Girls und Panzer

Despite having some anime-cliche moments, over the top, predictable plot, this anime was unexpectedly amazing.

And no, I didn't watch this because of girls. Infact, I thought it was silly in the first place. As a history enthusiast, the anime did a very good job at referencing real and mostly accurate historical context that bring joy to me (and yes, there were some inaccuracies) because I never expected so much history mentioned in pop culture. I really enjoy watching this, and this is definitely made by history fans and for history fans.

LIKE CMON? 2D GIRLS DRIVING TANKS? YOU CAN'T FIND THESE NOWADAYS

When I first saw this on Netflix I almost chose not to watch it. It just looked too absurd. But after the first episode I was greatly interested-- mainly due to the humor of the one liners and setup of characters. By the 2nd & 3rd episode I was hooked.

This show starts with a ridiculous concept-- that girls in tank battles is the ultimate of high school femininity-- and jumps the shark from there, repeatedly and intentionally. Typical line: "It's just that tankery is the very essence of femininity. I don't think I've ever seen guys driving tanks."

The concept is not without precedence. Cute girls and hot cars have sold hotrod magazines for decades. So why not cute girls and tanks? Especially if they throw in a good sense of humor-- which is the case.

Creds have to be given to the research staff. Obviously the creator and staff are *really in to tanks*. I'm no expert so all I can speak from is audience impact-- but it seems they have the tank models, weights, armor, maneuverability and power down pat. I think just about every tank ever made is featured in this 12-episode series and the follow-up 2 hour movie.

Ridiculous? Yes. Strategic? In some parts very much so, in other parts ludicrously so. If you're in the mood for anime girls, heavy weapons and ridiculous humor all in one series, this might be just the ticket.

On the downside: I have to say some of the rules of the tank competitions are a bit lop sided. In the drama of the show it's intended as an underdog sympathy trick... but pitting 5 tanks against 10 just doesn't seem cricket. One would think balanced sides would be a requirement. But then, one doesn't go into a high school girl tank battle expecting fair play and realism, eh? ;D

Fun watch that exceeded expectations.

What makes a girl feminine? Driving heavy tanks apparently. A clash of wills, where kindness and prowess unites resulting in the genius that is our coy and self deprecating protagonist! Still, I will be first to say that the mixture of ludicrousness and bonhomie is a winning combination! A wonderful watch, though in this series the question as to why Japan needs teenage girls to fight simulated tank battles is still not answered. Also, what's up with the gargantuan ships with whole towns and landscape on them? Looking forward for the next romp; where I'm sure all would be elucidated! Panzer vor!

Actually, the title pretty much says it all. This show involves a future/alternative history where teenage girls drive tanks as a martial art, to the point that at one point one of the characters notes 'it just looks weird to see a man driving a tank'.

The tanks are restricted to 1945 and before, with some (probably rather unlikely) restrictions to keep from killing off all the competitors. I suspect someone with an interest in World War I & II vintage military equipment would have a lot of fun watching this show just for the stuff in the background. By all accounts, most of the equipment seem in this show in a good copy of existing WW I & II equipment. On a related note, the various high-schools are all mounted on what look like converted aircraft carriers, so there are some more early 20th century military equipment to check out there.

There are lots of interesting side notes in this show, as well. For example, at one point some crew visit a military version of a Dick's Sporting Goods or Bass Pro Shop type store. (for lack of a better way to describe it) Another time, the team gets a hold of a WWII (I think) French tank that was famous for its unreliability in the field. The team starts up the tank, drives it out onto the battlefield, and promptly gets knocked out of the fighting.

I could go on and on, but I suspect you know by now if you are interested in this show or not, so I'll close here.

There is only one reason why you should watch this anime: To watch girls blow the living crap out of each other in tanks!

On the outside it looks adorable, but on the inside, past the surface, they are metal A. F.! (Word-play intended!)

Pros: *This is a must-watch if you are infatuated with tanks or World War II.

*Minimal (if any) fanservice at all.

*The characters' designs are aesthetically pleasing.

*If you are looking for something to watch while exercising on the treadmill, then this would be an appropriate pick. It does not require much cerebral thought or mental involvement, yet it has just enough action in it to get you pumped!

Cons: *There isn't that much of a narrative. They do not really explore anything other than "what would happen if we put high school girls in a tank and have them fight other tanks?" *There is some back story, but not necessarily quite as much as one might hope. The main back story comes in the form of flashbacks.

*The realism goes in and out in places. This anime has particularly become notorious as a meme across the internet community for following "anime logic" with respects to its tank battles. This might be a pro or a con, depending on whichever perspective you view it from.