kairoskop

It is rather amazing to see that the majority of votes and reviews is 10 or 9, calling it a masterpiece or similar things.

I have quite a few things to point out, most of which have been pointed out by others as well.

For me there are two major flaws in the series that will probably prevent me from watching season two.

The first thing is the outright defiance of basic biology, physiology and medicine. Had there been a supernatural element to the series I could have accepted the main character being stabbed repeatedly in crucial parts of the body in consecutive days and suffering no physical consequences as a result. I will not even address the discrepancies that the main charter possesses supernatural power against multiple adversaries in some occasions while in others is being beaten almost to death by a single person.

The second thing is the lack of some sort of reasonable closure for season one. You get to the last episode with no real outcome. You feel like you wasted 8 episodes with no palpable result.

And then -as other have mentioned- there are many plot holes and weaknesses such as the main character and others being spared their life by their opponent for no obvious reason, the outstanding lack of security in the shogun palace (eg the guard on the tower has to be beaconed to see the surroundings with the telescope, while you have expected to do it by himself -it is literally their job), the illogical modern day feminist view of society/establishments by some characters and their totally directionless character evolvement, the unnecessary depiction of full frontal nudity and vulgar sex scenes, the unreasonable sympathy between initial rivals and many more.. It is quite a shame because it did start promising and had nice side characters.

Over all -and quite generously- I'd give a 4/10.

It was very promising but the writer stretched it too much. As a result it kept repeating it self in terms of moral dilemmas of the characters, introducing new characters that didn't really offer anything new but just experienced the same anguishes from a different point of view, only to be repeated again and again and again.

Also the development of certain characters was non consistent ( such as Armin's which had evolved greatly in the first 3 seasons only to be diminished into an imbecile in the 4 season or Jean) or non existent (such as Mikasa). It's also very bad to have a story where your protagonist is a total unlikeable brat that only makes it through thanks to the effort of others.

Many of the characters have were inexplicably idiotic in many situations especially given the fact that they were living under constant duress.

The anti-war, anti-prejudice, anti-racism, anti- colonialism, anti-genocide messages with direct references to wwI and wwII are all well and good, but ultimately are not enough to compensate for the anticlimactic ending and convoluted plot.

It meant well but ultimately tried too hard and missed it's mark.

Highly overrated.

Modern greek cinema has many flaws and generally tends to absurdity in its effort to be original and unique. But this movie stands out and feels so real, so grounded, so familiar and yet so original and unique.

The actors all give astounding performances and the music score, cinematography, photograph are contributing excellently to this beautiful movie.

It is a drama, in the original sense of the word although the ending offers no catharsis like the ancient drama. It does simulate though meaningful thoughts as to the pursuit of happiness in life.

One will not regret spending the time to watch this movie.