It's also very slow paced like Mushishi or Natsume's Book of Friends. I like it, so carefree. It's like Frieren reading books for years, and I'd still watch it. Unfortunately, Mother Fern doesn't want it. I felt Frieren when she dropped the book and was unable to read it. It was so funny, and I relate so much to that episode.
This manga as well as Growing Tired of the Lazy High Elf Life After 120 Years and To your Eternity are my favorite mangas exploring the concept of immortality and how lonely it is to watch your peers and love ones pass before you. 2 of those have already been adapted into anime. Here's hoping that the High Elf one gets animated too
One fun connection throughout Frieren’s life is… head pats. Flamme would pat Frieren on the head as her apprentice 1,000+ years ago. The hero and the priest would teasingly pat her head during their adventures. The priest soothingly pats her head during the hero’s funeral. And, Frieren pats Fern’s head in the present. The meaning and intent changes, but Frieren has always had head pats in her life.
@@crateudemediciAs crude as the comment is, and as someone who followed the manga and loved both it and the anime, Himmel's character is easily the weakest in the entire cast. Also I get the use of flash backs in this story, its about Frieren retracing her journey with the hero's party afterall; but a random flashback right before a decisive fight just to justify Fern's and Stark's victory against the demons felt cheap and would be better if its setup much earlier.
I've loved every memorable moments in frieren when reading the manga but the blue moon flowers in the anime just made me tear up so much. I'm glad I get to feel again what I felt when I was reading the manga it's so overwhelming I cant find a word for it, I'm just so grateful with the love this series deserves and is given
@@SANESXi actually didn't notice, even when fern spoke it's only when frieren spoke i realized what actually happened, needless to say it was a crazy reveal for me Btw it wasn't the studios fault, I'm just kinda slow
@@kiro4279 I think the fact that it can be overlooked is a good thing. Other anime would have lengthy explaining how awesome Fern's magic is. Then remind us again during the fight.
@@rbsalmon7895 Even among real people, not everyone perceives time the same way. In spite of a short human lifespan, I feel like my own perception of time is at times closer to that of Frieren's than it is to the human characters. When will I get around to doing something? Who knows...
I actually cried in the first episode, it just hit too hard, as I have such strong dread but admiration for the passage of time. The manga is great and I'm thankful for how much love they put into the adaptation. It's just beautiful, and in more than one way.
@frozzytango9927 You're missing the point...it's sucking off himmel bc the entire story is about the elf, who is slow to learn and feel...is slowly realizing how much he shaped her life and how much she loved him. I.e. "A fool likes my random spells" she devotes her life to finding spells off that 1 interaction. It's a tragic love story...of course it's going to follow the two main love interests lol
@@frozzytango9927 yeah, only this takes a wild spin on it. The Hero is dead...and it puts massive emphasis on how she's realizing it after the opportunity is gone...something no show has done before. Normally the melting happens and they live happily ever after...not the case here.
The first 4 episodes definitely did the source material justice. It’s truly unreal as a reader and a huge fan to see one of my favorite stories being faithfully adapted into anime.
I've been so happy with these episodes, and I hope it maintains it the rest of the run. The most I could've asked was that it could hit me emotionally all over again, and it succeeded.
@@frozzytango9927 I find this argument null since the latest episode literally showed Himmel's naive optimism getting proven wrong by Frieren's practical wisdom and let's not forget they had to rely on her to immobilize Zoltraak since he was losing that battle. Himmel is your classic morally inspiring leader akin to Aragorn but just like in Lord of the Rings, the party surrounding him had clear strengths he didn't possess as well.
@@TheRealOtakuEdits then why the hell is the show so much boot licking Himmel. The guy is taking credit for everything. "Im a priest hero but i saved a girl coz thats what Himmel would do!".. wtf is that bs.
@@frozzytango9927 We are shown at the beginning that Heiter, the priest dude, started out self centered and "corrupt" as Frieren always points out and that he also only went on the journey with Himmel under the threat of being executed. But it's not so hard to believe that after spending 10 years bonding with the dude and watching him go out of his way to do heroic things en route to fighting the Demon Lord that he would have been inspired to do better. Even when the journey was over, he fell back on his vices but it was after witnessing his bro die and the wisdom acquired by old age that he finally decided to actually do something of his own accord. So yes, Himmel was the biggest catalyst for Heiter's growth and it was in witnessing a disaster similar to ones he had seen on his 10 year journey without his bro that he finally realized that.
since you mention violet evergarden, i really wander why i connect so much with frieren rather than violet herself.. when i saw this anime yesterday, i cried at how beautiful it depicts how time flew so fast that relationship that you taken for granted actually has meaning and memories that make yourself regret not spending more time with the people that you care about, whereas in violet with the same theme, i can't relate at all.. maybe it lies on some of the executions of frieren that makes it truly special
i agree. i much preferred the stories of the episodic characters (specifically episode 10 of course) rather than violet's story herself. but in frieren, im much more interested in the main cast rather than the episodic characters, probably because usually in these episodic scenes, they all tie back to frieren's old crew.
@@konopi7539Episode 10 hit so much harder for me than Violet's own story because it's more tangible. Losing a parent, or the eventual losing a parent, is real, and will happen to everyone at some point in their lives. For someone who has a positive relationship with that parent, that thought hurts even when you know that death is inevitable. I can't relate to Violet's story, though not to say it was bad or anything
For me, Violet Evergarden is more like a soldier rediscovering herself, acknowledging her PTSD, and then standing for herself... (If there's a gateway anime i have to recommend it would be VE, Kaguya-sama: Love is war, Oshi no Ko, and now Frieren. )
Always had The feeling that Violet was really not supposed to relatable. We are put in The same place as the people around her, baffled by how distorted her person is. In a way, she also does not accept herself. It's only when she starts to understand all that she has been through that we also start to be more involved. I think it makes The first leg of The story really hard to watch, but it makes The payoff hit Just right, a mix of happy that it's gonna get better but bittersweet for alll The time lost. Frieren is Just a lot nicer through
As an anime-only, I can already feel that this is going to be one for the ages. Also as an old school Record of Lodoss War fan, I can Imagine how sad it would be to follow Deedlit after Parn's death. OK, now time to rewatch Magic Circle Guru-Guru to cheer up!
So glad you mentioned that. As soon as I started watching it made me think of Record of Lodoss War and thats a great thing. Anime has become so oversaturated with shows that use the high western fantasy setting as nothing more than a shallow skin...its so refreshing and satisfying to see a new show have the actual soul of that genre.
@@Bones12x2 Am I the only one who feels the Lodoss anime is pretty shallow ? It's pretty but I feel like like 7 episodes nothing really happens, Frieren is just miles better.
I cried while watching Frieren. Not even because of the emotional story, which I absolutely love. But because this manga which I've been following for so long has gained such an incredible adaptation. It's the adaptation of my dreams. It's so perfect. It's so beautiful. Thank you for breaking down the technical side of the adaptation and its storytelling. This is the kind of analysis I've been craving ever since Friday. You do such a great job, as always. I feel like I understand better what this show is and why I love it so much.
Okay, I just found you and watched your Apothecary Diaries video, LOVED IT. Immediatelly watched this one. I can say, I've been adoring Frieren every single second since I've found the show, but you gave it SO MUCH more value than it already had. Thank you! One of the easiest subscriptions of my life!
Replay Value covering Frieren, hooray! Always love your analysis and how they make me have a deeper appreciation for the colors and lighting in particular. And surely by the best piece of foreshadowing yet to come, you are referring to the potion that only dissolves clothes...
One of the things that I enjoyed, especially in the manga, is that they took advantage of a "generic" fantasy setting with a Demon Lord. This allowed Frieren to really focus on telling the story of the characters, and also allows small towns to be characters of their own too.
As a massive JRPG fan and adventure fantasy fan, all tje call backs to classic franchises are awesome, and they are done in a way that isn't too wink wink and jells well with the tone and story.
I read the manga and the first few chapter really is a tear jerker, when heiter revealed why he saved fern he said "Because that's what Himmel would do", later we find out it is more emotional because Heiter and Himmel were from the same home town. He really just wanted to pass on the spirit of his childhood friend😢😢
What I feel : serenity. Slow pasage of time. I cried on the manga months ago, even before they announced the anime adaptation. *And, I'm crying, MUCH MORE, after watching the anime.* A LOT. One of the best anime adaptation I've ever watch, and one of the very few anime which makes me contemplate about life a lot. Only very few anime change me, including Frieren's.
one of the few animes that teaches audience the value of time. the value of meeting somebody and treasuring every moment of it. how important the memories are and what compromises a long life-span. i am definitely hooked and will look forward on not only watching the whole anime but also continue reading the manga.
I love fantasies with this softer aesthetic. Frieren, Grimgar and Mushoku Tensei all just work so well with it. It makes me feel that all fantasy should be a softer aesthetic because it really helps sell you on the world. A lot of modern anime have such forgettable art and only really impress due to the writing or due to the action and it's such a shame that they just forget one of the key parts of what make anime anime!
This is one of thouse anime that is so beautiful that every episode makes you cry. The music the story the world the story. Frieren is just so relatable. No one wants immortality. We want to decide when it ends. Her story has just such a meaning to me.
As a fan of the novel and manga, when i see the first episode, i rediscover the story and enjoy it even if i know what append after. Before i know it, i follow the personnage, the sound and emotion to the point that i cry. In short, a masterclass, just how many year pass since i love a serie like this.
Watching Frieren knowing that it's from Madhouse is like watching an artist putting together the best parts of their previous hits to deliver a complete and unmistakable masterpiece. In this anime I'm seeing elements from their previous work; the slow but deliberate pace of ACCA-13, the impactful delivery of subtle emotions in A Place Further then the Universe, the clever and detailed sets in Death Parade, the smooth and vibrant action sequences of One Punch Man, and so much more. Huge credit for the deep and touching story provided by the manga. But this series works as an animated show because it is done by the studio that has given us the best of Anime.
5:55 i like she pretended it was a cleanup quest when really she wanted to drag out time to get to the festival. Just staying for no reason Fern would have never done. Though later an old lady spoils the surprise but by then it is obvious this is also why they clean up. So they can enjoy the moment they waited for. By then Fern is committed and understanding of Frierens motiviaition and helps reaching this goal by dragging Frieren across the finish line who otherwise wouldn't have seen or understood the payoff of her own scheme. It all loops around perfectly! This was, long before the labyrinth, a flawless self-defeating moment. Frieren happily took the loss in order to win. Even if she had to (gasp) get up early! Which isln a way was a bigger challenge than her own clone... 😅
I've heard absolutely amazing things about this series from the ppl who've read & even some have cried watching this ep. Needless to say I was hyped but getting a video from you is just more confirmation.
One of the bits I like is that the time-skips/montages get shorter chronologically every single time as Frieren connects more and more with the people around her. 50-20-4-2-.5 more or less.
It gave me the same feeling as the first season of Mishouku tensei. People just slowly go places or do stuff. It makes it feel like the real adventure and the world very grounded and alive. Thinking back Mushishi did the same thing.
This is by far the best video on Frieren that I have seen. I already thought it was a great story, but seeing your insight and analysis has made me realize that I need to watch it again .... and then read it again.... More tears await me.
The art has been and still is very lovely and this show is more about the characters learning about each other and their relation to the world around them than battling . A slice of life show with briefly intense battles , just the right mix .
I haven't read the manga for this one, but these first 4 episodes blew me away as well. Especially the music. Thank you for teaching me the composer's name; I am going to go hog wild when the OST comes out
There is also something about the naming convention beeing all german words. Frieren means to freeze/shiver, Himmel means sky but also heaven, Eisen is iron, Heiter means cheerful with a serene undertone, Fern means distance and can be used for a sence of the unknown and Stark means strong. Even Ende means the end as you could guess.
When I saw that the composer was Evan Call, I knew I was gonna break down AT LEAST like twenty times. He understands the power of silence just as much as the notes themselves. Even something as simple as, in Violet Evergarden's case, the tapping of a typewriter. All this to say, Evan Call understands the assignment, and earns himself an A++
I was so pleasantly surprised by this series! I thought it was gonna be another generic fantasy anime, and only checked it out because i saw a post about it but oh boy its so good! So thoughtful, you can feel the care put into the story and the characters.
It cannot be helped to be compared to Violet Evergarden. The tone of the anime, characters and especially with Evan Call handling the music. Though Madhouse is not KyoAni... I hope for the Madhouse will bring justice to the anime.
Frieren remembered me of the first time I read the ending of lord of the rings.That sense of past adventures, friends that perish, time that passes and old that fade away... And that was years before my parts of my family started dying... As a fantasy fan of some rather old stories (Kane, Conan...) I got this sense of sadness at a very young age. And Frieren is one of the best depiction of true nearly ageless Elbenkind - accented with her simple stoic yet solemn face.
Beautiful and very accurate review. Madhouse be flexing big time with Frieren. One of the most beautiful introductions to a fantasy world. I also really broke water big time when Frieren first sees Himmel's Blue flower. Powerful feels! I have read all the ENG versions of the manga, and this Anime version is literally the Manga story brought to life word for word, cell picture for cell picture. If you love real Fantasy, Frieren will break you, big time.
I'm just getting started in the vid, and already, I'm greeted by the leaflands music from Octopath Traveler 2 ! And later on by Cassti's theme ? Ok, we're in good hands ! And I agree with your parallel with Mushishi. It does have a very similar vibe with it, only in a western heroic fantasy world instead of a feudal Japanese one. Also, both feature a mysterious white hair protagonist that doesn't blend well with the rest of the world, knowing everything in their areas of expertise, yet emotionally distant if not ignorant, learning about the meaning of life at each corner of their adventure. Oh, and both are an absolute marvel, both visually and musically !
I haven't watched this show yet, or read the manga, but I find the characters names interesting in regards to the story it seems to be telling. The names are german words. Not even german names, WORDS: "Frieren" is "to feel cold/freez" in german, kind of fitting for a character that, judging from this review, seems to struggle with feeling empathy/understanding for other perception of time. One could say she is cold towards it. And "Himmel" means "sky" in german. I googled some of the other character names, and that naming confention seems to continue for a lot of them! "Sark" = "strong". "Heiter" = "to be in a good mood/cheerful". "Eisen" = "iron". "Flamme" = "flame". "Serie" = "(TV) show" (this one I find kinda funny xD). "Böse" = "evil". "Lügner" = "lier". You get the picture xD I think I can count the characters that don't have a german word as a name on one hand!
Himmel's name is especially significant. Himmel means both "sky" and "heaven" in German and there is no word to be distinct which one of the two you mean. So Heiter is travelling with "Heaven" and says that he wants to believe in it since it is more convenient for people and because he wants to get into heaven himself. Eisen at first doesn't believe in "Heaven" but then reconsiders when Heiter convinces him. Frieren is sceptical about "Heaven" until Eisen eventually convinces her to travel to Aureole which is literally "Heaven" in this world so that she can talk to the hero whose name means Heaven about him, with himself at the place he was figuratively named after. As you can see the Himmel/Heaven double meaning is very intentional and extremely significant. Also Himmel and Heiter are two German words that also share a connection with the very commen everyday German phrase "Der Himmel ist heiter" (The sky is bright) which means that the weather is sunny and that less than 1/4 of the sky is covered by clouds. That relation also kinda fits Heiter's relationship with Himmel as he feels so strongly connected to him even decades after his passing and finds himself wanting to act in his old friend's stead.
Great points! Serie is not specific to TV shows though-it means series just as it does in English; successions, being part of a whole, etc. Which makes sense when [spoilers] you learn she's Flamme's teacher.
@@onceuponatimeandspace true, true. I'm just more used to people using it specifically for shows. For everything else, you normaly use "Reihe". For example a book series would be a "Buch Reihe". That someone calls it a "Buch Serie" is pretty rare...at least where I live.
the sheer difference in perspective between a species that lives for many centuries compared to a normal person is one reason I like Half-Elves so much for my tabletop characters. they are in the middle, but a little more towards the human end of the experience, with an average life span of usually 180 to 200 years, close enough to humans that it's easy enough to relate while still living long enough to understand a bit of what its like to hardly change while your friends do.
Actually did got mushishi flashbacks while watching this, even though I already read the manga for years now. Definetely a product of the animation, not just the writing.
Thank you for this wonderful review of “Frieren”’s opening four episodes. In a “banner year” (2023) for anime, I think this may be a serious contender for the year’s most outstanding series. You brought out just how much hard work and thought went into the production - I hadn’t noticed all the fine points of the visuals (colour palettes, for instance), but you’re right about just how much they bring to the experience. There’s so much more that one could bring out of these first two hours - I feel one understated aspect of “Frieren”, is as a love story (Frieren and Himmel) with a twist (he died before she realised they were more than friends, and her quest is in part because she wants to “make it up to him”, and perhaps meet his soul in Aureole). I look forward to following Frieren’s journey… and I even bought Vol 1 of the manga! (My first-ever manga book purchase…)
I can relate to this frieren anime, this passage of time my rabbit passed away after 4 years journey and i feel it was just year ago when i met him^^ but i retraced and still go to the place where we walk together:D i believe in heaven too i like the background artstyle, landscapes it reminds me of violet evergarden:D
I just saw episode 6. forget anime of season, this will most likely end up anime of the year, the storytelling depths and layering is just on another level
7:49 a fool once praised Frieren for her magic. And the flowers may be the most important spell in (her) history. Learning that, for instance, Eisen likes sour grapes.... 😂 Brilliant!! It wasn't even explicitly said when he later had some. It was like 2 seconds worth a cut. But i shouted OHHHH! SO THATS WHY! 8:40 amen Also the mentioning of one of the shield spells of her old master only to break the magic test barrier later... - all without having to hammer it in with dialogue. Most shows had hammered it in your head. Frieren allows you to draw connections over several watching or talking about it She brings people together IRL.
Frieren is the only manga and anime that show how different elven view of time and death, since in this world ,they're immortal. Just like Tolkien's elves. This is best anime of the year. Period.
I REALLY LOVED your Hyouka stuff and somehow I forget about this channel. Then this video appeared in my recommendation, I'm so glad you make one on Frieren.
After The finnale of Mushoku Tensei I was hungry of a good story settled in fantasy world and slice of life. Frieren is a story where we could say nothing happens but is really relaxing to watch.
Ever since i read this manga about 2 years ago i imagine that the adaptation of this will be like a violet evergarden and I'm right and it has soo good. I'm so happy that it was good!
Frieren is GROWING alright, maybe glowing is the best word to describe it too. I can't wait to see the episode where she's fighting that one demon girl who keeps taunting about "muh mana levels".
The prologue is perfect... EXCEPT for the fact that it isn't a movie. It was pretty distracting being in the moment and suddenly interrupted with the ED and then the OP. If they just kept the title drop as the start and saved the ED for the very end of the 4th ep, that would have been sooo much more immersive
It's the distribution problem. In the Japanese broadcast and I think bilibili, it was aired as 1 eps with special ending. Shame the international distribution decide to split the episode
![ลองสั่งของจากแอพ temu ถูกจริงหรอ?? ( part : 1/2 ) [โกงไหมครับ ep.89 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RTcZSQTiDZw/mqdefault.jpg)
No isekai, no ecchi, no harem, just magic and feels.
There is a bit of ecchi .. Frieren blows a kiss and probably caused a dozen of people a heart attack XD
It's also very slow paced like Mushishi or Natsume's Book of Friends. I like it, so carefree.
It's like Frieren reading books for years, and I'd still watch it. Unfortunately, Mother Fern doesn't want it.
I felt Frieren when she dropped the book and was unable to read it. It was so funny, and I relate so much to that episode.
Little ecchi
It’s because it’s not written by a man
@XaldinX WTF does that have to do with anything!?
As a fan of the manga, this is truly one of the best adaptation I’ve ever seen
YES
SAME
100%
1000%
This manga as well as Growing Tired of the Lazy High Elf Life After 120 Years and To your Eternity are my favorite mangas exploring the concept of immortality and how lonely it is to watch your peers and love ones pass before you. 2 of those have already been adapted into anime. Here's hoping that the High Elf one gets animated too
One fun connection throughout Frieren’s life is… head pats. Flamme would pat Frieren on the head as her apprentice 1,000+ years ago. The hero and the priest would teasingly pat her head during their adventures. The priest soothingly pats her head during the hero’s funeral. And, Frieren pats Fern’s head in the present. The meaning and intent changes, but Frieren has always had head pats in her life.
The Anime should be called "Sucking off Himmel"..
4 heroes saved the world but its all about Himmel.
Cow dung anime.
@@frozzytango9927 💀💀💀
@@frozzytango9927 Blud watched the anime while having a lobotomy
you're the first frieren hater i've seen. congatulations, dung brain@@frozzytango9927 🎉
@@crateudemediciAs crude as the comment is, and as someone who followed the manga and loved both it and the anime, Himmel's character is easily the weakest in the entire cast. Also I get the use of flash backs in this story, its about Frieren retracing her journey with the hero's party afterall; but a random flashback right before a decisive fight just to justify Fern's and Stark's victory against the demons felt cheap and would be better if its setup much earlier.
The Sour Grapes reveal was when I knew this was gonna be a banger. Can't wait for the rest.
Almost doubled over laughing when I put it together, that's that attention to detail.
Mine is Fern's first spell. When Zoltraak cast it has the same pattern. Then I realized a second before Fern spoke out.
Peak show no tell.
I've loved every memorable moments in frieren when reading the manga but the blue moon flowers in the anime just made me tear up so much. I'm glad I get to feel again what I felt when I was reading the manga it's so overwhelming I cant find a word for it, I'm just so grateful with the love this series deserves and is given
@@SANESXi actually didn't notice, even when fern spoke it's only when frieren spoke i realized what actually happened, needless to say it was a crazy reveal for me
Btw it wasn't the studios fault, I'm just kinda slow
@@kiro4279 I think the fact that it can be overlooked is a good thing. Other anime would have lengthy explaining how awesome Fern's magic is. Then remind us again during the fight.
It's so Frieren that a self discovery and self meditation holiday is a 15 year journey
When you realize that you're living your life like an elf with all these detours and fucking around you've been doing with no sense of urgency at all
@@rbsalmon7895 Even among real people, not everyone perceives time the same way. In spite of a short human lifespan, I feel like my own perception of time is at times closer to that of Frieren's than it is to the human characters. When will I get around to doing something? Who knows...
@@angeldude101 real
i love the conversation between characters. it's refreshing to listen to real banter and not just anime cliche speak.
Fun fact: In Japanese there’s a word for “sunlight leaking through trees”. It’s komorebi.
Where did you pick up the fun fact? Because I could swear I read it last week in a manga but I don't remember😂
I actually cried in the first episode, it just hit too hard, as I have such strong dread but admiration for the passage of time. The manga is great and I'm thankful for how much love they put into the adaptation. It's just beautiful, and in more than one way.
The Anime should be called "Sucking off Himmel"..
4 heroes saved the world but its all about Himmel.
Cow dung anime.
@frozzytango9927 You're missing the point...it's sucking off himmel bc the entire story is about the elf, who is slow to learn and feel...is slowly realizing how much he shaped her life and how much she loved him. I.e. "A fool likes my random spells" she devotes her life to finding spells off that 1 interaction. It's a tragic love story...of course it's going to follow the two main love interests lol
@@Jenisiz7 its about Himmel melting the ice witch, we heard this story before.
Me too
@@frozzytango9927 yeah, only this takes a wild spin on it. The Hero is dead...and it puts massive emphasis on how she's realizing it after the opportunity is gone...something no show has done before. Normally the melting happens and they live happily ever after...not the case here.
The first 4 episodes definitely did the source material justice. It’s truly unreal as a reader and a huge fan to see one of my favorite stories being faithfully adapted into anime.
I've been so happy with these episodes, and I hope it maintains it the rest of the run. The most I could've asked was that it could hit me emotionally all over again, and it succeeded.
The Anime should be called "Sucking off Himmel"..
4 heroes saved the world but its all about Himmel.
Cow dung anime.
@@frozzytango9927 I find this argument null since the latest episode literally showed Himmel's naive optimism getting proven wrong by Frieren's practical wisdom and let's not forget they had to rely on her to immobilize Zoltraak since he was losing that battle. Himmel is your classic morally inspiring leader akin to Aragorn but just like in Lord of the Rings, the party surrounding him had clear strengths he didn't possess as well.
@@TheRealOtakuEdits then why the hell is the show so much boot licking Himmel. The guy is taking credit for everything. "Im a priest hero but i saved a girl coz thats what Himmel would do!".. wtf is that bs.
@@frozzytango9927 We are shown at the beginning that Heiter, the priest dude, started out self centered and "corrupt" as Frieren always points out and that he also only went on the journey with Himmel under the threat of being executed. But it's not so hard to believe that after spending 10 years bonding with the dude and watching him go out of his way to do heroic things en route to fighting the Demon Lord that he would have been inspired to do better. Even when the journey was over, he fell back on his vices but it was after witnessing his bro die and the wisdom acquired by old age that he finally decided to actually do something of his own accord.
So yes, Himmel was the biggest catalyst for Heiter's growth and it was in witnessing a disaster similar to ones he had seen on his 10 year journey without his bro that he finally realized that.
since you mention violet evergarden, i really wander why i connect so much with frieren rather than violet herself.. when i saw this anime yesterday, i cried at how beautiful it depicts how time flew so fast that relationship that you taken for granted actually has meaning and memories that make yourself regret not spending more time with the people that you care about, whereas in violet with the same theme, i can't relate at all.. maybe it lies on some of the executions of frieren that makes it truly special
i agree. i much preferred the stories of the episodic characters (specifically episode 10 of course) rather than violet's story herself. but in frieren, im much more interested in the main cast rather than the episodic characters, probably because usually in these episodic scenes, they all tie back to frieren's old crew.
@@konopi7539Episode 10 hit so much harder for me than Violet's own story because it's more tangible. Losing a parent, or the eventual losing a parent, is real, and will happen to everyone at some point in their lives. For someone who has a positive relationship with that parent, that thought hurts even when you know that death is inevitable.
I can't relate to Violet's story, though not to say it was bad or anything
For me, Violet Evergarden is more like a soldier rediscovering herself, acknowledging her PTSD, and then standing for herself...
(If there's a gateway anime i have to recommend it would be VE, Kaguya-sama: Love is war, Oshi no Ko, and now Frieren. )
Always had The feeling that Violet was really not supposed to relatable. We are put in The same place as the people around her, baffled by how distorted her person is. In a way, she also does not accept herself. It's only when she starts to understand all that she has been through that we also start to be more involved.
I think it makes The first leg of The story really hard to watch, but it makes The payoff hit Just right, a mix of happy that it's gonna get better but bittersweet for alll The time lost.
Frieren is Just a lot nicer through
...and Milet's ending song "Anytime Anywhere" - absolutely encompasses the story's themes and emotion
It's insanely nostalgic, it beats handyman saitou
and then theres opening song
As a manga reader the anime got me crying just from the love Madhouse poured into creating this anime adaptation. They did everything perfectly.
As an anime-only, I can already feel that this is going to be one for the ages. Also as an old school Record of Lodoss War fan, I can Imagine how sad it would be to follow Deedlit after Parn's death. OK, now time to rewatch Magic Circle Guru-Guru to cheer up!
That would be so sad :( I’d want that so bad! There’s Deedlit into the Wonder Labyrinth which is a cool game, but I’d love another anime
So glad you mentioned that. As soon as I started watching it made me think of Record of Lodoss War and thats a great thing. Anime has become so oversaturated with shows that use the high western fantasy setting as nothing more than a shallow skin...its so refreshing and satisfying to see a new show have the actual soul of that genre.
@@Bones12x2 Yeah, I would love to see more shows like Record of Lodoss War again.
I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking of Lodoss War! I wonder if it was inspired.
@@Bones12x2 Am I the only one who feels the Lodoss anime is pretty shallow ? It's pretty but I feel like like 7 episodes nothing really happens, Frieren is just miles better.
I cried while watching Frieren. Not even because of the emotional story, which I absolutely love. But because this manga which I've been following for so long has gained such an incredible adaptation. It's the adaptation of my dreams. It's so perfect. It's so beautiful.
Thank you for breaking down the technical side of the adaptation and its storytelling. This is the kind of analysis I've been craving ever since Friday. You do such a great job, as always. I feel like I understand better what this show is and why I love it so much.
Okay, I just found you and watched your Apothecary Diaries video, LOVED IT. Immediatelly watched this one. I can say, I've been adoring Frieren every single second since I've found the show, but you gave it SO MUCH more value than it already had. Thank you! One of the easiest subscriptions of my life!
Replay Value covering Frieren, hooray! Always love your analysis and how they make me have a deeper appreciation for the colors and lighting in particular.
And surely by the best piece of foreshadowing yet to come, you are referring to the potion that only dissolves clothes...
Link to the Seasonal Draft (where I don't get Frieren but I do get some other CHOICE selections): th-cam.com/video/PSxIznD3T8g/w-d-xo.html
Spinach. Because Popeye.
Apple!
Pumpkin!
Mine is one called Chennette. You should taste it sometime because in my opinion it tastes REALLY nice especially when it's cold.
Melon
One of the things that I enjoyed, especially in the manga, is that they took advantage of a "generic" fantasy setting with a Demon Lord. This allowed Frieren to really focus on telling the story of the characters, and also allows small towns to be characters of their own too.
Simple story, complex characters
As a massive JRPG fan and adventure fantasy fan, all tje call backs to classic franchises are awesome, and they are done in a way that isn't too wink wink and jells well with the tone and story.
Even the side characters or mention characters are too damn good.
@@yuri611the future seeing hero was also a gigachad
@@kaelthunderhoof5619 he's my favorite side character along with the legendary beer maker elf.
I read the manga and the first few chapter really is a tear jerker, when heiter revealed why he saved fern he said "Because that's what Himmel would do", later we find out it is more emotional because Heiter and Himmel were from the same home town. He really just wanted to pass on the spirit of his childhood friend😢😢
What I feel : serenity. Slow pasage of time. I cried on the manga months ago, even before they announced the anime adaptation. *And, I'm crying, MUCH MORE, after watching the anime.* A LOT. One of the best anime adaptation I've ever watch, and one of the very few anime which makes me contemplate about life a lot. Only very few anime change me, including Frieren's.
one of the few animes that teaches audience the value of time. the value of meeting somebody and treasuring every moment of it. how important the memories are and what compromises a long life-span. i am definitely hooked and will look forward on not only watching the whole anime but also continue reading the manga.
I love fantasies with this softer aesthetic. Frieren, Grimgar and Mushoku Tensei all just work so well with it. It makes me feel that all fantasy should be a softer aesthetic because it really helps sell you on the world.
A lot of modern anime have such forgettable art and only really impress due to the writing or due to the action and it's such a shame that they just forget one of the key parts of what make anime anime!
This is one of thouse anime that is so beautiful that every episode makes you cry. The music the story the world the story. Frieren is just so relatable. No one wants immortality. We want to decide when it ends. Her story has just such a meaning to me.
Every frame is a wallpaper
I would call it a perfect opening to a story. It sets its world, characters, tone and themes so well!
As a fan of the novel and manga, when i see the first episode, i rediscover the story and enjoy it even if i know what append after.
Before i know it, i follow the personnage, the sound and emotion to the point that i cry.
In short, a masterclass, just how many year pass since i love a serie like this.
Can't wait for your adaptation analysis videos for this
12:30 it feels like places you can go to. each got a detail to remember. Not just background set pieces like the Flintstones with repetition
Is it just me or the scene with Frieren lying in the pond was absolutely beautiful
Watching Frieren knowing that it's from Madhouse is like watching an artist putting together the best parts of their previous hits to deliver a complete and unmistakable masterpiece. In this anime I'm seeing elements from their previous work; the slow but deliberate pace of ACCA-13, the impactful delivery of subtle emotions in A Place Further then the Universe, the clever and detailed sets in Death Parade, the smooth and vibrant action sequences of One Punch Man, and so much more.
Huge credit for the deep and touching story provided by the manga. But this series works as an animated show because it is done by the studio that has given us the best of Anime.
I adore the fact how the visuals appear. I couldn't have asked for a more precise representation of the source material.
5:55 i like she pretended it was a cleanup quest when really she wanted to drag out time to get to the festival. Just staying for no reason Fern would have never done. Though later an old lady spoils the surprise but by then it is obvious this is also why they clean up. So they can enjoy the moment they waited for. By then Fern is committed and understanding of Frierens motiviaition and helps reaching this goal by dragging Frieren across the finish line who otherwise wouldn't have seen or understood the payoff of her own scheme.
It all loops around perfectly!
This was, long before the labyrinth, a flawless self-defeating moment.
Frieren happily took the loss in order to win. Even if she had to (gasp) get up early! Which isln a way was a bigger challenge than her own clone... 😅
I've heard absolutely amazing things about this series from the ppl who've read & even some have cried watching this ep. Needless to say I was hyped but getting a video from you is just more confirmation.
One of the bits I like is that the time-skips/montages get shorter chronologically every single time as Frieren connects more and more with the people around her. 50-20-4-2-.5 more or less.
It gave me the same feeling as the first season of Mishouku tensei. People just slowly go places or do stuff. It makes it feel like the real adventure and the world very grounded and alive. Thinking back Mushishi did the same thing.
Having just finished the manga vol10 I can only say that it gets better every volume
This is by far the best video on Frieren that I have seen. I already thought it was a great story, but seeing your insight and analysis has made me realize that I need to watch it again .... and then read it again.... More tears await me.
The art has been and still is very lovely and this show is more about the characters learning about each other and their relation to the world around them than battling . A slice of life show with briefly intense battles , just the right mix .
I haven't read the manga for this one, but these first 4 episodes blew me away as well. Especially the music. Thank you for teaching me the composer's name; I am going to go hog wild when the OST comes out
it becomes a generics shonen battle manga and throws away all the good it did in the beginning
@@treebushi completely disagree. WHAT, have you seen the last 2 episodes. What r u talking about
There is also something about the naming convention beeing all german words.
Frieren means to freeze/shiver,
Himmel means sky but also heaven,
Eisen is iron,
Heiter means cheerful with a serene undertone,
Fern means distance and can be used for a sence of the unknown and
Stark means strong. Even Ende means the end as you could guess.
What about Serie? What does her name mean?
@@hieioni3354 Serie is actually the same as series, refering to one thing following after another.
@@ThatRandomRacoon So "Serie" is not a German word?
@@hieioni3354 It's one of those words adopted from another language long ago
@@ThatRandomRacoon I see. I guess they name her that to indicate that she's different altogether from everyone else.
I was already expecting the anime to be good, but literally everything surpassed my expectations.
I can only agree with how happy I am about the first episodes of this show. Thanks for this video. :)
When I saw that the composer was Evan Call, I knew I was gonna break down AT LEAST like twenty times. He understands the power of silence just as much as the notes themselves. Even something as simple as, in Violet Evergarden's case, the tapping of a typewriter.
All this to say, Evan Call understands the assignment, and earns himself an A++
the battle scene OST in ep 8,9,10 hits as hard as "Never Coming Back"
I was so pleasantly surprised by this series! I thought it was gonna be another generic fantasy anime, and only checked it out because i saw a post about it but oh boy its so good! So thoughtful, you can feel the care put into the story and the characters.
It cannot be helped to be compared to Violet Evergarden. The tone of the anime, characters and especially with Evan Call handling the music.
Though Madhouse is not KyoAni... I hope for the Madhouse will bring justice to the anime.
When I watch Frieren and its painted backgrounds, Grimgar comes to my mind.
Enjoyed your analysis, have subbed
It's beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time.
I think we know why. Magic was a path to realization or an opportunity to meet her friends and experience the small things in life
Holy crap so that's why the music is so reminiscent of Violet Evergarden! Props to Evan Call for making banger and emotionally invoking soundtracks.
Frieren remembered me of the first time I read the ending of lord of the rings.That sense of past adventures, friends that perish, time that passes and old that fade away... And that was years before my parts of my family started dying... As a fantasy fan of some rather old stories (Kane, Conan...) I got this sense of sadness at a very young age.
And Frieren is one of the best depiction of true nearly ageless Elbenkind - accented with her simple stoic yet solemn face.
Beautiful and very accurate review. Madhouse be flexing big time with Frieren. One of the most beautiful introductions to a fantasy world. I also really broke water big time when Frieren first sees Himmel's Blue flower. Powerful feels! I have read all the ENG versions of the manga, and this Anime version is literally the Manga story brought to life word for word, cell picture for cell picture. If you love real Fantasy, Frieren will break you, big time.
Me an replay value were made for eachother. We both love Hyouka and Frieren at the funeral
loved the animation from ep 2 where she gently touches the flower. looks so elegant and lovely as if she wants to touch Himmel.
I'm just getting started in the vid, and already, I'm greeted by the leaflands music from Octopath Traveler 2 ! And later on by Cassti's theme ?
Ok, we're in good hands !
And I agree with your parallel with Mushishi. It does have a very similar vibe with it, only in a western heroic fantasy world instead of a feudal Japanese one.
Also, both feature a mysterious white hair protagonist that doesn't blend well with the rest of the world, knowing everything in their areas of expertise, yet emotionally distant if not ignorant, learning about the meaning of life at each corner of their adventure.
Oh, and both are an absolute marvel, both visually and musically !
I haven't watched this show yet, or read the manga, but I find the characters names interesting in regards to the story it seems to be telling. The names are german words. Not even german names, WORDS: "Frieren" is "to feel cold/freez" in german, kind of fitting for a character that, judging from this review, seems to struggle with feeling empathy/understanding for other perception of time. One could say she is cold towards it. And "Himmel" means "sky" in german.
I googled some of the other character names, and that naming confention seems to continue for a lot of them! "Sark" = "strong". "Heiter" = "to be in a good mood/cheerful". "Eisen" = "iron". "Flamme" = "flame". "Serie" = "(TV) show" (this one I find kinda funny xD). "Böse" = "evil". "Lügner" = "lier". You get the picture xD
I think I can count the characters that don't have a german word as a name on one hand!
Himmel's name is especially significant. Himmel means both "sky" and "heaven" in German and there is no word to be distinct which one of the two you mean. So Heiter is travelling with "Heaven" and says that he wants to believe in it since it is more convenient for people and because he wants to get into heaven himself. Eisen at first doesn't believe in "Heaven" but then reconsiders when Heiter convinces him. Frieren is sceptical about "Heaven" until Eisen eventually convinces her to travel to Aureole which is literally "Heaven" in this world so that she can talk to the hero whose name means Heaven about him, with himself at the place he was figuratively named after.
As you can see the Himmel/Heaven double meaning is very intentional and extremely significant. Also Himmel and Heiter are two German words that also share a connection with the very commen everyday German phrase "Der Himmel ist heiter" (The sky is bright) which means that the weather is sunny and that less than 1/4 of the sky is covered by clouds. That relation also kinda fits Heiter's relationship with Himmel as he feels so strongly connected to him even decades after his passing and finds himself wanting to act in his old friend's stead.
It's also pretty easy to miss that all the towns in the Central Country have German names too.
Great points! Serie is not specific to TV shows though-it means series just as it does in English; successions, being part of a whole, etc. Which makes sense when [spoilers] you learn she's Flamme's teacher.
@@onceuponatimeandspace true, true. I'm just more used to people using it specifically for shows. For everything else, you normaly use "Reihe". For example a book series would be a "Buch Reihe". That someone calls it a "Buch Serie" is pretty rare...at least where I live.
This and Apothecary diaries , Anime is going hard this autumn.
Seeing how great the animation is, Im glad madhouse going back to the industry and brought us with this masterpiece :')
Adaptation of the decade actually, best looking anime since violet evegarden
I'm happy that the anime is as good as the manga or even better possibly
Just watched this all yesterday. It's so beautiful. Feels like Scrapped Princess which is one of my favourite anime of all time. Love it! ❤
Love Scrapped Princess - need more anime like that in my life.
I need a frienen book where its just more adventures and daily life with everyone
the sheer difference in perspective between a species that lives for many centuries compared to a normal person is one reason I like Half-Elves so much for my tabletop characters. they are in the middle, but a little more towards the human end of the experience, with an average life span of usually 180 to 200 years, close enough to humans that it's easy enough to relate while still living long enough to understand a bit of what its like to hardly change while your friends do.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is art
13:42 yooo the Nomad Megalobox shoutout
Actually did got mushishi flashbacks while watching this, even though I already read the manga for years now. Definetely a product of the animation, not just the writing.
Love how the video came out my dude! We are in for 6 months of Frieren goodness!
Thumbnail GOD
My main complaint is superficial: Frieren's hair is the stereotypical twin tails of a tsundere.
Also, The last meteor fading away, and Himmel passing away together!
Thank you for this wonderful review of “Frieren”’s opening four episodes. In a “banner year” (2023) for anime, I think this may be a serious contender for the year’s most outstanding series. You brought out just how much hard work and thought went into the production - I hadn’t noticed all the fine points of the visuals (colour palettes, for instance), but you’re right about just how much they bring to the experience. There’s so much more that one could bring out of these first two hours - I feel one understated aspect of “Frieren”, is as a love story (Frieren and Himmel) with a twist (he died before she realised they were more than friends, and her quest is in part because she wants to “make it up to him”, and perhaps meet his soul in Aureole). I look forward to following Frieren’s journey… and I even bought Vol 1 of the manga! (My first-ever manga book purchase…)
Finished MT and now it's taking a hiatus I thought I'd give this a go to pass the time. Didn't think I'd enjoy it just as much.
08:46 I like how this art style draws the outline of eyebrows when it’s under their hair. But Eizen’s mouth under his huge beard looks funny.
I can stop at any frame and make it my desktop background.
I can relate to this frieren anime, this passage of time
my rabbit passed away after 4 years journey and i feel it was just year ago when i met him^^
but i retraced and still go to the place where we walk together:D
i believe in heaven too
i like the background artstyle, landscapes it reminds me of violet evergarden:D
4:03 holyy edittt
This show has been excellent so far, so glad I found out about it!
Evan Call was the perfect choice for an anime like this.
Everything you have said is true. This is truly a brilliant piece of work. I love the manga and I think I love the anime just as much.
I just saw episode 6. forget anime of season, this will most likely end up anime of the year, the storytelling depths and layering is just on another level
This anime is very great, most ep made me cry. I hardly cry watching something but damn🥺
7:49 a fool once praised Frieren for her magic. And the flowers may be the most important spell in (her) history. Learning that, for instance, Eisen likes sour grapes.... 😂 Brilliant!! It wasn't even explicitly said when he later had some. It was like 2 seconds worth a cut. But i shouted OHHHH! SO THATS WHY!
8:40 amen
Also the mentioning of one of the shield spells of her old master only to break the magic test barrier later... - all without having to hammer it in with dialogue. Most shows had hammered it in your head. Frieren allows you to draw connections over several watching or talking about it
She brings people together IRL.
Appreciation for the Octopath music.
Exactly! This is iyashikei!
When Frieren got the sour grapes spell she also got one to remove rust from bronze for Himmel's statues
I consider it one of the best of the last decade. At the very least I believe it will be considered a classic.
I started recently and I love it so much
I keep taking screenshots at the pretty landscapes and the funny faces
Frieren is the only manga and anime that show how different elven view of time and death, since in this world ,they're immortal. Just like Tolkien's elves. This is best anime of the year. Period.
I think there will even be time traveling later too
I REALLY LOVED your Hyouka stuff and somehow I forget about this channel. Then this video appeared in my recommendation, I'm so glad you make one on Frieren.
The animation feels like a Ghibli movie which I really love ✨
The gag with Mimic is so funny. I'm glad they got the rights to use that monster
Lmao the mimic is even popular in the manga character poll
Mimics are not copyrighted. They're listed in the OGL.
I almost pass this anime, glad I gave it a try
After The finnale of Mushoku Tensei I was hungry of a good story settled in fantasy world and slice of life. Frieren is a story where we could say nothing happens but is really relaxing to watch.
As a german I find it somewhat annoying that all the names are mispronounced german words.
the burden of speaking german.
Ever since i read this manga about 2 years ago i imagine that the adaptation of this will be like a violet evergarden and I'm right and it has soo good. I'm so happy that it was good!
Frieren is GROWING alright, maybe glowing is the best word to describe it too. I can't wait to see the episode where she's fighting that one demon girl who keeps taunting about "muh mana levels".
Anime of the Year honestly
Also that ED is beyond amazing
if melancholy was an anime
The prologue is perfect... EXCEPT for the fact that it isn't a movie. It was pretty distracting being in the moment and suddenly interrupted with the ED and then the OP. If they just kept the title drop as the start and saved the ED for the very end of the 4th ep, that would have been sooo much more immersive
It's the distribution problem. In the Japanese broadcast and I think bilibili, it was aired as 1 eps with special ending. Shame the international distribution decide to split the episode