Spending your free time doing something you really enjoy can become part of your normal routine. You may even wonder why others can’t share the same passion. However, I’m not trying to convince everyone that anime is a masterpiece; it’s perfectly fine to have different tastes. Anime, like film, can be part of your regular entertainment without distinction.
For me, anime has a special appeal, and as I mentioned in my first article, I’ve been immersed in this world for quite some time. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate anime of all genres. Much like books and films, anime has an incredible variety of genres, often more than you can imagine. The influence of Japanese culture contributes to the creation of unique and alternative genres, making anime a distinctive form of artistic expression.
Take, for example, India’s films with their musical scenes, Britain’s inclusion of sarcastic and witty jokes, or South Korea’s blend of drama and humour in almost every film. Similarly, anime has its own distinct characteristics, allowing it to encompass its own range of genres that appeal to an incredibly diverse audience.
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Anime storytelling has undoubtedly become a challenging endeavour, with increasing complexity, wit, silliness and magic. As the number of productions increases, so does the level of competition. This, in turn, forces creators to come up with more unique and original concepts, rather than copying existing ones. While some of these productions still exist, only a few manage to survive in the fiercely competitive market.
For me, watching anime has become an integral part of my life, something I indulge in when I find a moment of spare time. Of course, everyone has different tastes, and if you don’t find anime entertaining, that’s fine. It could just mean that you haven’t found the one that suits you. There are truly exceptional anime productions that I would be happy to recommend to anyone who is interested. Today, however, I’d like to introduce you to five anime productions that I’ve had the pleasure of watching over the past year.
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1. Tengoku Daimakyou (Heavenly Delusion)
Let me start with this gem, as I stumbled upon it by chance and found myself completely hooked. I finished it in one sitting. To be honest, I didn’t expect to be hooked so quickly. It was not on my watch list, but I decided to give it a try. My usual approach is to watch the first episode, and if I don’t like the main idea, I move on to the next bookmarked anime.
However, “Heavenly Delusion” made me realise that I hadn’t seen many anime with a post-apocalyptic theme. The series also incorporates fantasy elements and follows two friends who embark on a journey to a place known as “Heaven” after the world is torn apart for some mysterious reason. The unexpected twists and turns in each episode will keep you on your toes as you try to solve various puzzles. You will be constantly wondering what will happen next and how these events relate to the underlying plot, which is subtly revealed throughout the series.
Consisting of 13 episodes, the anime feels just right in terms of length. Lengthening it further might have diluted the effect, but sometimes brevity is the key to perfection.
2. Jigokuraku (Hell’s Paradise)
Speaking of heaven, let’s move on to “Hell’s Paradise”, an anime that has me hooked. As we’ve noticed, many anime series stick to a standard production length of 13 episodes, and “Hell’s Paradise” is no exception. Personally, I think this number of episodes is appropriate for the story, although I must admit that the intriguing mysteries of this anime have me eagerly anticipating the next season.
The plot of “Hell’s Paradise” is truly unique. Set against the historical backdrop of samurais, the story revolves around a group of murderers who have gathered on an island in search of immortality. The chilling part is that no one who has ventured to the island has ever returned, making these criminals the perfect candidates for the dangerous expedition. In exchange for the elusive immortality, they have the chance to earn their freedom from government control.
However, each of these assassins is accompanied by a samurai ready to execute them should they cause trouble or attempt to escape. As they venture deeper into the island, the mystery unravels, revealing why no one has ever returned from this treacherous place and what secrets await them.
3. Summertime Rendering
This one was strange. Although this anime was released in 2022, I only got around to watching it last year, and I must say it was a pleasant surprise. At first, I was expecting a light-hearted, slice-of-life style anime, but as the story unfolded, the unexpected twists and turns took me on an exciting ride.
The anime follows the perspective of a young man who returns to the island he once called home after years spent in the bustling city of Japan. The reunion takes a dark turn when he discovers that one of his friends has passed away and he attends her funeral. As he delves deeper into the island’s local folklore, he uncovers a haunting tale of a monster that clones your shadow and takes your identity. The story takes an unexpected and violent turn that left me in awe.
Adding to the intrigue is the element of time travel, which the protagonist was completely unaware of. He finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over, much like the film “Groundhog Day”. With each iteration, he has to race against the clock, as in “Source Code”, to decipher the series of events before it’s too late.
4. Vinland Saga
“Vinland Saga”, a more well-known and older production, has gained a loyal following over the years. With the release of the second season last year, the anime has once again managed to captivate viewers. Despite some fans’ desire for more action, I found immense pleasure in the exploration of life’s deep philosophies and themes of loneliness.
Set in the early 1000s, “Vinland Saga” takes us into the world of Viking expeditions and conquests. The story revolves around a brave and renowned Viking warrior who meets a tragic end, leaving his young son hostage in the hands of the man who killed him. Consumed by the desire for revenge, the boy, unable to act easily, grows up under the care of his father’s murderer. Over time, he undergoes a remarkable transformation, becoming a man with a different purpose and perspective.
In the second season, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he becomes a slave on a farm owned by someone who lives a more settled and peaceful life, in stark contrast to the constant desire for war and plunder that surrounds him. This newfound balance causes him to ponder and appreciate the beauty and creation of life, leading to profound inner thoughts and revelations. As the season progresses, he and his friend embark on a quest for freedom, striving to fulfil a long-held dream of venturing to distant lands since the tragic death of his father.
“Vinland Saga” is a gripping blend of action, philosophy and self-discovery that tells an emotionally charged story. Whether you’re drawn to the intense battles or the contemplative moments, the anime leaves a lasting impression with an unforgettable tale of growth and transformation.
5. Blue Lock
Among the animes I’ve mentioned, “Blue Lock” stands out as the most unique of the bunch. This sports anime revolves around football and began its journey at the end of 2022, finishing its first season in 2023. As a fan of football anime, “Blue Lock” has left a lasting impression on me, almost rivalling the iconic “Captain Tsubasa”, at least for me. I’ve watched other sports anime, but “Blue Lock” really captured the essence of the sport, and its 24 episodes left me wanting more.
The fascination of sports animation has always been a part of me. I enjoy immersing myself in the world of sports and understanding the intricacies of the ideas, strategies, tactics and challenges behind the game. This anime focuses on a special organisation with a singular mission: to create the strongest and ultimate team. To achieve this goal, they put participants through rigorous tests, select individuals based on their personal skills, and bring some of them together to showcase their team play.
One aspect of anime that particularly fascinates me is character development. Breathing life into animated beings and creating a bond with the viewer is no easy feat, but it seems that “Blue Lock” manages to do it. While focusing on each character’s unique abilities and the daunting challenges they face, the anime also focuses on their growth.
The process of conceptualising the core idea of a production, developing multi-dimensional characters, building their world, time and setting, and creating a compelling conflict is, in my opinion, undeniably challenging. While it may seem effortless to watch and form an opinion about these works, I always find myself appreciating the tremendous effort that goes into their production process, whether I end up watching them or not.
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