I'm thinking of making an effort to rewatch a bunch of the shows I liked from Fall 2023 last year.

That is now the singe season of Anime I've completed the most Anime from. So like my past fiction on all of 2017 I may be uniquely qualified to revisit this season and see how well it's show hold up once Recencey Bias has dissipated.

Frieren is the one's durability is considered indisputable right now. And I'm not inclined to say it won't age well. But it's amusing how when I think about rewatching it part of me wants to skip right o the Exam Arc, which is technically not Fall 2023 anymore.

#Anime #SeasonalAnime #Frieren #Fall2023 #FallAnime #FallAnime2023 #Anime2023 #Fall2023Anime

Dendros: The Hands of Fall.
(10/05/24)

#trees #NativePlants #fall #fall2023 #autumn #AutumnLeaves #AutumWatch #nature #NaturePhotography #MastoArt #photography #AltText

It’s been a rather long time since I got to catch up on Frieren. The anime is currently at Sense’s test storyline. I haven’t watched the latest three episodes, just to keep my curiosity on how they would animate it. I have a lot to catch on it seems.

But now, let’s see what happens after the first exam is over. It’s been a while too after the last time we saw Stark, I suppose he’s been living what Frieren loves, lazing around. And, honestly, there’s nothing wrong with doing that every once in a while.

Until, Fern shows up and immediately makes him regrets his decision to relax. Well, now it’s up to Stark and Frieren to cheer Fern up. Fern’s mood swing is really the main driving force for the plot in this episode.

Fern’s pouting face has become a sort of mascot in this anime. A cute face on a bad mood has been one of anime’s trademark, seemingly even since its inception. However, what baffled me, a few weeks ago, there was a notion spreading in social media saying Fern is a toxic and unhealthy character.

Well, quite a few of my fellow Frieren fans quickly jumped into a crusade defending her. However, I think that notion posed a quite interesting insight on how non-anime fans perceive female characters in anime. I think it’s quite something to highlight in this episode’s review.

It All Started With Heiter

Right from the beginning of the episode, Fern immediately got frustrated by Stark, knowing how he spent his days without her and Frieren. Seen from a surface level, her anger seems to come from a caring nature.

She doesn’t like anyone waking up late, doesn’t like the fact Stark has been staying up late at night, and she got even more upset knowing him slurped some sweet drinks at night. If anything, it sounds like she’s being a caring “mother” to Stark albeit a bit overbearing.

However, we have to acknowledge why she behaves the way she does. Fern didn’t grow up in a normal childhood, she’s a war orphan. Heck, the first time we met her was when she’s about to jump off of a cliff, as a child! Luckily, Heiter was there to comfort her, and eventually raised her until his passing.

Since then, she became accustomed to taking care of an elderly man since she’s little. Heiter was still actively working as a priest when he adopted Fern. But, as we know, his health deteriorated quickly, especially after Frieren’s arrival, which brings me to the next point.

What Isolation Does To A Child

It’s safe to say that the trio, in general, is no stranger to isolation. Frieren loves her alone time, and she spent most of her life living peacefully by herself before she met Himmel. In Stark’s case, he might be not completely alone in his village, but he definitely was ousted by his own family other than his brother.

However, I think the effects manifested worst in Fern. By far, she’s the worst communicator among Frieren’s group. Not to slander her or anything, every character has their own quirks and flaws, after all. But, it’s quite obvious that she expresses her anger and negative emotions in the worst way possible.

I knew things would go downhill after Sein left. I genuinely think he could be the bridge between Fern and the rest in terms of establishing a good-natured communication style. But, as we see in this episode, Frieren’s party is so dysfunctional without Sein.

That being said, sometimes the brightest mind can have the craziest personality, which brings us to the next highlight of this episode. Behind all these deadly spells, there are interesting personas and personalities. This anime does a great job in showcasing the traits behind every character.

Übel, Her Character, And The Craze Around Her

Lately, I’ve been seeing a craze over Übel. Seriously, her character design has a huge impact on the whole goth girl train. Interestingly enough, she turns out to have quite a delightful personality. Yes, I may or may not have said she’s quite the psycho in the past. But, among her group members in the first test, she seems to be the most talkative. Well, granted, it’s Land and Fern we’re comparing her to.

There is one thing that I didn’t expect, though. Übel might be an empathic person, more than I thought. Her encounter with Land in this episode revealed that she can copy any spell she has seen. But, she must relate to the person whose spell she’s copying on an emotional level.

It makes sense that Übel copied Wirbel’s spell almost immediately. Both of them would use necessary force whenever it’s needed, both of them are competent fighters and can’t be underestimated. So, it makes sense that she can make some sort of connection with Wirbel. What would be interesting, though, what if she meets a person with an extremely different background, and she tries to copy their magic. What is going to happen, I wonder.

Aside from Denken, Übel might be another side character that really caught my attention. There is a lot of depth in this anime towards many of the characters, which is its strong point, surely. Also, there has been another character that has been circulating around my social media timeline. I’m pretty sure her name is Methode. I may not have been watching Frieren as much as I used to, but how the story seems to unfold really makes me want to catch on with the anime.

https://seinenrider.com/2024/03/03/a-mages-mood-swing-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-22-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Winter2024

The much loved character from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Sein, is a prodigy in healing magic and a priest. He grew up in a small town as an innocent kid in the care of his older brother and Heiter. However, he ends up being a walking life crisis for his poor life choices.

Although it has been a couple of episodes after his departure from Frieren’s party. There are already people who miss him. Well, including me, to be honest. However, Sein is not Frieren’s permanent party member. He has his own goal to track his old friend, Warrior Gorilla. So, it was a must for him to say goodbye to Frieren and the rest. Well, for now.

There are a lot of interesting things about Sein. Yes, he has a bit of a twisted mind, especially when thinking about his regrets. However, he’s voiced by one of the most well-known voice actors in the industry. So, no wonder his character has so much presence.

The Voice Actor Behind Sein, Yuichi Nakamura

Yuichi Nakamura is the voice actor behind Sein. His voice is recognizable almost immediately, since he voiced so many characters in several recent titles.

Last season alone, Yuichi Nakamura voiced eight characters, including Sein in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Andy in Undead Unluck, And Tsukasa In Dr. Stone: New World Part 2. His most well-known and recent role might be Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen.

However, he has a long lists of characters that borrowed his voice. In fact, he has been a seiyuu for more than two decades. Yuichi Nakamura is a very accomplished voice actor with a lot of respect in the industry. Currently, he is associated with the INTENTION agency.

A Long List Of Sein’s Issues

In contrast to his Seiyuu, Sein has a lot of issues instead of achievements. Part of the reasons why Sein has a lot of attention is his character development and personality.

At first, Sein frequently questioned himself, doubting that he even should go on a search for Gorilla. However, he eventually followed Frieren’s advice and tagged along in her journey for a while.

Since Sein’s first appearance, he has a strong “corrupt priest” aura. Sein is very similar to Heiter in his younger days. He loves gambling, drinking, and smoking. Almost in every episode he’s in, we can see him doing one of the three.

Money Away, Sein’s Gambling Problem

To say Sein is a corrupt priest 2.0 seems justifiable. In fact, one of the first thing we see him doing is gambling. Yup, gambling seems to be a pretty common leisurely activity for adventures, and Frieren’s world isn’t an exception.

Sure, we can say gambling is fun. However, it could also be an escapism from worries or stress. This reason is what seems to drive Sein into gambling. However, gambling is more harmful than exciting in the long run.

A Priest’s Temptation, Sein’s Drinking Problem

Interestingly enough, both priests in this anime love to drink. More often than not, we see Heiter either drunk or suffering from hangover. Similarly, Sein’s go-to hangout spot is a pub.

However, Sein deserves a praise for not as much of a drunkard as Heiter. Although, that’s a relatively low standard. Luckily, Sein is a relatively calm person when he’s sober. So, his anger and frustration only shows when he’s drunk. When it does show, he still has his temper under control.

A Choo Choo Train Wreck, Sein’s Smoking Problem

One of Sein’s habits that stands out the most is his smoking. I notice there is a niche of people who love Sein because of his middle-aged man charm, they say he’s smoking hot. Well, in this case, it may be literally.

Nowadays, smoking cigarettes has earned a name for being unhealthy and unclean. It’s so different from the era of Marlboro man when smoking is considered cool. Today, people are more aware that nicotine addiction is often accompanied by other psychological issues, which is the perfect segway to Sein’s final problem.

Sein’s Jaded Perception Of Himself

All of Sein’s bad habits might be traceable to what he feels deep down. Sein’s heart bear a burden from regrets. He second guessed his choice to stay back when Gorilla asked him to go on an adventure together. Furthermore, he only decided to do something about it ten years later, when Frieren arrived in his town.

Besides, Sein feels indebted to his brother, which is why he decided to stay. However, this issue was quickly resolved after his brother gave him a slap and told him to chase what he wanted. Sein’s regret is similar to Frieren’s. They both chase what could’ve been.

Frieren regrets she never put more effort to be close to Himmel, Sein regrets he rejected Gorilla’s offer to embark on an adventure together. Although Frieren has endured hers way longer than Sein, living in a looming regret for a decade must’ve affected him in various way. Evidently, we can see its manifestation in his poor choices of habits.

Why We Love Sein Nonetheless

Despite all his shortcomings, Sein is one of the fans favorite. You might say, him being an occasional comedic relief is the reason. Certainly, Sein does play the funny part fairly well. However, this corrupt priest is much more than laugh and giggle.

Among Frieren’s party members, Sein is the most socially aware. Stark and Fern are still young and grew up in a relatively secluded environment. While Fireren, well, let’s just say she spends more time with magic grimoires than people. This made Sein the designated group therapist while he was in Frieren’s party.

Sein Can Be A Vital Member In An Adventuring Party

But first, let’s not forget that Sein is an actual genius when it comes to healing magic. Even his brother approves of this fact. He can easily cure lethal poisons and has a keen sense of curses. On top of that, he’s far from hopeless when it comes to combat. He actually can hold his ground against an enemy.

Sein is actually the exact person Frieren’s party needs. If only he has nothing else to pursue, it’s possible Frieren can form a dream team once again. We can see immediately after Sein’s departure, Fern got a fever and thanks to his notes, Frieren and Stark know what herbs to look for.

Sein Has Wise Takes

If we want to point out which person is the most grown up in Frieren’s party, Sein is most likely the strongest candidate. He has such an internal conflict, especially on how he views himself. But, he shows to be a reliable mediator for Stark and Fern. Aside from being a literal doctor for Frieren’s party, apparently Sein also has a talent for as a couple consultant.

In return, Frieren always praised him as a good adult. And you know what, he deserves such praises. Even when carrying a heavy personal burden, Sein doesn’t simply stop caring about others. And you know what? Fern might associate him to Heiter, in a good way. After all, Heiter is the one who raised Fern, and Both Heiter and Sein have the maturity of a proper priest when they actually show it.

Sein’s Struggle Is So Relatable For Young Adults

This is might be the focal point of Sein. Even though Sein is supposed to be in his thirties, I found his character to be extremely relatable. If there is one thing that can sum up his struggle, regretting a past opportunity would be it.

I’m sure I’m not alone in this. So much could happen in life, and one way or another, we could end up regretting our decision. Especially, when the other option seemed to turn out better than what we chose. I think this is also the case for Sein, which leads him into regretting his rejection of Gorilla’s offer. And hey, Sein loves the older onee-san type, even more relatable.

The “I Can Fix Him Energy”

Seems to me, there are several that couldn’t resist Sein’s charm in the fandom. Well, yeah, he’s a fairly good-looking, talented priest, with a lot of personal problems. It’s easy to throw him into the “I can fix him” type of character. Joking aside, it shows that Sein’s character is well-written.

Sein obviously has been through some hardship. He and his brother lost their parents when they’re very young. They grew up in less than ideal condition. As an adult, Sein is engulfed in internal struggles.

Putting a character through some tough times can really make the audience root for them. This is why anime like Attack On Titan, especially the first season, could make everyone side with the protagonist.

Will Sein Make A Future Appearance? If So, How?

So, Sein has left Frieren’s party. What now? He is heading to Tur, a city on the opposite direction of Äußerst, where Frieren is now. He continues his pursue for his old friend, Gorilla. Is there any chance for him to make another appearance? I’d say yes, but we’re going into speculation territory now.

First speculation, everything could end up as we all wish. Sein finally reunites with Gorilla, and they form up the dream team they always wanted. Second speculation, Gorilla is nowhere to be found, whether he already died or still missing. It would be fun if he stumbled on Kraft and give Kraft a nostalgia on his old partner.

Third speculation, Sein finds himself alone without no one to find, because Gorilla indeed has died. Sein falls into a spiral of depression, but he slowly learns that now he can free of regret. He then pays Gorilla his respect and off he goes to rejoin Frieren.

My Conclusion About Sein

Sein is, by far, the character that speaks what the audience thinks. We know his frustration when he put up with Stark and Fern’s shenanigans. However, he always handled a difficult social situation with wisdom and calmness, despite he himself isn’t free from internal burden.

Sein has a lot of quirks that the author can use as foundation for his character development. It shows how well-written his character is, and the potential complexity he can have. Also, it’s also always fun to speculate the story as an anime watcher. How do you think Sein will end up?

https://seinenrider.com/2024/01/27/sein-from-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-is-a-walking-life-crisis/

#Anime #CharacterAnalysis #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Priest #Sein #Winter2024

The last two episodes of Frieren introduce us to many, many new characters. It’s now time for the first-class mage examination. Finally, after walking for a long time, Frieren, Fern, and Stark arrives in the city of Äußerst.

Since it’s the exam arc, sadly, we’re not going to see much of Stark. However, seeing the roster of wizards in this arc is exciting enough. So far, we’ve seen Lawine and Kanne’s combo. I wonder what kind of magic the rest of the mages are bringing. And also, who are the VA behind these guys? I bet some big names will appear.

The Mages From The First Class Mage Exam

We’re entering an important turning point in this anime. The first class mage exam is necessary for Frieren, Fern and Stark. Travelling without at least one first class mage is still prohibited, due to the dangers of the northern land.

Well, for all these times, Frieren is more like a back alley doctor. Not to say she’s incompetent, she just lacks the proper certification. Same with Fern, she only has the third-class certification because it was quicker to get that one at the time. With the exam, here we have some new faces. Also, I’m surprised, but not complaining, that we encounter familiar voices from Bocchi The Rock!

Übel

Übel might be one of the most terrifying mages in the exam. Don’t get fooled by her stature, she is a cutthroat mage who will gladly kill to get to her goal. Her notoriety only solidifies when it turns out she killed the examiner in her last first-class mage certification exam.

Übel is voiced by Ikumi Hasegawa. Her most iconic roles are Vladelina Milizé from the anime 86 and Kita Ikuyo from Bocchi The Rock! I don’t know how I should feel knowing Kita and Übel have the same voice actor.

Denken

Denken is a shrewd elderly mage. He has political influence in the capital, and is aware that magic isn’t the only power in our society. An imperial mage he is. By far, he has a very interesting background and is most likely the most experienced among the human participants in the test.

Denken is voiced by Jirou Satou, most notably he voiced Theo Magath, the Marleyan commander from Attack On Titan. He also voiced Olaf and Gratianus from Vinland Saga.

Lawine

Lawine is a third class mage that Frieren has as a part of her party in the first test. She attends the first-class mage certification with Kanne. The duo has a great synergy in battles, with Lawine focusing on her ice magic.

Lawine is voiced by Sayumi Suzushiro. Her most notable role is Nijika from Bocchi The Rock! We are halfway from getting the full Kessoku band it seems. Also, she voiced Kurena Kukumila from 86, and Shirogane Kei from Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.

Kanne

Kanne is the more rowdy and rather craven one in her duo with Lawine. However, she has a great water magic. Combine that with Lawine’s ice magic, then we have an incredible dynamic duo. She sometimes gets discouraged by Lawine’s tough love and often gets into fights with her. But, Kanne loves to be around Lawine anyway.

Kanne is voiced by Azumi Waki. Previously, she voiced Maika-chan from Blend S. She is also the voice of Hinata Tachibana from Tokyo Revengers.

Laufen

Laufen is a second-class mage from the mountainous Southern lands. Her magic allows her to move lightning quick to avoid confrontations, and take her objectives as quickly as possible.

Laufen is voiced by Shizuka Ishigami. She made an appearance in Vinland Saga as the voice behind young Thorfinn. She also worked on another iconic anime franchise, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind, as Bruno Bucciarati.

Richter

Along with Laufen, Richter is in the party with Denken for this first test of the first-class mage examination. He is someone who is cold-blooded and has an overwhelming style in his earth manipulation magic.

Richter is voiced by Eiji Hanawa. He’s the voice of Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star: Raoh Side Story Junai Arc. Some of you might feel nostalgic because this is a mid-2000s anime movie.

Land

Land seems like a mysterious guy. He wears a pair of glasses and even does the correcting glasses move. We haven’t got a chance to see his full ability, though. He is in the same party as Fern and Übel in this exam.

Land is voiced by Shouhei Komatsu. He had a main voice role as August von Earlshide in a 2019 anime, Kenja no Mago. He made his official debut as a seiyuu back in 2016.

Ehre

Ehre is the mage we see battling Fern in episode 19. She says Fern’s style of fighting is so old-school, like her grandfather. Well, she’s not too far off because the one who teaches Fern magic is a grandmother, technically. It seems like Ehre is fond of manipulating earth as well, throwing them from afar like the beast titan from Attack On Titan.

Ehre is voiced by Kanae Itou. She’s a long time voice actor for some anime fans’ favorite character, Carrot, in One Piece. Other than that, she’s also the voice of Yui from Sword Art Online.

Wirbel

Wirbel and Übel’s fight is one of the highlights in episode 19. He is the captain of Northern Magic Corps. A seasoned warrior, hence he seems so casual when fighting Übel. He is in a group with Ehre and Scharf. He and his party are after the Stille Fern’s party caught.

Wirbel is voiced by Kishou Taniyama. He voiced one of my personal favorite characters. He is the voice behind Jean Kristein from Attack On Titan. Not only that, he also voiced Chuuya Nakahara from Bungou Stray Dogs.

Genau

Genau is the overseeing mage for the first test of first-class mage exam. He is able to create the barrier for the Stille hunting zone. An impenetrable magic that even dust can’t go past it. I wonder if there will be someone who break that barrier at the end of this test.

Genau is voiced by Tarusuke Shingaki. He voiced Mirio Toogata in My Hero Academia. Previously, he also voiced Cadis Etrama Di Raizel in the 2020 anime, Noblesse.

Sense

Sense is also an overseer for this year’s first-class mage exam. She is supposed to be responsible for the second test. So, in the meantime, we haven’t seen her capabilities yet.

Sense is voiced by Haruka Terui. She voiced Yuuki from Yuki Yuna Is A Hero. Also, she is the voice behind Shihoru in Grimgar: Ashes And Illusions.

https://seinenrider.com/2024/01/20/the-voice-actors-behind-the-mages-of-first-class-mage-exam-in-frieren-beyond-journeys-end/

#Anime #AnimeList #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Seiyuu #SeiyuuList #Winter2024

After a few more marching, Frieren, Fern, and Stark finally made their way to the city of Äußerst. This city has the largest concentration of mages in the northern plateau. Every mage from every corner of the continent is bound to be here at some point of their life. Now, it’s time for the mage exam arc.

Naturally, we’ll see many new faces in this city. The ones looking for the first degree mage certification aren’t just Fern and Frieren, after all. I expected that the roster of the participants will be interesting, and it turns out to be true.

Even though the certification exam seems like a typical test arc in other anime, I bet this anime has something in their sleeves. So far, there is nothing out of normal, typical wacky exam groups, weird quest to test your ability as a mage, and new team dynamics.

The Magical City of Äußerst

Once in a while, I feel like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has to remind me that it is a fantasy anime. They nail the slice of life bits, I enjoy how the characters interact with each other. It feels like we’re absorbed into their journey.

We see them up-close, and they make sure we don’t just see the characters just as a mage, a warrior, a priest. We see them, well, as people. So, when Frieren arrives at Äußerst, the anime grounds me back to the consensus that yes, this is a fantasy world. This city brings back memories of College of Winterhold in Skyrim. I was half-expecting we’d see a khajiit.

Funny story, I recently recommended Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End to a friend who loves Skyrim. Her eyes glowed when I mentioned there is one episode where Stark slays a dragon. This magical city also comes with a rather uncannily strong first-class mage candidates.

Some of them caught my attention, Denken the old mage who has a political power in the capital, Übel who turns out to be a murderer, jeez, and also a pair of unruly young girls who constantly fight, Lawine and Kanne. Frieren is in a group with these two.

I’m rather surprised, not a lot of people recognize Frieren immediately. The history classes in this world must be terrible. Heck, even the only badge that Frieren has, the necklace that she always carry around, nobody claims to have seen it except for one studious mage on this city. I wonder, what is that thing, really?

Love Hate Relationship, Lawine And Kanne

Now that this is an exam, there is no choice for Frieren to escape dealing with young people. It’s funny, whenever Fern and Stark had a fight, she either brushed it off or straight up called Sein as her backup.

But, now, she has to deal with it, at least until the exam is over. Which leads to an interesting couple, Lawine and Kanne. They do have a strong sibling energy. The two graduated from the same magic academy. They have exceptional synergy with each other, a result of their deep relationship since childhood.

Kanne seems to be the spoiled one of the two, with Lawine being a strong and sometimes stern of the couple. You know, is it just me or the shipping in this anime never ceases to stop. We have, of course, Frieren and Himmel, and then Fern and Stark. Now, it seems like plenty of fans want Lawine and Kanne to sail on the yuri love.

All the romance aside, I think both of them are pretty in line with this anime’s themes. We see numerous times, appreciating other people for their effort is a core element in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. After all, the whole path of the Goddess in this anime seems to revolve around this theme.

I found Kanne here to be so relatable here. She appreciates Lawine’s care, despite her stern personality. But you know, sometimes, it’s nice to receive an appreciation from someone who is always harsh to you. Not that Lawine hates her, it’s just Lawine always gives Kanne a taste of tough love.

What Even Is This Bird?

There is not much that I can think of after watching this episode. However, just like when Sein encountered the chaos flower, now we have another weird creature from Frieren’s world. The first class mage exam orders the participants to catch a Stille.

At first glance, I thought this would be a regular bird. Maybe, with a little bit magical gimmick, since this is a mage exam. Or, you know, this bird could be one of those that take days to track, and the exam wants you to have them within hours.

Stille is a small bird, seemingly normal, but it’s capable of breaking the sound barrier. Okay, Frieren, you’re saying you guys casually have a bird that fly around in Mach 1.5, like an F-22 Raptor? Seems fair. Luckily, the exam area is within a magical barrier. So, I think it’s safe to say the bird also won’t fly past it.

There is an untapped potential in this anime. So far, the world building focuses around the dynamics between demons and humans, the magic system, and the harsh environment of the northern lands. However, we don’t know much about its natural surrounding aside from harsh winters, a few flowers and animals, and a little taste of dragons.

I think we can get more idea about Frieren’s world if the anime decides to show us more of the wacky fauna and flora. After all, they only showed us some snippets on these creatures and occasionally gave us context when it matters so far.

https://seinenrider.com/2024/01/19/the-exam-in-auserst-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-18-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Winter2024

Frieren is back here again. Time passed by, and I didn’t even realize I almost missed this episode! But hey, I finally had the time to watch it. Although I’m glad to watch this anime, we picked up on a sad note.

Sein is facing a dilemma. On one hand, I can see he’s actually enjoying his time with Frieren, Stark, and Fern. Well, aside from being the occasional peacemaker between the two youngsters. On the other hand, he has to pursue Gorilla. It’s his original goal, after all.

However, he can take his decision later, because apparently a vicious snowstorm comes in. We all know what happened to Stark the last time they traveled in such a condition. So, they spend more time in a town, and it seems like this episode is even calmer than usual.

A Peaceful Snowstorm, Relatively

Don’t you hate it when you had planned something, and it turned out snowing so heavily outside? Or, in my case, it’s raining so intense it puts Niagara Falls to shame. Yep, their deadpans sum up the situation really well.

So, the party gets to spend their time and enjoy whatever the town has for them. Frieren pretty much always hangs out around the weird magic shop.

Stark and Fern seem like they do the heavy lifting on chores and groceries. While Sein, well, let’s say old habits die hard.

Stark And Fern’s Quarrel

Just when you think everything’s going to be fine, Frieren suddenly stops by the bar, looking for Sein’s help. Apparently, we got ourselves another lover’s quarrel.

It all began after Fern was out getting some groceries. She was just being a bit of a troll, and put her cold palm on Stark’s cheek. But then, when Stark returned the favor, guess what happens? Fern turns into a meat bun again.

Her reasons for being mad are so menial when it comes to Stark. But, we have to remember that they practically have never hung out around people their age.

Not to mention, Stark grew up in a very high-pressure warrior society, like Sparta, maybe. Meanwhile, Fern is a war orphan raised alone by an elderly priest. So, none of them has a normal childhood.

So, I think it’s a given they’d have difficulty communicating with each other. Saying this party is full of awkward people isn’t wrong, it turns out.

Sein Is What It Feels Being Dragged Into Adulthood In A Nutshell

Shortly after, Sein comes in and talks to both Stark and Fern. Throughout all of their talks, I feel like Sein is the perfect couple therapist for these two. I know, he is basically the corrupt priest 2.0. But, he actually is a good mediator for this party.

However, I think we can all agree with what he says right after. After all this time, at last, there is someone who says what we’ve been thinking. Seeing two overgrown teenagers like Stark and Fern having a fit against each other can feel ridiculous. Just make up and be together already!

Heck, what did Frieren do when these two children fought before we had Sein? I guess she just slept it off, yeah, I think that’s accurate.

To be honest, I can relate so much with Sein. He might be the most relatable character so far, even more than Frieren and her love for long-term procrastination. Frieren actually feels the same way about Sein. When she met him for the first time, she actually hated how similar they are.

A Goodbye To Sein, A Real One Now

Well, sadly, this episode is the last time we’re together with Sein. I hope he will make more appearances in another episode, though. Heck, I hope he runs into Monk Kraft accidentally, and makes Kraft feel nostalgic for a while. You know, because Kraft’s partner was also a priest.

Before parting ways with Frieren and the kids, there’s something that I notice about Sein. He recalls that they, as a party, rarely spend time together.

Frieren would either sleep, eat, or visit a magic shop. Stark usually trains by himself. I think Fern spends her time mostly reading by herself. And Sein? He’s out at the pub with the locals.

This scene, even though only a split second long, adds up to his final goodbye. It makes their time together feels too short, and should’ve been longer. I guess this is what happens when we don’t really socialize with each other, even in our own group or family.

We only notice them the moment they’re going away. I think this is the big message in the whole anime too. Frieren regrets taking her old party for granted, and she realized it only after Himmel’s death.

His death has such an impact on her, that the anime always uses his passing as a time reference. I guess this is also how Sein feels about Gorilla. Well, for now, it’s been great Sein. See you later.

The Walk To Äußerst

The group is now reduced back to just three people. Frieren, Stark, and Fern have to continue their journey without Sein. The scale of how far these big cities are apart is intense.

I think Fern has been traveling with Frieren for about four years now, and it has been a year for Stark. Yet, they’re still far away from their final destination, Aureole.

Also, it gives a better context on why we can’t just stop by the city of Tur to look for Gorilla as a group. That city is probably weeks or months away from where they’re now. Furthermore, they don’t ride horses. We know they pay for carriage sometimes. But, for most of the time, they just walk and take things slow.

A Long Walk Needs A Medic, After All

The first thing that I worry about with Sein’s departure is we essentially lost our private healthcare. He also might be among the talented priests out there too, remember when he got a snake’s poison out of Stark?

Not to mention, when he became the key player in saving a town from a fly trap on steroids. So, it’s kind of a big trouble when Fern gets a fever in this episode.

Prior to meeting Sein, I guess what they always did was practically just wait for anyone sick to get better on their own. For instance, when the three experienced their first snowstorm together, Stark actually collapsed.

When you can just slap a big warm guy like Kraft for Stark to get better, you don’t do that to Fern, do you? Although, I bet some fans would volunteer, of course.

Luckily, Sein left some notes and his book for Frieren. With it, she can sort of diagnose and make sure it’s just a regular fever Fern is having, and thankfully it is. I still think it’s curious, though. It’s interesting that they separate demon-derived magic from a priest’s magic.

You’re Always Be A Baby

Thankfully, there’s a remote village that Frieren had visited in the past. However, the village is now reduced to only a kind woman and her cattle. The lady lets Fern rest in her place, while Frieren and Stark look for the herb based on Sein’s notes.

Along this short search, I can’t help but think Frieren is being a real grandma here. She just keeps talking about how fast Fern has grown and how short Fern was compared to Frieren.

I think it’s funny no matter how dense or clueless Frieren is, the urge to talk about the kid you took care of still prevails. Now we know, we’ll also get that urge, no matter what our how opinion on it.

We might refuse that kind of treatment from our parents or grandparents at first. At first, Fern also refuses when Frieren tries to hold her hand, just to ease up the pain from the fever.

She might feel embarrassed that Frieren is treating her like a small child. However, It’s just Frieren trying to be caring as much as she can. After all, Frieren is not the one who came up with the idea that holding the hand of a sick person can make their illness easier.

Himmel Is Frieren’s Source Of Love Language

Frieren’s handholding brings us back to one of her flashbacks. These bits are one of the anime’s strong points. By looking at the past from Frieren’s current perspective, we get more of her backstory, but also how she probably changes throughout time.

Apparently, Frieren got the idea of holding hands from Himmel himself. One time, Frieren was the one who got a fever. While Heiter and Eisen were working on her medicine, Himmel stayed with her.

The handholding turned out to be a habit that Himmel got from his mother. Whenever he was sick, his mother would accompany him, hold his hand, and try to make him feel less lonely.

I love how Frieren picks up Himmel’s gesture. In my opinion, it’s not just a way for Frieren to remember Himmel. But, it also shows she learned a bit more about empathy through him. Frieren and Himmel’s romance is a rather unique take on love.

I think it’s fascinating how a one-thousand-year-old elf learned about love and emotions because of a thirty-something-year-old man. Usually, we get something like A Sign Of Affection, which has the bread and butter of a love story. However, putting a dead man as the love interest brings out a nostalgic and heavier emphasis on regrets and reminiscence.

https://seinenrider.com/2024/01/10/farewell-to-sein-for-now-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-17-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Winter2024

glow up 2024 by Jessica Carrie Lee

✨ #aesthetic #fyp #motivation #fall2023 #la #dayinmylife

via YouTube https://youtu.be/Nl9JAh_KuGw

Well, this review is a week late. But, it’s alright since apparently Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is taking a week off after Christmas. After the heartwarming dancing episode, we got back to what I consider this anime’s true atmosphere, bittersweet nostalgia and facing time as the real cruel mistress.

Speaking of nostalgia, in this episode we meet an old friend of Frieren, a dwarf named Voll or Old Man Voll. In this day and age, it’s hard for Frieren to find someone who shares the same past. Her old party members are no more other than Eisen, and the only elf we know of is Kraft, who is a stranger to Frieren.

For an elf like her, it’s almost impossible finding a friend with a similar lifespan. However, us humans can also have a long life friend. Like Sein who is searching for Gorilla Warrior, yes that the name of Sein’s friend. They’ve been separated for the last decade, at least.

The second part of this episode is a sad reminder to me, though. Sein’s character and story really do resonate with me. First, he struggled to just get out there and pursue what he really wants in the first place. Now, he is trying to reconnect to an old friend after so long. But, so much has probably changed with little trace of this Gorilla. Anyway, there are a few details that I’d like to point out in this episode.

Meet Old Man Voll, The Guardian Dwarf

Old Man Voll is a dwarven warrior, just like Eisen. They even have a similar outfit, and both rock luscious beards. I’m not really sure how old Eisen is. Voll himself is about four hundred years old, at least.

However, the average dwarf lifespan in Frieren’s world is about three hundred years. So, Voll is OLD old. I like how this anime portrays both Eisen and Voll. They are both old, but still haven’t lost their expertise. Most dwarves in fantasy stories are formidable fighters, like in LOTR.

The Cruelty Of Time

Voll has been staying at his village for ages. Not a single villager is sure why he decided to protect that village. However, his protection is much welcomed, despite Voll is now slowly getting senile. It’s hard for them to just make a casual conversation with Voll. But, when Frieren comes to visit him, Voll seems to be conversing just alright.

Things starts to be clear when Frieren and Voll are chatting about the past. Turns out Voll has lived so long, that he already forgot how his wife, a human, looks and sounds. This is a hefty price someone with a long lifespan has to pay, especially when they’ve lived longer than the average.

What broke my heart is when Voll repeats what he said to Frieren eighty years ago. His memory is already slipping, and he doesn’t remember that the demon king is no more.

Clearly, Voll has some kind of dementia going on. For one moment, this anime once again hits a grim reality of time. Whether we like it or not, our memories will become blurry when we’re old. So, it’s a must to always cherish them.

Carrying Out Memories

When the original heroes’ party met Voll, Himmel made Frieren promises to carry their memory into the future. Although she’s pretty indifferent about it at first, now she knows how important memories can be. After all, Himmel is nothing but memories now, and how else can we know about this wonderful man if not from Frieren’s flashbacks. I’m not crying… You are!

Being the only one that can outlive virtually anything makes Frieren the designated proof of the heroes’ party existence. Maybe, after another millennia, she’ll turn just like Monk Kraft, forgotten yet remembers a thousand tales.

Speaking of memories, they do hold a certain power over us as emotional beings. You see, the real reason Old Man Voll guards his village is that it’s his wife’s village. He promised her to keep it safe from any danger. Even it’s been more than years since her passing, and despite the fact he has forgotten how his wife’s appearance, he still holds his promise.

Seeking Gorilla

The first part of this episode is full of a tragic yet sweet reality of time. No matter how precious we are to a person, eventually parts of us will disappear from their memories. But, how can we be sure that we’ll be remembered anyway?

Sein’s childhood friend has the answer. Basically, make sure you make quite a name for yourself, both figuratively and literally. The second part of this episode is about searching for Sein’s friend, Warrior Gorilla. He is that one friend who asked Sein to go on an adventure together, but Sein declined his offer.

A Series Of Side Quests

When Sein is asking around about his friend’s whereabouts, they meet a peculiar old woman. The locals call her the old stubborn woman, even she proclaims her name the first time she meets Frieren and the rest. I guess it’s a fitting name, then.

However, it turns out that Gorilla was especially close to her during his stay. So, basically, we’ve hit the jackpot, right? Just ask her where Gorilla was heading, and we’ll be right on the money with our next destination.

Well, I wish it’s that easy. What follows is a montage of Frieren and friends doing side quests. Not that I’m complaining, but the resemblance to RPG games is just too uncanny.

This part really takes me back to the first time I played Skyrim. What Frieren says is true, though. Even if the tasks for adventurers can be boring at times, they can quickly spiral into a chaotic mayhem. Just like when I thought I could easily deliver an axe to the Jarl of Winterhold only to be attacked by bandits, bears, and dragons on my way.

The Forgotten Heroes

When the old woman finally runs out of tasks for Frieren and the rest, she asks for one more thing. She wants them to clean the statues of the forgotten heroes. A simple and menial task, thankfully. However, on their way to the statue, the old woman correctly guess Sein as the goatee priest, a nickname that was given to him when he and Gorilla were little.

You see, it turns out that these statues aren’t something Sein hadn’t seen. There is one of these back in Sein’s hometown, too. It’s a statue of a pair of heroes, a warrior and a priest. However, no one really knows who these people are. Their tales have been buried deep in history, and probably for good.

Heiter, little Gorilla, and little Sein once talked about them. But, even Heiter didn’t really know the history behind these heroes. This is what motivated Gorilla to call himself by a catchy name. I’ve got to admit, the man is a genius in personal branding.

And since the priest statue got a little goatee, Heiter jokingly called Sein the goatee priest. That name apparently stuck, and Gorilla often shared his story about Sein to the old woman, including the name.

Wait A Minute, Kraft?

Upon a closer look, Frieren notices something with the warrior statue. Isn’t that Monk Kraft? It’s too similar to be a different person. Well, what do you know, one of the so-called forgotten heroes is actually still roaming and wandering to wherever he likes.

So, maybe I was right about Kraft. He’s not just a monk. He’s way more than that, probably equivalent to Himmel in his days. Considering that he is way older than Frieren, it all makes sense now why he said all that remembered his feats are no longer in this world.

However, the fact that Kraft is one of the forgotten heroes makes me think of another speculation. Remember the hero’s sword? The one that wouldn’t budge for anyone except a true hero, even Himmel couldn’t take it out from the stone. So, what if it’s actually Kraft’s sword. It would be even funnier if he had used it once and decided to put it back in the stone.

A Goodbye To Sein?

After cleaning the statues, the old woman finally tells them Gorilla’s last known destination. It’s the city of Tur. However, it’s located on the opposite direction of Frieren’s next destination, Äußerst. Is it time to say goodbye to Sein? If so, then that’s a pity. Sein has been so relatable since his first appearance. I’d be sad if they part ways.

However, I still think it’s best for him to head for Tur instead of tagging along with Frieren. After all, his original purpose is to find Gorilla, not to go to Aureole. Not to set any flag here, but if we were to meet Sein again in the future, I hope it’s not by the side of Gorilla’s tombstone. I’d be mortified.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/31/the-old-and-the-forgotten-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-16-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd

Well, finally we’ve arrived at the end of this anime. Watching this episode after Christmas was such a great gift for me. I give my thanks to Santa, being a good boy in 2023 wasn’t a waste, after all. This ending is such a good payoff after all the build up. At last, our boy Haruka gets something after all he has done.

Honestly, it’s so fitting how masterful this episode is. It’s more than a satisfying end. This final episode also sums up everything that is great in Overtake! From character development to the actual race, you name it.

Nevertheless, I wish this anime got more attention. While its motorsport settings isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I’m sure anyone who watched since the beginning is hooked. Let’s get to what happens in this final episode.

A Few Sweet Things

Let’s start with the little things. I think Overtake! is absolutely detailed, especially in the way the characters grow. I’m glad the anime doesn’t spare anytime for weird quirks that we often see in other shows.

Instead, Overtake! chooses quality plot over cheap fan service. To me, this makes us able to see the characters in a more grounded and sentimental way. Even down to the side characters, I found them to be individually endearing and not just as plot devices.

Unconditional Love And Support

The theme of supporting another is all over this anime. I think this is the core message in the whole story. Overtake! tells us to root for our closest friends and appreciate their supports.

Haruka’s story especially emphasizes this theme. By the end of this anime, I couldn’t believe that this is the same Haruka from the first episode.

Haruka went from an asocial person to the one who seeks out a friend in need and appreciating their support the most. He goes from declining Koya’s support to calling him as supportive as a mother, which is extremely wholesome but rather hilarious.

Speaking of Koya, He is more about opening up to what other people offer. After all, if we don’t want to be helped, no one will be able to reach out to us in the first place. I see he has gone a long way from a person who always pretend to be okay, to his literal meltdown, and him actually listening to others.

The Fans And Romance

A neat little detail that I notice in this episode. We should never ignore even the most miniscule support that we get. Do you know where did I get this? From Satsuki Harunaga. The guy, who I thought to be annoying at first, turns out to be one of the most impactful for me.

Ever since the beginning, Satsuki always greets his fans. Not once I see him giving a cold shoulder to anyone. Even at his lowest point, he listens to others’ advice, even if it seems unsolicited.

Remember what Aris said to Satsuki? Aris’s advice is a major turning point for Satsuki. Had he ignored her, he would never recover mentally. Also, don’t forget Aris’s respond when Satsuki repeats her advice and gives her a wink, I think it’s a cute little comedic touch to add a nose bleed.

“I see. I always wanted to be like Hunt. However, it seems that Lauda is the one I should really learn.”

Satsuki Harunaga after listening to Aris in episode eight.

Also, Satsuki turns out to be an excellent wingman. Despite the attention he gets regularly, he doesn’t succumb into a Narcissus-like trope. When a fan approach him and Toshiki, he doesn’t immediately assume she comes for him. Instead, the fan comes for Toshiki, and we get to watch how adorably awkward Toshiki is.

An Unrequited Love

On a side note, somewhere in the middle of the anime, we know there is one established romance. It’s between Aris and Satsuki. Although, it’s not so obvious if Satsuki shares the same feelings.

However, I didn’t expect Kotaro to show an interest toward Aris. I know they’re very close and childhood friends. But, before the final race, it seems Kotaro wants to ask Aris out, only to be stopped by Aris’s cluelessness. I know he blushed when she ate his ice cream, taking it as an indirect kiss. But, I didn’t think he’s into Aris. Am I just much an airhead as Aris? Man…

The Most Epic Race In This Anime

Moving on to the actions in this anime. We know Overtake! has a gorgeous CGI animation. However, F4 races basically are races between cars with the same chassis. So, I can understand if some say the races are not as exciting as MF Ghost’s.

On the other hand, the races in Overtake! still prove to have excellent cinematography. I like the way the anime captures each moment of actions and emphasizes what the characters are thinking.

A Great Build Up

The beginning of this final episode highlights each characters’ thought on this event. I love how this anime starts the final episode and the first the same way, showing Sae-chan driving Koya to the race. However, in the final episode, Koya is much more enthusiastic and invested.

Other than Koya and Sae’s relationship, I like how the anime spare some running time for the development of others as well. Haruka and Koya supporting each other, Satsuki and Aris’s romance, and we’ll get to the rivalry of the three racers.

Also, it’s a nice touch that they include Mr. Komaki and Belsorriso owner, Mr. Ena. Both of them were in the same team alongside Haruka’s father. For a brief moment, they reminisce how Haruka’s father would take a breather on the spot they’re at. It’s sweet to see the old ones being nostalgic, especially if it involves someone related to the protagonist.

A Call Back To The Rivalry

Early in Overtake! we’re immediately introduced to Toshiki and Haruka’s beef. It began when Toshiki smashed in Haruka’s car. Ever since, Toshiki nickname Haruka as a “Chicane”. Toshiki’s sentiment for Haruka lasts to later episodes.

There is also Toshiki and Satsuki’s beef. Well, not necessarily a beef, but it’s natural for Toshiki to have a bit of ambition when you’re a second driver who constantly drives behind the first driver. Toshiki eventually got his first driver position, replacing Satsuki who was recovering from his injuries.

However, Satsuki challenged Toshiki’s position when he returned in the last episode. So, Belsorriso conducted an in-team race. Filled with determination, Toshiki came out first. I like the dynamics between these two. It showcases their competitiveness while still maintaining a good sportsmanship.

So, it’s a no-brainer when the anime pits the three against each other in this final race. Haruka starts at the sixth position and is quickly gaining on the Belsorriso duo. Until, it’s finally the three of them competing for the first place.

The Last Slipstream

I mentioned a lot about Toshiki’s determination to be the top driver in Belsorriso. However, I don’t think he goes so far that he becomes a maniacal about being the top driver. In this episode, he does what makes me think he is the most compelling character in the anime.

When the three battle against each other on the track, Toshiki accidentally crashes into the backmarker. A backmarker is the last driver in a race, they often get blue flagged by the race marshal as a signal to let the race leaders pass them.

However, I think in this case either Toshiki is driving too passionately, the backmarker fails to notice Toshiki, or the marshal fails to signal the backmarker. Either way, it results in him breaking his front wing.

Now, it’s clear Toshiki can’t race optimally, the front wing is a major component in a car’s aerodynamics. However, instead of pitting, he chooses to give a slipstream for Satsuki, and catapults his teammate further away from Haruka. Toshiki later retires from the race. Man, if this is not the greatest move a wingman can do, I don’t know what is.

Haruka And Satsuki’s Duel

With Toshiki out of the way, it’s up to Satsuki to maintain Belsorriso’s domination. However, Haruka and Komaki Motors are in their top shape today. Satsuki and Haruka’s duel might be my favorite part in this episode, the long one-take scene is absolutely stunning in my eyes.

Haruka proves to be a formidable opponent for Satsuki. I notice that Haruka has a really aggressive driving style when he is chasing someone. On the contrary, Satsuki is swift, precise, and more calculated. However, his injuries hamper him from showing his potential this time.

Haruka’s Win Is Also Koya’s Win

Eventually, with everyone including people from past episodes supporting him, Haruka overtakes Satsuki. And with this maneuver, his win is secured, with Satsuki coming in second. It’s also worth mentioning the throwback to Haruka’s memory about his father. Haruka’s win feels so sweet after all he has gone through. However, it seems like Koya also enjoys his own victory.

“I’m filled with power when I support you.”

Koya to Haruka when he is about to take pictures.

Koya promises to take Haruka’s picture when Haruka get to stand on the podium, and this is his moment too. This episode shortly sums up his struggle. It’s Haruka who ignited Koya’s soul in photography. However, when things get tough, Sae also gives him the push he needs. Suffice to say, seeing Haruka holding the trophy and Koya taking pictures of him are absolutely satisfying payoffs.

My Final Conclusion About Overtake!

To wrap up my review on this episode and the anime overall, I’d like to point out some bits that I found so compelling. I didn’t know about Overtake! until the second episode aired.

I had no information whatsoever about this original anime. However, it turns out to be one of my favorites all season. And yet, Overtake! checks out every box in my good anime requirement list.

A Masterful Storytelling And Production

The greatest aspect of Overtake! is its story. Despite being only twelve episodes long, this anime masterfully showcases the development of each character. Also, it has one of the most heavy-hitting themes across fall 2023 anime, while also still being entertaining and lighthearted.

In addition to that, I really appreciate the production value of this anime. Although Overtake! might not the most visually appealling anime of all time, it’s still has both gorgeous art style and CGI animation. Also, the opening song, Tailwind by Kanae, has really grown on me.

Amazing Races, Albeit Short

Another thing that everyone must appreciate about this anime is the sheer amount of references to the real-life formula racing. It seems like Overtake! takes the history behind this motorsport really seriously. On top of that, this anime showcases the real danger behind formula racing too.

Also, the anime sometimes highlights the real sciences on how a formula car works, and its business, financial aspects. However, it’s a shame the racing isn’t as much as I’d like. But, this is a worthwhile sacrifice to balance with the story.

A Satisfying End

Once again, the finale is a perfect ending episode. I love how this episode subtly sums up the whole plot. Every minute has its own moments, from the heartfelt to the high-adrenaline ones. Also, all the intricate themes are adressed once more in the final episode, and they’re given a great wrap up.

Surely, Overtake! deserve more attention. I won’t be surpirised if this anime will be called a hidden gem in the future. it has a very well-balanced pacing, Overtake! has the more mature themes and a good amount of real-life formula racing references for motorsport geeks.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/28/what-an-epic-anime-overtake-episode-12-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Overtake_ #Racing #RacingAnime