Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

"When Eternity Learns to Feel" - this title perfectly describes what Frieren is all about. This anime is definitely my favorite, even though I'm rarely drawn to slow-paced stories. It beautifully shows that it's not the destination that matters, but the journey itself. Frieren, an immortal elf, slowly begins to understand human emotions - and that slow, delicate process is what makes the story so powerful. I highly recommend this show to everyone - it's truly worth giving a try. While there isn't a lot of action, when it does appear, it's impactful and well-animated. But the true magic lies in the quiet moments, the inner transformations, and the emotional depth. The character development is amazing, and the story explores many thoughtful and touching themes. I'm genuinely looking forward to season two !

This is a great story, but it is also a little slow to get going. However, before you know it, you're invested in the characters and want to know what's going to happen next. It's worth getting through the first few slow episodes. You will follow the past and present adventurer tales of an Elf mage while she learns the value of getting to know those that choose to travel with her. You learn that she spent centuries mostly keeping to herself, even when in the company of others; and despite her age, many of her behaviors are quite child-like. We watch her grow to understand her effect on others (good and bad), as we learn that everything may not be quite as it seems.

On most anime's you'll see, at least the most popular ones, regardless if they are great or just fine (or even other movies and TV shows for that matter) there is always an ultimate goal for the protagonists; a villain to defeat; something precious to be found; saving a loved one... that's kind of how most narratives go - what if a story starts after the main purpose has already been achieved, what's next? This is what Frieren's beautiful journey explores...

An elf, in a world populated mostly by humans, with a huge life span continues her peaceful journey that is her life, after having been a part of a group of 4 people that managed to defeat the source of most evil in their world, a Demon King.

It's a really original and unconventional storyline, we start where most anime's would end, what's next if you have already achieved your ultimate goal in life?

Not only that, we see the world through the eyes of a character that outlives almost everyone she meets, her concept of time is radically different from any average human she crosses paths with, for her there's no rush, she has all the time in the world... This is where we start to see some beautiful and philosophical lessons being laid out - are we not all guilty of assuming we and everyone around will live forever? We struggle to find meaning in ordinary things and we let our lives pass us by assuming there will always be a next time, unfortunately it doesn't work like that every time.

The original narrative gets even more epic with the astonishingly daunting soundtrack, amazing colors and animation and some light hearted comic moments.

The last part of this first season gets a bit more tedious, I feel some of the storylines get a bit stretched but other than that it's a really great story with some really good life lessons, some comedic and also emotional moments along their journey, I am glad they are coming up with another season as there are still some great moments ahead for sure!

I like the artstyle and the sound quality is astounding. The story is diffrent, because it begins after the kill of the demonlord, the most powerful enemy. I can recommend this anime to everyone, because it is funny, sad, nostalgic. The pace is a little slow at the start, but it catches up and it is adding to the story, because it is about a 1000 year old elf, for her time is diffrent. And still she was only 10 years with her companions at the journey, she had many memories. Very nice crafted Anime. I think everyone can see himself in one or the other character. Even the drawing style gives me nostalgica, it reminds me of the old handdrawn disney movies.

One of the more interesting fantasy shows I watched in recent years. I loved the interesting take on elves and their long lives. How the long life of an elf would create a human disconnect to others. The character development is awesome especially for Frieren and her journey. I also loved the perspective of the story being after the grand quest to defeat the demon king. An almost backwards story-telling at first, setting up the current journey, slowly gathering new party members. The fight scenes are incredibly animated and smooth. The environment is gorgeous and the characters are compelling. The world-building was perfectly paced and keeps the audience wanting to learn more. I cannot wait for the next season.

A must watch for any fantasy fans, 9.4/10.