make it so sad
フリーレン2期が待ち切れない。
「この作品に出会えて良かった」と心の底から思えたのはこの作品が初めてです。
まるで綺麗な絵本を読んでいるかのような心地良さがあり、原作には無いオリジナルの表現も本当に素晴らしい。
声優もぴったりハマってるし、全てが上手くいった最高のアニメですね。
Man, I can't wait for well...every episode coming up! This arc is going to be super fun
11:10 - 11:19
Those were some of the cutest sounds you have made XD
I love how this entire episode was just about treating a cold, yet it conveyed so much character development.
This is why Frieren is my favorite anime.
First!!!
Always waiting for your Frieren eps!
For me, the funny thing with Sein's monologue and montage... I got the opposite impression - I was pretty sure he was going to decided to stick with Frieren because of a newfound appreciation for life, living, companionship and a respect for regret. I thought that he was going to resolve to go with them because Gorilla, of all people, would understand and support Sein finding a reason and a motivation and a *home* (away from home) and because of precisely that - he'd found a group of people he really liked and respected and wanted to stay with and didn't want to regret leaving. I was floored when, after that discussion and montage, that he decided to go after Gorilla instead. I was hoping he'd stick with them because they had such a great dynamic. But that's life, you know? And that's precisely what Frieren: Beyond Journey's End presents and underscores from the beginning...
Mono no aware
Fern's grave in the end credits. I'm a go cry now.
I think this show would make Spock misty eyed with emotions he thought he'd sealed away.
Flexie could totally pull off a Frieren cosplay
I've seen criticism towards Stark and Fern for being immature even as teenagers with their fight, but I think it actually plays into their backgrounds well. Neither really have social skills because they were pretty much raised without having friends or peers around them, though Stark has a few more memories of his family than Fern does. So despite their argument seeming like something 4th graders in our time would do, these are little banters that they are experiencing for the first time. Even Fern acknowledges it because she's old enough to recognize that what she did was immature but having to actually process how to react to it is something that needs to be experienced.
Fern mentioned earlier that they are all socially awkwards
People cant understand complex characters.
People just got to find something to cry about, don't they? I've seen people in their thirties acting more immature than these two 16-year-olds
I'm not sure if anyone has brought this up. But Himmels name means "Sky". And this isn't the first time this has happened. I'm sure you can picture a few other scenes before this episode where something happens or they start back on their travels after making a pitstop and the camera pans to the clear blue sky. Just a subtle visual reminder that Himmel is watching over them every step of the way. That alone brings so much more depth and beauty to soooo many scenes.
Add to it, that many times when Frieren reminisces about the past she tends to look at the sky.
@@JagdWehrwolf I'm almost absolutely sure everyone looks up to the sky when they say his name. Heiter did it. Frieren did it. Sein did it. The old guy in a Luffy hat. Even Old Man Voll.
For anyone wondering, Stitch Spring is a super legit company. I have like 5 different jackets from them, all super quality 👍🏼
"Frieren" is a truly exceptional show. We all feel the same feelings that you do, with every episode. I can count on ONE HAND the number of other Animes that have made me feel that emotional, so beautifully, before this one!
Your reactions are the best, hope u get 100k soon. i´ll keep crying with u till mage exams QUEEEN
I've recently seen a comment about how it is impossible to accurately explain to someone who has not seen it what this show is about:
'So in this episode, there was a blizzard and they stayed toghether for a month and young warrior and young mage got into argument and Priest gave them advice and they made up. And then the young mage got sick and was ashamed when her mistress was holding her hand to comfort her and asked not to treat her like a child. Then her mistress made a cure, held her hand and said she knows the young mage is not a child anymore. it was Great!!!'
Even the anime characters know that Stark and Fern are a couple, even if they don't know it yet.
9:07 Interesting how she calls him a brat yet at 10:50 when out of earshot she calls him a grown up
This anime has done a number on me... not many shows really change my output on life and how to live like this show
i still think that second ending is about ferns death
i love how that show can be subtlely amazing
8:21 i like to think Stark did that to Eisen as well. And that's why Eisen punched him through a wall out of fear
20:04 apparently Frieren had such a huge impact on Japanese Society that there were posts about parents and their toddlers/kids, where the parents used the phrase "that's what the Hero Himmel would've done" as tool of help to bring them up and teaching them what to do
There are still some more juicy Himmel flashbacks left in the adaptation. More things I'm sure we all can't wait to see the reactions to. Frieren is just packed so full of moments big and small that make you feel something, there's nothing else like it.
This feeling of Joy 🥹 is reminiscent of that FMAB vibe … that 😌 New Anime Legend SMELL.
Anytime Anywhereちゃんと聴いてくれるの嬉しい
めちゃいい曲✨
"It's what Himmel would've done" is an incredible motivation. Like, to actually use in real life, it's incredible powerful (because Himmel was incredible)
Also his line in this episode "It's not only children that need emotional support" absolutely destroyed me and makes me want to get a hug from someone
7:32 Fern’s pout must be protected
The new opening is called "Sunny" (or "Haru" in Japanese) and is performed by Yorushika. This are the lyrics of the full version of the song: th-cam.com/video/uF7eT3nhyZ0/w-d-xo.html
And the ending is the second half of the song "Anytime, Anywhere" by Milet. It has some changes on the lyrics in comparison with the first ending.
4:09 because i love it so much
well good news, this one is even better
+next episode, all the new characters including Ubel.
The tomb of Flamme in episode 10 was square shaped. In this ending the tomb has a rounded top. It is clearly not Flamme's.
Frieren, lying in front of the tombstone, is depicted at the end as lying in Fern's lap.
I think this ending depicts Freelen remembering her after Fern's death.
Stark is so good and mature. He always says same kind of stuff as Himmel.
Yeah the beginning and ending of the EP hits damn hard, thinking about the theme of the show...
Thanks for your reactions - I will be looking forward to the next episodes allot. 🙂😊
The new outro isn't a remix. It's actually the second verse of the same song.
Welcome to the 2nd half!
No matter how grown up a child is, they are still a child to their parents.
In 10, 20, 30 years, Fern will still be a child to Frieren, and Frieren will still call her “my girl”.
"JUST DATE ALREADY" had me in stiches the first time I saw it.
20:11 I think this is why the op/ed shifted. Frieren has progressed substantially dealing with the impact that Himmel had on her life and with her unexpected grief at his passing. She's going forward, happy that it happened, and optimistic about being better from here on out.
8:30 that actually happened to me. My gf at the time asked me to hold her wrist tightly to see if she could free herself. I am 6'4 and she is 5'4. She struggled for a couple of seconds with laughs and giggles and then, in an instant, she started to panic for real. There is something about feeling trap like that that is terrifying, and i think that that happened to Fern.
yeah, a lot of people dont realise how ridiculously easy it is for any man to overpower a women. and thats a terrifying realization when you first experience it.
@@nickvanachthoven7252yeah, and it's surprising for us when we are young too, o remember playing wrestling with my first gf and she got scared that I could block both her hands with one of mine, and mind you I'm not a big guy. It made me see this kind of interactions in a different light
Grabbing Fern from behind just like that just wasn't the best thing to do, even if she couldn't respond with a zoltraak very, very quickly. You could see the fear in her eyes.
@@nickvanachthoven7252 Well, it is not so much man and woman, it is more like I was so massive compared to her. I could have as easily restrained a man of roughly her size. That is why boxing has weight categories. I was one feet taller than her and weighted almost twice as much. That was the issue.
But anyway, my comment is about this sudden scare that she felt. I have seen it happening too, so it feels very realistic to me.
At the risk of making people cry again, compare the last and first shots of the new ending :‘)
I started watching this show because of your episode 1 reaction and it's become a therapy show for me. When I need to cry, it's Frieren time 😂
Himmel and Frieren my grandpass ❤❤❤❤ aaaaa Himmel is perfect❤❤❤
It's so funny. On the surface, "nothing" happened this episode. They got delayed by weather and then one of them got a cold. And yet, at the same time, "so much" happened this episode.
One subtle bit I really like is how every "lovers' quarrel" between Fern and Stark actually turns out to be someone totally different than what it initially appears. In this case, we assume it's just Fern being annoyed by Stark's childish prank, but after talking to both of them, Sein learns that it actually had nothing to do with that. It perfectly underscores the show's point that "people won't know how you feel unless you tell them". I used to think that a perfect relationship meant never fighting with each other, but eventually I realized that was impossible, and trying to stick to that ideal just meant I was avoiding issues that needed to be discussed.
Please make a mental note of this: Himmel essentially rescued a lone elf that was stuck in a forest. It will come in handy.
It hurts to think that Fern will be as old as Flamme in no time and will die, losing basically her daughter; it makes sense for elves not wanting to create strong bonds with humans.
Your makeup looks great in this video.
I salute you for not saying turtle 😁
This is just an idea, but maybe when you finish this season, why not have a video or something where you talk about it. I feel like since episode 1 there's so much to discuss. Also there are always small detail here and there that connect characters, like when Frieren learned a spell to turn sweet grapes into sour simply because she remembered it was Eisen favourite food.
The well made flashbacks and small interactions in between characters that help the story progression and allow us to understand the relationship these characters have with each other and how important they actually are in Frieren life and growth. Example: As we move forward we understand more about the heroes and their importance keeps growing. In the beginning we were sad about Himmel passing away, but it was only in recent episodes we started to feel his death more.
The characters. They are so relatable to me. When Eisen was trembling, scared about facing a powerful foe, he admitted his fears and embraced them by saying it was fear that brought him to that point, that fear itself isn't a bad thing to have. I find that very relatable, powerful and also comforting? Like owning to your own flaws will make you stronger.
I don't know, i feel like there's so much to talk about, that it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on each character, if you relate to anyone of them, favourite moments, things you wish that could happen differently, etc.
Either way i wrote too much lol. Thank you for your reaction as always, i look forward to the next one ! Take care
Re: the ending, speculation is that the grave is Fern's given the butterfly imagery and ending scene. Barring an untimely end, Frieren will bury most of her apprentices and associates. This makes Himmel's decision to never seek a romantic relationship more bittersweet as he sought to spare her an even more tragic parting.
guys, i think she not yet prepare for the ending of this show 🥺 she need more tissue in ep28 😭
Well, yeah. But she'll start crying in 27 and carry on till the end.
@@JagdWehrwolf when i saw the ED grave scene....i'm like shit... i also starting have some tear coming out
The New Opening Song is very beautiful since the song's name "晴る" translate into German is Himmel. You can copy it to Google Translate and check it, it's real.
After the end of this episode I remember not being able to sleep thinking that there are only 2 ways for this show to end - Either Frieren dies and goes to Oreol with Himmel, or Fern dies. Both options destroyed my soul.
Frieren joining Himmel in that "afterlife place" would actually be the best ending for HER. Maybe not for us, but definitely it would be a happy ending that Frieren herself would be satisfied with.
Honestly, I don't see that ending fitting into the tone of the show. The one way I can imagine it going is it ending with Frieren meeting Himmel and just showing their greeting, not showing the conversation they have after that. This way, Ende would live up to its name. It would probably disappoint a lot of people, but it would fit the author's style a lot more.
edit: if you're wondering what I mean, look up the ending of the video game Transistor. I imagine a similar ending to that
the symbolism of the new ending is how she lay once at flame's grave, someday she will be at fern's grave too. the first ending was more about himmel and frieren and this ending is more about fern and frieren. imo
this new arc is all about the relationship between a student and a teacher. that's why the new opening ends with both of their staffs
If you remove the first four episodes, which were released as one movie, and treat episode 5 as episode 1, this would be the halfway point, hence the OP change.
10:58 Also Sein recently returned in the manga. In anime terms, that will happen at around Season 3 if Frieren gets one.
How did I get emotional from a handholding in just one episode?
The first scene in the ending and the last are the same just the grave is replaced by Fern. It's Fern's grave.
🧙🏻♂️❤️
Its fern tomb
Its fern's grave. Sorry to say, but it is.. as you noticed the flying butterfly, it represents ferns soul. And similar to fern's hair pin that frieren gave to her, and was put in a box, similar to a coffin.. so much meaning on that ED claymation. First time i realize it, i cried. I think this show is not about frieren's love to himmel. Its about frieren's first time to love a warm bodied person, which is her "daugther" figure, fern.. understand the claymation. Watch it atleast 5 times.. im sure you'll get it. And it will definitely hurt your feelings..
I agree. But I can also see an alternate interpretation as Frierens previous (or even first) loss, which was her master which has a similar grave. From that she moves on to find others to love, like Fern.
Only speculation.
I think the creators of this explained that the grave is Flamme's. But the sadness still remains
frieren and himmel story is touching, but i feels more touched with heiter - fern - frieren relationship
This episode really made me feel that Frieren thinks of Fern as her daughter.
That makes the scene in ED all the more tragic.
i hope you eventually react to the full ed with lyrics, its really great!
Best girl Ubel next episode!
i love your "eh?" ❤
Flexie it says 16 in the titel but 17 in the thumbnail
i kept trying to understand the meaning of the ED... could it be it's ferns grave?
Frieren keeps chasing a butterfly.
If you’re watching Elusive samurai, Gojo is in that one too
13:33 The traditional age of adulthood is 20 in Japan, and Stark had his 18th birthday already, so I always just figure they're both 18 around this time in the story.
In stories that don't mention that there's no legal drinking age, a lot of Japanese author tend to default to 20 just because it's quicker for both the authors and the readers.
14:09 And that's the willow-looking tree that represents Fern's hair swaying in the first ED! It's funny that it makes its debut after the ED's been changed out.
The second ED animation was actually photographed on like multiple layers of glass panes, I remember it looking like a whole thing on twitter