Fullmetal Alchemist : 10 Reasons Why Greed and Pride Is The Best Part Of The Franchise

Fullmetal Alchemist have 7 deadly homunculi, but the best are definitely Greed & Pride. Here is why

One of the most popular manga/anime shonen stories out there is Fullmetal Alchemist, a story of pride and tragic hubris, the light and darkness of humanity, redemption, and much more. Good villains can make a story far more compelling, and Fullmetal Alchemist has plenty of those. Seven deadly homunculi represent the major sins, and the two best are Greed and Pride.

Each of them embodies major themes of this show, and they also have all kinds of cool action scenes and smart dialogue with the rest of the cast. Between Pride and Greed, which one of them best represents Fullmetal Alchemist and brings the story to life in a memorable way?

10. Greed: Redemption

In a sense, each of the deadly sins homunculi died in a manner that contradicts the sins they represent. Sloth died fighting, and Gluttony was devoured by Pride. Greed, meanwhile, died in a way worthy of any shonen protagonist: fighting for others.

By the end of the story, Greed had learned the value of humanity and the real worth of good friends, so he bravely risked himself to confront Father and take him down. It was inspiring to see Greed do a total 180 like that and give his life for others.

9. Pride: All-Powerful

The best villains are the most powerful, those that hold all the cards and force the hero to run away or find a creative solution to win the day. Pride the homunculus is exactly that villain, and not even the ultra-powerful Van Hohenheim can defeat him.

Pride embodies powers from the other six homunculi, and his true body is an enormous mass of shadows, eyes, and mouths that can destroy or devour everything in their path. For the longest time, it seemed like nothing could stop him, and that made all of his scenes tense and scary.

8. Greed: Theme Of Immortality

Why did Greed send his minions to capture Alphonse and drag him back to the Devil’s Nest? Despite being over 200 years old, Greed feared death, and he wanted to become truly immortal (like Father does).

He couldn’t crack the code just by studying Alphonse’s body, so he lured Edward into the Devil’s Nest and offered a deal. If the Elrics gave him the secret to immortality like Al’s, he’d give them leads on the Philosopher’s Stone. Though the deal was rejected, it nicely played into the themes of the entire franchise.

7. Pride: Inner Evil

Who is Selim Bradley? He seems to be King Bradley’s young son, but that body is just a hollow container for the monster within. Ed once met “Selim” and had no idea that he was face to face with none other than Pride.

This is symbolic of humanity’s darker half, where some individuals, groups, or causes appear benign or ordinary on the outside, and are horrific on the inside. Fullmetal Alchemist isn’t cynical, nor does it wear rose-tinted glasses; it sees both halves of human nature, and Pride stands for the darker one.

6. Greed: Cool Powers

All of the homunculi have supernatural powers, like Envy’ shapeshifting and Lust’s spear-like fingers, but perhaps none of them are more eye-catching than Greed’s armored form. He will use it against only the strongest of foes.

He can rearrange the carbon in his body to form a diamond-hard outer skin, and very few attacks can breach it. Greed can use this on just his hands, but if need be, he can cover his whole body, and he looks like an awesome comic book villain in the process. In some screenshots or manga panels, he looks downright terrifying.

5. Pride: Mirrors Father

Pride is symbolic not just of humanity’s darker inner half, but also of the Father homunculus that created him in the first place. He truly is Father’s son: he looks like Father’s original body with his shadowy form, and his life is similar, too.

Despite purging himself of sinful pride, Father’s plans and dialogue are still quite prideful, and they match Pride’s ideas of homunculus superiority. Both of them died in a fit of hubris, such as “how can mere mortal humans defeat me?!” This symbolizes any number of real-life empires or dictators who were taken down by the very people they looked down upon.

4. Greed: Good Sense Of Humor

The best characters are the most well-rounded ones. Whether a hero or a villain, a character shouldn’t be defined by just one trait or goal, or they end up shallow. Fortunately, Greed is quite a complex fellow.

He is vicious and ambitious, but he also learns to have a heart, and he’s a bit funny, too. He goofed off a bit during his first arc, and he’s a good sport when other people get angry at him. During the final battle against Father, Greed had a relaxed, cool, punkish attitude that totally contrasted with Pride or Wrath.

3. Pride: Sinister

Those little tendrils on Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye’s neck are Pride’s, and he sure knows how to intimidate people. Many of the coolest villains are also the most chilling or menacing, from Hannibal Lecter to Darth Vader.

Pride is like that too, being able to stalk anyone and intimidate them into seeing things his way. He was also chillingly relaxed and casual as he prepared to eat Solf J. Kimblee alive to steal his powers.

2. Greed: Humble Homunculus

Despite being selfish and sometimes arrogant, Greed does have his humble side, and this also helps make him a well-rounded character, aside from his humor. He proves that even the mighty have a few things to learn.

He was perfectly willing to share a body with Prince Ling, and he listened to Ling in order to learn how to better fight Wrath. He even refers to Ling as a friend, and he openly admitted that Pride is a “monster,” even for him.

1. Pride: Undying Evil?

Pride has an open ending, as opposed to Father’s more conclusive final fate. He was beaten into submission when Edward converted himself into a Philosopher’s Stone, and his homunculus body dissolved away.

But he appears again in an epilogue scene, as an even younger boy who doesn’t recall his life as Pride. Is Pride truly gone, or is he just biding his time until he’s reborn? It’s ambiguous in the anime, and it tantalizes the viewer. Sometimes, evil never seems to die.

10 Times Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Made Us Cry

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood may be filled with a lot of exciting action, but it is also equally filled with truly sad moments.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a rollercoaster of emotions. In just one episode, this amazing anime can make you cry tears of joy one moment and sob uncontrollably the next. Over the course of sixty-four episodes, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tugged at our heartstrings more times than we can count. Aside from the fact that almost every character has a depressing backstory, tons of moments made us bawl our eyes out.

Brotherhood is a highly emotional story at its core and does an excellent job of hitting the audience right in the feels. Here are some honorable mentions: Ed and Al coming home, Riza’s throat cut, Roy losing his sight, the nation-wide transmutation circle activated, Hawkeye talks down Mustang, Ed and Al leaving the Portal of Truth, etc. It would be virtually impossible to list every single moment that has made us tear up, so here are the ten that stand out.

10. ED AND AL ATTEMPT HUMAN TRANSMUTATION

Human transmutation. A taboo among alchemists. Strictly forbidden. And impossible because the souls that have left this world can never be called back. Unfortunately, the young Elric brothers who lost their mother couldn’t comprehend this at the time they attempted it. They were just kids. They were alone and scared, and they just wanted to see their mom again.

The brothers researched human transmutation and attempted to bring their mom back to life only to pay the ultimate price for their transgression. Alphonse lost his whole body, while Ed lost his left leg. Watching this scene is crushing. Hearing the boys’ cries and seeing their bodies disintegrate is heart-rending. But, the moment that utterly destroys us is Ed yelling: “Give him back, he’s my brother! Take my leg! Take my arm! Take my heart! Anything! You can have it! Just give him back! He’s my little brother! He’s all I have left!” Yet, Ed musters whatever strength he has left to draw the transmutation circle with his blood and bind Al’s soul to a suit of armor. It’s too much for anyone with a heart to bear.

9. Shou Tucker turns his daughter into a chimera

The fourth episode of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is depressing, disturbing, and then some. The brothers meet a State Alchemist named Shou Tucker, known for transmuting a talking chimera. They spend some time at his house, conducting research, and playing with his daughter Nina and her dog Alexander.

Though it all seems harmless and sweet in the beginning, it soon becomes glaringly obvious that there’s something amiss with Tucker. With his assessment day coming up, Tucker, having nothing to show for his work, grows desperate. In the show’s most shocking and traumatizing moment, this piece of excrement father actually uses his daughter and her dog to create a chimera. This is an irreversible process, a fact that has haunted the brothers ever since. The Elrics never forgot about Nina, and neither did anyone who’s seen this anime. To say that this episode made us cry would be an understatement. Just talking about it now has our eyes filling up with tears.

8. AL QUESTIONING WHETHER HE’S A REAL BOY

In the show’s eighth episode, Alphonse Elric encounters a hollow suit of armor, proving he’s not the only one whose soul had been bound to an object. The soul bound to the armor is none other than the convicted serial killer, Barry the Chopper. In order to gain the upper hand in their fight, Barry plants a seed of doubt in Alphonse’s mind, making Al question whether he is a real person at all.

The dilemma eats at him as he suffers in silence until he finally confronts Ed about it. Seeing a wonderful, kind-hearted, and too-good-for-this-world boy like Al go through something like this breaks our hearts just as much as seeing a devoted, loving, and brave brother like Ed deal with such insinuations. It’s easy to break down into tears as these scenes play out, especially once we see that the brothers’ fight is having a huge effect on Winry.

7. The death of Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes

The death of Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes is a pivotal moment in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as it serves as the incentive for Roy Mustang to set his coup d’etat plans into motion. While the scene in which Envy kills Hughes was certainly sad, the real tearjerker came at Hughes’s funeral. Watching Hughes’s daughter Elicia crying, while everyone else attempts to keep their emotions at bay was heartbreaking.

But, the moments that gets us every single time is when Mustang and Hawkeye are standing by Hughes’s grave alone and Mustang says “it’s a terrible day for rain” while tears start streaming down his face. It’s literally the last straw. If we weren’t crying already, this is the moment that is sure to get us bawling our eyes out.

6. HAWKEYE BREAKS DOWN

There’s something unsettling and excruciatingly painful about watching badass characters have a complete breakdown. Hawkeye is simply the kind of person you’d think can’t ever be broken, and when she finally hit her breaking point it’s all that more poignant to watch her crumble and give up.

That is what happened in “Death of the Undying” when we watched in disbelief as Hawkeye literally lost the will to live believing Lust had killed Mustang. Watching the seemingly unbreakable, stoic, and reserved Lieutenant Hawkeye get so emotional, break into tears, screaming and sobbing uncontrollably while firing god knows how many bullets at the monster hits us right in the feels. If Al hadn’t been there to protect her, Riza would have let herself get killed and that thought is terrifying.

5. ED CONVINCES WINRY NOT TO KILL SCAR

In the twenty-second episode of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Hiromu Arakawa pulls off something pretty damn impressive by crafting a moment that’s heartwarming, a tearjerker, and a moment of awesome all at once. When Winry overhears Elric’s conversation with Scar and finds out that the Ishvalan was the one who killed her parents, her reaction is gut-wrenching.

In a state of despair and deep sadness, she picks up a gun and points it at Scar, prompting Ed to shield her with his own body to stop Scar’s incoming attack. Ed then comforts a sobbing Winry and tells her that she couldn’t shoot Scar because her hands weren’t meant to take lives, but to save them, just as she saved him by giving him an arm and a leg. If that speech doesn’t melt your heart we don’t know what will.

4. ED PUNCHING OPEN THE PORTAL OF TRUTH

For the entirety of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, we all lived and breathed for the moment when Al would finally get his original body back so that he can be a normal teenage boy, eat all the food on his list, and live a happy life. Every time the boys would inch closer to their goal our hearts would fill with hope.

In the twenty-sixth episode, Ed opens the Portal of Truth once again and finds Al’s body there. Even though the cruel hands of Truth pull him back, Ed manages to punch open the portal and let his brother know that he is coming back for him. When Ed yells out his message and the door finally starts closing we hear the“Let it All Out” ending start to play it becomes virtually impossible to hold back tears.

3. AL TRADES HIS SOUL FOR ED’S ARM

In the final fight against father, nearly everyone the Elric brothers met on their arduous journey landed a hand in an effort to stop father from achieving his goals. With one of his attacks, father managed to destroy Ed’s automail arm, so when another attack pinned his other hand to a piece of concrete, Ed was helpless. Luckily for him, his brother Alphonse, with some help from May, transmuted his soul back to his body that was stuck in the Portal of Truth, giving Ed his right arm back.

The horror and pain in Ed’s eyes as he realizes what’s happening is absolutely soul-crushing. And Al’s subsequent reunion with his body is just as emotional. At this point, we’re crying happy tears, sad tears, we don’t even know what we’re crying for.

2. GREED’S DEATH

The most surprising hero of the Promised Day was the homunculus Greed, who not only joined the fight on the side of the humans, or as he put it – the underdog, he literally laid his life on the line to help the heroes defeat father. In a heart-crushing scene, Greed tricks Ling into thinking they’re gonna fight father together and just when Ling lets his guard down, Greed surrenders himself to father.

In his dying moments, Greed admits that all his life what he really wanted, what he was truly greedy for were friends. Ling breaks down into tears, devastated as father destroys Greed and it’s hard not to shed a tear for this unwitting hero that only wanted to have friends. Of course, the entire time this is happening “Lapis Philosophorum” tugs at our heartstrings.

1. JOURNEY’S END

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has a happy ending. While there’s certainly a lot of work to be done in order to make everything less wrong with Amestris, our heroes are, for the most part, living happier lives. Yet, when that final episode “Journey’s End” starts playing we can’t help but shed a few happy tears here and there.

The scene that truly gets us going comes at the very end when Ed narrates that iconic closing line: “There’s no such thing as a painless lesson. They just don’t exist. Sacrifices are necessary; you can’t gain anything without losing something first. Although, if you can endure that pain, and walk away from it, you’ll have a heart that’s strong enough to overcome any obstacle. Yea, a heart made fullmetal.” Shut up. We’re not crying. You are.

10 Heartbreaking Anime That have Happy Endings

Although there are several heartbreaking anime with heartbreaking endings, there are a few that end on a happy note.

Anime is a diverse medium with a variety of concepts and storylines packed into several unique genres. There is an anime to go with any emotion that viewers want to feel while watching — whether it’s blood pumping action, adventure, comedy, drama, or something else entirely.

However, not every anime is filled with cheer and happiness. In fact, many shows have distressing moments that end up leaving viewers sad or upset. Although there are several heartbreaking anime with heartbreaking endings, there are a few that end on a happy note — as much for their characters as the audience.

10. Tokyo Ghoul — Kaneki Gets His Happy Family

Tokyo Ghoul definitely has its tragedies and tearjerking moments — There is no lack of death and destruction throughout the series, but there are also small glimpses of happier occasions, mainly through character relationships and comedic moments.

Viewers come to care about Kaneki and those he surrounds himself with, both as a human and a ghoul. Despite the issues fans have with the anime as an adaptation, it does have a happy ending. All of those tragedies pale in comparison with seeing Kaneki survive, not to mention getting to live with Touka and their daughter.

9. Given — Mayufu Finds His Passion For Music

On the surface, Given doesn’t necessarily sound like it’s going to be a heartbreaking anime. It focuses on Mafuyu, who convinces one of his classmates to teach him how to play the guitar that he always carries around with him. However, the anime goes a lot deeper than what its viewers may think — discussing the realities of loss and not knowing how to deal with a loved one’s death.

Viewers are taken on an emotional, and at times, heart-wrenching journey as Mafuyu finds a passion for music and learns that it’s okay to move on. He gets to fall in love with Uenoyama and continues to explore his music with the band.

8. Naruto — Naruto And His Friends Get Married And Have Children To Carry On Their Legacies

Naruto may not seem like an obvious example of a heartbreaking anime, given that it fits the action, adventure, and comedy genres much better. Throughout the franchise, though, many characters experience heartbreaking moments.

Seeing characters struggling with their problems, and sometimes even dying along the way, would pull at the heartstrings of any viewer. In the end, all of the death and destruction is left behind when Naruto and his friends obtain their happy endings — getting married and having children to carry on their legacies.

7. Death Parade — Chiyuki Helps Decim Come To Terms With Human Emotion

Death Parade is an anime that centers around death and the afterlife. It takes place in a gigantic hotel, located somewhere between Heaven and Hell. The story focuses on Decim, who is an Arbiter: he decides if souls are to be reincarnated or sent into the void.

Working with Decim is Chiyuki, a black-haired woman whose identity is a mystery at the beginning of the series. Regardless of the show’s dark theme, the ending can be seen as bittersweet — Chiyuki helps Decim come to terms with human emotions before she is reincarnated.

6. Kiznaiver — The Characters Carry On Their Lives While Supporting Each Other

Kiznaiver is centered around human connection viewed through the lens of pain. Its seven main protagonists are chosen for an experiment, in which they are all physically connected in such a way that they share each other’s pain — whether physical or emotional. The anime asks questions about how people connect with each other and whether they can feel each other’s pain after building a connection.

Audiences are taken on an emotional journey with these seven teenagers — a few parts of the story are devastating, but the happy and hopeful ending is worth all the sadness. The characters in Kiznaiver carry on with their lives, building on their friendships and relationships while continuing to support each other.

5. Charlotte — Yuu Rebuilds His Friendships Without Worrying About Being Hunted For His Ability

Charlotte is set in an alternate reality in which a select number of children develop special abilities. These abilities appear when they are in their preadolescence and disappear at the end of puberty. It focuses on Yuu, who can possess other people for five seconds at a time. When he’s forced to transfer high schools, he joins the school council whose job is to protect students who have these special abilities.

Charlotte sometimes misses the mark with pacing and comedy, but it has its fair share of depressing moments. Yuu endures a lot, but his ending is filled with hope for the future. He may lose his memories of his friends, but he is going to build new memories with them, anyway — all without having to worry about being hunted for his abilities.

4. Your Name — Mitsuha And Taki Are Destined To Meet Each Other Again

Your Name is an anime movie whose main plotline revolves around body-swapping. It follows Mitsuha and Taki, two teenagers who begin swapping bodies with no explanation as to what exactly is going on. As they both realize what’s happening, they begin to leave notes for the other person when they are in each other’s bodies — until the messages suddenly stop one day.

The twist in the middle of Your Name is guaranteed to break the hearts of viewers. The ending, however, leaves the film on a happy and hopeful note: Mitsuha and Taki are destined to meet each other again.

3. Weathering With You — Hakoda And Hina Are Happy To Find Each Other, Even Years Later

Weathering With You focuses on Hadoka, a high schooler who runs away from home to Tokyo. He finds a new family in the people he meets there, especially a girl named Hina — who seems to be able to control the weather — and her little brother. Weathering With You delivers some devastating blows about the reality of climate change, as well as about love and family.

Audiences are left rooting for Hadoka and Hina, regardless of the consequences of the two of them being together. Despite how heartbreaking Weathering With You can be in some places, the movie gives its audience a happy ending in which Hadoka and Hina find each other again, even if it happens years later.

2. Violet Evergarden — Violet Continues To Understand Human Emotions And The People Around Her

The title character of Violet Evergarden begins her story as an orphan who is later turned into a child soldier. After the war is over, she becomes an “Auto Memories Doll” —  writing letters for other people. Viewers are taken on a journey with Violet as she tries to comprehend human emotions.

It’s particularly sad that the last words her mentor says to her are “I love you.” The anime deals with heavy topics such as war, loss, and love. In the end, though, Violet finds her purpose in life, continuing to understand human emotions and the people around her.

1. Steins;Gate — Seeing Mayuri And Kurisu Alive At The End Is Worth It

Steins;Gate follows a scientist named Okabe, who runs a science lab in his apartment with his friends. When he is attending a conference on the science of time travel, he finds a dead body — Okabe panics and proceeds to text his friends about his discovery.

Interestingly, the text message seems to appear a few days earlier than he actually sends it, leading them to discover that the microwave they have been working on can be used to send messages into the past. Although confusing at times, Steins;Gate packs an emotional punch, especially when things go wrong. Nevertheless, seeing Mayuri and Kurisu alive at the end makes the journey feel like it’s worth it.

15 Best Girlfriends In Anime, Ranked

 Forget waifus and husbandos, today we’re going to be ranking the best girlfriends in all of anime. There’s plenty to discuss, so read on!

There have been husbando wars. There have been waifu wars. There’s even been best girl and best boy wars, ultimately dividing various fandoms about who deserves to take each crown. But we’re going to be doing something different by ranking the best girlfriends in anime.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to take a look back at the virtual girls who captured our hearts as well as their love interests’ attention. Whether they’re a shy dandere, a prickly tsundere, or an obsessed yandere, these are the anime girlfriends who we deem the best out of the bunch for their beloved.

Romance and anime go hand-in-hand— however, many romance anime don’t display characters dating at all. This is because most anime have 12 to 13 episodes that have the characters confess in the end, right before it can show the audience that they have begun to date. However, there is the rare instance where the two main characters start to date— and some with better girlfriends than others. There is an abundance of best girls from all different genres, from doting girlfriends to ones that would ruthlessly defeat her partner in a swordfight.

15. Iroha Igarashi (3D Kanojo: Real Girl) — Iroha Loves Hikari Despite His Faults

Iroha Igarashi from 3D Kanojo: Real Girl is one of the most overlooked girlfriends in anime. After meeting Hikari Tsuitsui while cleaning the pool and agreeing to go out with him, she brings out the best in him despite him thinking of himself as nothing but a creepy otaku.

Iroha always stands up for Hikari when others make fun of him. She’s kindhearted, takes their relationship seriously, and wholeheartedly loves him for who he is as a person. Even though their relationship has a contingency of 6 months, Iroha’s love for Hikari doesn’t change at all, making her one of the most loyal girlfriends in anime.

14. Misa Amane (Death Note) — Misa Is A Loyal, Yet Dangerous, Lover To Light

Although Misa Amane from Death Note looks like a cute girl with a fashion sense for all things goth, fans would be sorely mistaken. Misa is in love with the notorious Kira, the alias of Light Yagami, because he inadvertently killed the man who murdered her family. He didn’t do this for her—he did it for his plan.

Misa would do anything for Light, whether it’s an accomplice to murder or acting as a decoy to allow him to escape. She went as far as shortening her lifespan multiple times to gain Shinigami Eyes, the ability to learn a person’s name by looking at them, to aid him.

13. Touka Nanami (Bloom Into You) — Touka Is Full Of Surprises As She Learns To Love Yuu

Touka Nanami is the dependable and outgoing Student Council President, but in truth, this is all a facade. She dislikes showing any signs of weaknesses and hides her insecurities, so she doesn’t truly form a bond with anyone.

That’s until she falls in love with Yuu Koito after she joins the student council. Touka can act like herself around Yuu and not worry about what mask she should wear. Sometimes childlike, sometimes mischievous. Touka is a wildcard for her actions toward Yuu, which makes her the perfect girlfriend to surprise her beloved.

12. Rinko Yamamoto (My Love Story!!) — Rinko Falls In Love With Takeo’s Kindness, Not His Appearance

There’s probably no girlfriend as pure as Rinko from My Love Story. After being saved by Takeo from a molester on the train, Rinko falls in love with him and promptly asks him to be her boyfriend afterward. This is a very unlikely thing to occur in anime and real life, so that gives her bonus points for taking the initiative.

Despite Takeo’s towering stature, Rinko loves him for the kind person he is, not his height or what others would deem ugly face. Rinko is a girlfriend able to look past appearances and accept someone for who they are, making her top girlfriend material.

11. Asuna Yuuki (Sword Art Online) — Asuna Is The Devoted Gamer Girlfriend To Kirito

Asuna from Sword Art Online is so popular that she ranks as one of the highest characters to cosplay. Throughout the series, she becomes one of the strongest swordswomen under the name “Lighting Flash” because of her rapier skills.

She is even equal with Kirito, or even stronger, than him in real-life in the movie, Ordinal Scale. Besides her fighting skills, she is a devoted girlfriend to Kirito in reality, despite the harem surrounding him. Her patience devotion to him as he was in his coma during Alicization truly shows how much she loves him.

10. Ruri Gokou & Kyousuke Kousaka (My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute) — Ruri Puts Up With Kyousuke’s Siscon Ways

Oreimo has many layers to the series, with one of them being Kyousuke and Ruri’s— more well-known by her nickname Kuroneko— relationship. They begin to date after Ruri confesses to him, and they have a fulfilling relationship.

Despite being a few years younger than Kyousuke, she is a mature older sister and an otaku who hides behind her cosplay to express her true feelings. She even puts up with her frenemy and younger sister’s verbal abuse towards Kyousuke, Kirino— although their relationship ended because he Kirino over Ruri.

9. Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon) — Usagi Crosses Over Time For Mamoru

Usagi Tsukino and Mamoru Chiba’s love has transcended time and centuries, solidifying them as one of the best couples in anime, but let’s not forget about the other half. Although she appears as a spoiled crybaby initially, with the help of the other Sailors Soldiers and Mamoru’s love, she grows into a great woman.

She cares deeply for Mamoru, affectionately calling him Mamo-chan, and lets it be known how much she loves him at all times. Whenever he’s in danger she comes to his rescue, and she’s always supportive despite them having limited time to see one another.

8. Utena Tenjou (Revolutionary Girl Utena) — Utena Is The Perfect Prince To Anthy

Utena Tenjou from Revolutionary Girl Utena wishes to be a prince, and there’s no doubt she is to Anthy Himemiya. After winning Anthy as a prize in a series of sword duels, Utena realizes how wrong it is to objectify her and decides to find a way to free her from the role of Rose Bride.

Utena is a courageous and upright girl who protects Anthy throughout the anime. If fans are looking for a girlfriend who will faithfully protect them and be on their side no matter what, Utena is a no-brainer choice to be a courageous girlfriend who will come to their rescue.

7. Kouko Kaga (Golden Time) — Kouko Learns How To Love, Together With Banri

Kouko Kaga from Golden Time will surely take anyone who dates her on a whirlwind trip. Her first entrance was quite memorable as she followed her former crush Mitsuo Yanagisawa to college and assaulted him with a bouquet of roses. She acts haughty and proud at first, but after falling in love with Banri Tada she becomes more honest and kind.

She doesn’t hesitate to tell him how she’s feeling. Before they began dating Kouko was adamant in her pursuit of him, and when they finally did become a couple, she’s devoted to him. Kouko is one of the best examples of a loyal girlfriend.

6. Sakura Adachi (Adachi & Shimamura) — Sakura Is Wholly Devoted To Hougetsu

Adachi & Shimamura follows two girls, Sakura Adachi and Hougetsu Shimamura, as they grow closer after constantly skipping class together. Although her class thinks she is a delinquent, Adachi is shy and not good at interacting with others.

That isn’t until she meets Hougetsu and becomes attached to her to the point of falling in love. Sakura’s feelings for her are shown realistically, as she slowly realizes she is falling in love with her— and even the thought of holding her hand makes her blush.

5. Hitagi Senjougahara (Monogatari Series) — Hitagi Is A No-Nonsense Lover To Koyomi

Hitagi Senjougahara is neither a tsundere nor a yandere. She’s both by her own admission, although she would qualify as a kuudere. After Araragi saves her from the Heavy Stone Crab, an apparition that took her weight away, Hitagi confessed she loved him and they began to date.

If he’s acting foolish, she’ll pull out her signature stapler and threaten to staple his mouth shut. Despite her sharp-tongue and expressionlessness, she loves Araragi and would do anything to help him, and ensures everyone knows she’s 1# despite the harem surrounding him. Hitagi’s faithfulness is a great aspect.

4. Mai Sakurajima (Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai) — Mai Is A Realistic, Yet Doting, Girlfriend

Mai Sakurajima from Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai appears as a typical tsundere and kuudere at first, but her character has a surprising amount of depth. After Sakuta resolves her appearing invisible to others, they begin to date after he confesses to her.

What ensues are some of the most normal, yet endearing, moments between them. Mai is a no-nonsense type of person, but she still shows glimpses of affection towards him. As the story progresses, it’s also shown that she is both indebted to him for accepting her for who she is and vice-versa.

3. Belldandy (Ah! My Goddess) — Belldandy Is A Supportive Girlfriend Who Loves Keiichi

Ah, here is fans’ one and only goddess, Belldandy. Well, she’s one of the three goddesses that descend to Earth to live with Keiichi Morisato, but the only one who becomes his girlfriend. Since she’s a goddess, she’s perfect. Kindhearted, beautiful, and the owner of an angelic voice, Belldandy loves Keiichi because he’s honest and genuine.

She also values his life and safety above her own, making her one of the most selfless girlfriends in anime. She always boosts him up, encourages him whenever he belittles himself and stays devoted to him throughout the series.

2. Kyouko Hori (Horimiya) — Kyouko Loves Izumi For His Personality & Doesn’t Judge Him Like The Others

Horimiya was one of the most anticipated manga to receive an anime adaption, and one of the reasons was because of the two leads’ relationship. After Kyouko and Izumi both discover their true personalities outside of school, they begin to hang out.

It’s not long after that they realize they like each other, and they begin to date. What’s great about Kyouko, in the beginning, is how she is clear to show her feelings of affection towards Izumi. She apologizes for any misunderstandings and pushes him to be the best version of himself, showing her to be one of the most supportive girlfriends in anime.

1. Kotoko Inagawa (In/Spectre) — Kotoko Loves Kuro Despite His Supernatural Imperfections

Kotoko Iwanaga is from the mystery romance anime In/Spectre. After falling in love with Kuro at first sight, Kotoko doesn’t beat around the bush and immediately confesses to him. Although Kuro is suspicious of the small Goddess of Wisdom, they become a couple after a year.

Unlike Kuro’s ex-girlfriend who thought of him as a monster for his instantaneous healing abilities, Kotoko thinks nothing of it and loves him all the same. With Kotoko herself missing one eye and one leg, she knows what it feels like to be judged for her imperfections, which is also a factor in why she loves him. Because of Kotoko’s pure love and affection, she is one of the best girlfriends in anime.

10 Unskippable Openings In Shonen Anime, Ranked

Plenty of shonen anime have openings that leave an impression on the viewer, either because of the music, animation, or both.

Plenty of shonen anime have openings that leave an impression on the viewer, either because of the music, animation, or both. Many nostalgic fans can remember listening to one song on loop or their excitement at discovering that there is usually a full-length version of a song (not to mention remixes.)

An opening can be tailored to the plot or be intended as a standalone song, with some even based on pop songs. Some songs even reach memetic status and become popular with fans around the world who aren’t too familiar with the actual series it came from. In fact, some songs manage to win fans over decades after the anime it came from was released.

10. Devilman Crybaby – “Man Human” Is Almost Instrumental, But Perfectly Spooky

This anime’s theme song’s a bit of a rarity in that it’s almost entirely instrumental, parts with “man human” being added in. Although its spooky atmosphere and animation looks like a moving inkblot test, this really helps set up the story. Effectively showing characters failing to escape their fate, as if they are already damned.

That said, a lot of fans would have probably liked the opening to have used a remixed version of the classic 1970s theme song, especially since one was made for the remake and proved popular with new and old fans.

9. Inuyasha – “Change The World” Gives Fans Some Perspective Of The Characters

The anime series, Inuyasha, would become known for its changing openings and ending songs. Nostalgic fans probably have a soft spot for the first, “Change the World,” which seems to tell the story through Inuyasha’s perspective. That’s said, its famous English line, “It’s wonderland,” feels like something Kagome would say, what with her falling down a hole into a new world.

An English version of the song is also known to exist (which was actually created for the Italian dub, rather than the English dub) and was performed by Inuyasha’s Italian voice actor. This version of the song was likely influenced by the “italo disco” music style, which favors English lyrics. Ironically, American airings of the English dub often cut the opening entirely.

8. The Ancient Magus’ Bride – “Here” Proves Shonen Openings Can Be Romantic

Nobody said a shonen series can’t have a romantic opening. “Here” is an opening song with strong Spanish influences and talks about a desire to survive in a new world, with a mysterious voice telling them where to go.

The opening is also known for its haunting animation, with the heroine, Chise, dancing like a puppet pulled by strings, in darkness, over rippling water, and a room of candles before the other characters are introduced. Ending with Chise floating down like a fiery phoenix into Elias’ arms, the final shot is Chise with the other characters.

7. Yu Yu Hakusho – With All Its Different Endings Songs, “Smile Bomb” Wasn’t Going Anywhere

The animation might change here and there, but this series would have had a hard time trying to find a replacement for its classic opening song, “Smile Bomb,” despite being famous for its different ending songs. Fans of the English dub might remember their version also had an English version of the song.

The opening starts with Botan flying on her oar like a witch, although later versions show Yusuke dropping down on the city like a bolt of lightning. Slowly, the animation begins to showcase just what he and his teammates are capable of. One flaw is that it kind of spoils which of Yusuke’s enemies are going to become his friends, but some fans just like anticipating their favorites characters being introduced and joining Yusuke’s side. On the other hand, it can be a bit deceptive; the first opening made Yusuke’s mother seem like a larger character than she was going to be.

6. Naruto – “Go” Gives Flight To Anime’s Flying Dreamers

The original Naruto series has had a few different openings, not to mention songs from its spin-offs (with the fourth especially being popular among fans.)

With the opening giving focus on each of the cast, the song emphasizes the characters are fighting dreamers.

5. Beastars – “Wild Side” Is The Perfect Blend Of Stop-Motion & Jazz Music

This anime’s first opening is a jazz fan’s delight, with fans comparing it to the similar jazzy openings to Cowboy Bebop and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency.

But what really sells the opening to fans is its unique visuals: the animation is done in stop-motion. Legoshi can be seen chasing Haru through a dark forest, which initially appears to be made of antlers. Right when he seems to go in for the kill, the sun rises and the area transforms into a happy park. There is no danger and Legoshi helps Haru up. The two share a dance, presumably to the theme music. Unfortunately, the last second ends on a note of caution, as a disgruntled figure can be seen beside a pool of blood beneath the blood moon.

4. Dragon Ball Super – “Limit Break X Survivor” Doesn’t Let You Forget What Show You’re Watching

Also known as “Genkaitoppa X Survivor,” this is the second theme song of Dragon Ball Super. This opening song is proud to be a Dragon Ball song, even announcing the name of the anime towards the end of the lyrics.

Fans of the English dub might recognize the English version of the song. And it also makes sure to name-drop the anime’s title by the end of the song, too.

3. Death Note – “What’s Up, People” Has A Place In Everyone’s Dark Heart & Soul

Anime openings have a little something for everyone. The second opening of Death Note is for all fans of death metal and hardcore music.

The opening is also known for its famous animation, from the famous walk sequence, Ryuk chasing an apple, or even the blue roses.

2. Neon Genesis Evangelion – “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” Is The Original Meme

This anime’s famous theme song has a surprising background. Originally, the series was going to open with classical music, but it was decided that would confuse casual viewers and a J-pop song would be more appropriate. At one point, the song was also going to have a male chorus, but it was decided a main female voice emphasized a wanted maternal theme.

Of course, what makes this theme song so memorable is just how memetic it has become in recent years, with fans making videos connecting it to all sorts of things, usually whatever they want to pretend is their “favorite anime.”

1. Attack On Titan – “Guren No Yumiya” Got The Whole World Speaking German

Linked Horizon already had fans in the anime community thanks to Sound Horizon, even without direct ties to anime, thanks to their music and albums connected to historical events and dark fairy tales. However, Linked Horizon would become known around the world for “Guren no Yumiya,” the original opening for Attack on Titan.

The song’s use of German is something of Horizon’s trademark, having been especially popularized in Sound Horizon’s Ido e Itaru Mori e Itaru Ido and Märchen albums. Even the lyrics, essentially encouraging the humans to rise up against the Titans left an impression on listeners. Similar to “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” the theme song quickly became a meme, although arguably in a shorter amount of time, with fans connecting it to all sorts of their favorite media.

Your Name Still Makes Me Want To Sob Tears Of Love

Your Name came out in 2016 and became one of the biggest animated films to ever hit the Japanese market, and the highest-grossing anime film and Japanese film of all time. Tuesday, rather than doom scrolling, I rewatched the film and found that it still left me flooded with emotions.

**Spoilers for Your Name.**

Your Name tells the story of two high school students, Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana. Mitsuha is a Miko with an absent father and is dissatisfied with her life in the countryside. She wishes to be reborn as a handsome Tokyo boy and wakes up the next day in the body of Taki. She takes on his life and adjusts to everything, only to wake up in her own body the next day and find out the body swap was mutual.

Taki and Mitsuha end up learning about and falling in love with each other, which then coincides with the appearance of Comet Tiamat. It is during the festival on which this comet shower happens that Your Name throws its first gut punch at the audience. And like I said … spoilers.

Taki and Mitsuha are not synced up with each other time-wise. Taki is three years into the future, a future where Mitsuha has died after Comet Tiamat split apart, and a piece of it crashed into her town, killing her and 500 other people. The realization of this is slow and heartbreaking, but of course, since there is a dash of magical realism, their connection allows a second chance at fixing this.

What I love about Your Name is how it’s just a perfect sappy romance that knows how to add enough fantastical stakes that you get completely sucked into the feels between Taki and Mitsuha. I vividly remember watching this film in theaters holding my best friend’s hand and us just squeezing each other as we held back tears. A good romance makes you want to believe in miracles, even if it doesn’t make much sense. Upon my rewatch, I was trying to pay attention to little things I may have missed before, but I didn’t want to poke holes in it. I wanted to enjoy how it made me feel.

Your Name is a beautiful movie, and if you haven’t yet checked it out and want a movie about love with a lot of humor and fantastical elements, I would highly recommend it.

Also, for those who haven’t read the Weathering With You light novel, there is a great bit in there that confirms what future Taki and Mitsuha have together.

What romance always makes you cry?

Why Is ‘Your Name’ Such A Timeless Anime?

 Three years later, Shinkai’s film continues to amaze.

In 2016, the Japanese production “Kimi no na wa” changed anime movies forever. Its director and writer, Makoto Shinkai, has since been heralded as the next Hayao Miyazaki — the renowned director behind movies such as “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Howl’s Moving Castle” — and is in the post-production process for his upcoming movie, “Weathering With You.” Even so, Shinkai’s success pales in comparison to the accolades of “Kimi no na wa,” which has become the highest-grossing anime movie Japan has ever seen.

Never heard of it? Don’t fret; most English-speaking viewers recognize it as another title, “Your Name,” and if you’ve never seen the film before, I highly recommend watching it. “Your Name” features an intricate plot with a startling twist, so consider this an obligatory spoiler warning.

“Your Name” tells the story of two teenage strangers, Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, who come from vastly different home environments. Supernatural forces intervene in their lives, making them intermittently wake up in each other’s bodies. The two combat their bewilderedness and slowly begin to know each other beyond the normal bounds of intimacy. When the phenomenon suddenly stops, Tachibana embarks on a quest to finally meet Miyamizu; instead, he makes a frightening discovery.

The incredibly creative story is great for a bevy of reasons, but chief among them are its visuals. Entirely composed of hand-drawn frames, “Your Name” is a beautiful work that combines life-like vitality with a traditional anime style. As a result, its staging, setting, apparel and other features quite frequently leave the viewer in a state of awe.

As much of a triumph the visuals are, the pacing of “Your Name” deserves just as much credit. The movie is a whirlwind of emotional gravitas, melancholy sadness, humor and hope. Those unaccustomed to watching a Japanese film with English subtitles — there is an English-language version, but I don’t recommend it — might find the plot slow in its build up, which is certainly fair for the first watch.

However, watching the film a second or third time reveals a flood of information that initially eludes cinephiles. The narrative is a tightly bound cord that ravels and unravels with a mysterious rhythm — if you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know what I mean.

Moreover, the voice acting is marvelous. Ryunosuke Kamiki (Tachibana) and Mone Kamishiraishi (Miyamizu) capture the emotional and bewildering feel of the film in every line of dialogue, a considerable feat considering they each spend a large portion of the movie as each other.

Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the film is its many layers, like a finely crafted baklava. But all jesting aside, “Your Name” is so multidimensional that fans have scrutinized every single one of its 118 minutes of runtime.

Theories have circulated about everything from the way Miyamizu writes her name to why the film included “kataware-doki,” a Hida word for “twilight,” which literally translates to “fragment of time.” Although something as simple as writing a name sounds trivial, one of the most important and devastating scenes in “Your Name” correlates to the direction of the first stroke of her name.

In addition to providing fodder for fan theories,”Your Name” effectively incorporates Japanese culture and mythology. Some of the major plot points rely on Miyamizu’s “kuchikamizake,” which is a rice-based alcohol traditionally made by virgins, and braided chord called “kumihimo,” alluding to the mythology of the red string of fate that connects people meant to be together.

The soundtrack, composed by the Japanese rock band RADWIMPS, masterfully captures the animation’s tone and transcends language barriers, powerfully conveying the fleeting sense of nostalgia so prevalent in “Your Name.” While only four songs contain lyrics, all carry the same reflective sentiment, exemplified by “Nandemoniya,” the closing song of the film. In RADWIMPS’ English translation, the opening stanza reads,

“The sorrowful gust of wind that blew right between you and me / Where did it find the loneliness it carried on the breeze? / Looking up at the sky after shedding a stream of tears / I could see for miles of blue, it’s never been so clear.”

Shinkai’s “Your Name” is not likely to be forgotten by fans or critics in the near future, as it has garnered a 97 percent freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a favorable 8.4 out of 10 on IMDb. In addition, the movie has received a heap of awards and nominations, including the best animation award from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

“Your Name” is also in the process of a live-action adaptation. Hollywood detonation connoisseur Michael Bay is producing the film, and Marc Webb, director of “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “500 Days of Summer,” is serving as its director. The live-action adaptation will be far more Americanized, telling the story of a Chicago boy and a Native-American girl.Fans have regarded the adaptation’s departure from its Japanese origins with hesitation and criticism, but Shinkai has since voiced support for Webb. The creator is even rumored to have included a small tribute to “500 Days of Summer” in his upcoming anime film “Tenki no Ko,” translated as “Weathering With You.” How Bay and Webb approach the movie is still up to speculation because, as of yet, there isn’t even a release date.

Whether the live-action adaptation thrives or fails ultimately should not impact the outstanding legacy of Shinkai’s work. “Your Name” is a stunningly personal movie that overpowers logic with whispers of beauty. Although there may not be a kiss in the film, no movie, live action or animated, has ever tugged at my heart quite like this, which, at the end of the day, is the most flattering superlative I can ascribe to a film.

Japan’s Hit Anime ‘Your Name’ Is Getting A Hollywood Live-Action Remake

 Makoto Shinkai’s anime will receive an American spin in a Chicago-based story, directed by Lee Isaac Chung

Anime and video games are just a few of Japan’s modern cultural treasures; people around the world love the characters and universes of Studio Ghibli and Animal Crossing. While it’s quite simple to throw an English dub over a children’s cartoon or Nintendo Switch game, it can be incredibly difficult to completely adapt a story into a western context. 

One of Japan’s most beloved modern animes, Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Your Name’ or ‘Kimi no na Wa’, is a romantic story deeply rooted in Japanese culture, revolving around two high school students, Mitsuha in Gifu and Takai in Tokyo, as they magically switch bodies. The film reflects Japanese society’s anxieties post 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and uses the Shinto religion as a means to come to terms with trauma. Last year, a live-action Hollywood remake was announced, which will be set entirely in the United States. 

There’s always lots to worry in American adaptations of Japanese anime, which is notorious for whitewashing its characters. Instead of placing American characters in a Japanese setting, the new ‘Your Name’ will be a ‘reimagined adaptation’ that takes place in the United States. Deadline reported that the American version will follow a Native American girl living in an unnamed rural area and a boy living in Chicago. However, no one involved in the movie has claimed Native American heritage, and depending on the subject matter, could become another aspect of cultural appropriation. 

Previously, the film was supposed to be helmed by Marc Webb, director of ‘The Amazing Spiderman’ and ‘500 Days of Summer’. However, Lee Isaac Chung was announced last week as the new director. Chung recently directed ‘Minari’, about a Korean American family moving to the American South. The American script, which bears the responsibility of delicately balancing the movie’s romantic and sci-fi tones, was originally written by Eric Heisserer of the sci-fi blockbuster ‘Arrival’. Lee Isaac Chung, however, will rework the draft by Emily V Gordon, co-writer of the romantic comedy ‘The Big Sick’.

The remake will be produced by Toho, Paramount and JJ Abrams’ studio Bad Robot. Genki Kawamura, one of the original producers, will also be on board. So far, no release date has been announced, and with coronavirus halting production in Hollywood, it might take a while until we can feast our eyes on the IRL version of our favourite anime. 

‘Your Name’ Puts a Beautiful Twist On A Worn-Out Tradition

In an unusual entanglement of heartbreak, stars and destiny, the wildly popular Japanese animated film incorporates the supernatural in its story of two lovers fated to be together.

“Your Name” tells of heartbreak found in the stars. (Illustration by Emmalia Godshall, Columbia University)

Warning: Spoilers for Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)!

The idea of a “red string of fate” is a tale as old as time. It is a legend known in many cultures as the story of fated lovers conquering some obstacle to their love. Though it may feel as though the storyline of lovers who are almost supernaturally connected is overdone, new life was breathed into the ancient legend in 2016 with the release of the award-winning film “Your Name.” Until watching “Your Name” I had never seen a film so beautifully explore themes of the fleeting essence of youth and the power of destiny.

“Your Name,” also known as Kimi no Na wa, has become a wildly popular film that is celebrated for its magical visual design and story. The surreal, wondrous artwork crafted by the artists is juxtaposed by realistic, complex protagonists Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana. Director Makato Shinkai and his team developed the film as a fresh take on classic themes of love, youth, tradition and destiny from the perspectives of teenagers living in the modern day.

Though the film garners the majority of its praise for its stunning visual work, the true beauty lies between the lines. The poignant themes of “Your Name” exist fluidly alongside the symbolic visuals of the film. I first saw the movie in 2018, and it is only now that I understand the elusive, but brilliant, themes Shinkai used to revamp an overused storyline.

A Twist in the Red String of Fate

The concept of fated love, or “red string of fate,” is nothing new, but “Your Name” refreshes this trope by creating an extremely unconventional universe. “Your Name” is built on the premise that protagonists Mitsuha and Taki are destined to be together, but are kept apart as Mitsuha lives in a 2013 timeline and Taki lives in 2016. Beyond the time discrepancy, the pair must find a way to turn back time to prevent a tragic comet from taking Mitsuha’s life before the two can learn each other’s names.

The Preservation of Cultural Traditions

A key part of Mitsuha’s character is her family’s strong ties to preserving the Miyamizu family cultural traditions rooted in the Shinto religion. Her family is known in the quaint town of Itomori for being the most prominent observers of these traditions and Mitsuha is picked on in school because of it. As we are introduced to her character, the audience relates to Mitsuha as we observe her sense of boredom with her repetitive life and how she longs for escape to a big city much like Tokyo, where Taki lives. The characters first become aware of each other when they begin intermittently switching bodies during a traditional kuchikamizake ritual. Though Mitsuha desires to separate herself from her family’s traditions, it is ultimately the spirituality in her family that finally guides her and Taki to each other. What was once something that bored Mitsuha blossoms into something that helps her find her soulmate.

The Essence of Youth and Coming of Age

One of the most significant themes in “Your Name” is the progression from youth into maturity. Regardless of Mitsuha and Taki existing in two different timelines, both characters accurately show the trials and tribulations of growing up — specifically, the concept of coming of age and realizing how our actions shape our futures. The most prevalent example of this theme in “Your Name” is the progression of Taki’s personality and how it affects Mitsuha. Taki begins the film as someone that is helpful and diligent in both his schoolwork and creative ventures, but can also be quick-tempered and reactive when faced with conflict.

Taki’s personality acts as a foil to Mitsuha’s more reserved and patient nature that prevails even in situations where she wants to speak up. When the two begin to swap bodies, Taki uses his sociable and more outgoing personality to help Mitsuha be more liked by her peers. Despite the wild nature of the story, it is the little moments like that interspersed throughout the film that truly immerse viewers in the strong theme of youth in this story. If you strip away all of the magic and mystery of the film, you see that Mitsuha and Taki are characters meant to encompass the universal feelings of youth and blossoming into the people we are destined to be.

The Universe-Bending Power of Love

The “red string of fate” plot line is based on the idea of love breaking through boundaries to unite the lovers at the opposite ends of the “string.” But the film’s theme of love is much more complex than the classic concept. Taki and Mitsuha quite literally have to change the universe in order to unite in the same timeline. The true heart of “Your Name” isn’t the romantic love between Taki and Mitsuha; it is the unyielding perseverance to find each other throughout the film. The characters had never spoken prior to the body-swapping, but they are determined to find each other as they grow immersed in an inexplicable desire for the other. As the two switch bodies, they fall in love by learning about each other through experiencing each others’ lives. When Taki and Mitsuha initially fail to prevent the comet from striking Itomori, all of Taki’s memories of body-swapping with Mitsuha are erased and he is left feeling an unexplainable sense of loss. He finishes high school and searches for a job to fulfill the void inside. As the film arrives at its resolution when the two are finally united, an overwhelming peace fills Taki’s heart. The film culminates in the heart-stopping moment where they finally get to learn the names of their true loves.

Shinkai and his production team did a wonderful job building a world that carefully balances fantasy and meaningful, grounded symbolism. This film is absolutely remarkable, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys rewatching intricate films to see what new themes or messages can be unearthed. “Your Name” is a film that has left my mind turning for two years now, and I feel that its timeless story is one that will continue to leave me mesmerized for years to come.

“Your Name” is a beautiful spin on magical realism in romance stories. Mitsuha and Taki are characters that brilliantly portray young people grappling with a fate that is much bigger than themselves. The world of film is no stranger to stories of love, youth and fate, but “Your Name” captures all of these themes through an unconventional story that finds love in sacred traditions and the stars.

‘Fate/Zero’ Balances Thrilling Combat With Emotional And Moral Depth

The anime presents a diverse array of characters, each with a distinct motivation for their shared quest to attain the wish-granting Holy Grail.

“Fate/Zero,” originally a Japanese light novel later adapted as an anime, depicts a conflict between several mages battling for control over the Holy Grail, an omnipotent wish-granting device. The show is a prequel to the more popular show, “Fate/Stay Night.” ”Fate/Zero” only ran for 25 episodes, but it has a stronger and more coherent plotline than many longer shows.

Once the Grail selects the mages who will participate in the war, the chosen mages receive holy artifacts that allow each of them to summon a powerful hero from the past, such as Alexander the Great or Gilgamesh, to fight alongside them and help them eliminate the other contestants. The show’s combination of exciting fight scenes, diverse character development and commentary on human nature makes it a must-watch anime.

Even though every major character in the show technically qualifies as a mage, their abilities and backstories all differ immensely from one another, which adds a great layer of depth to the plot. The main character, Emiya Kiritsugu, known as the Anti-Mage, served as a hired mercenary who combined his magic with cunning and deceit to assassinate his targets. Though he once sought to become a hero of justice through pure means, personal tragedies jaded Kiritsugu, and he now pursues the Grail to purify the world of injustice.

Every other participant in the war also has their own motivations for desiring the Grail. Tohsaka Tokiomi, a scholarly mage, seeks to find Root, the cause of all magic, as part of his family’s eternal quest. Waver Velvet, a student at a mage school, wants to prove that a mage who does not come from a prominent family can still attain proficiency in magic. Matou Kariya wants to rekindle the bond between two siblings, Rin and Sakura Tohsaka, who have been separated as a result of mage customs, which stipulate that only one daughter can inherit a prominent family’s special magic.

Ryunosuke Uryu is a serial killer who simply wants to find new ways to kill people. Kayneth Archibald seeks to maintain traditional mage values. Finally, Kotomine Kirei initially believes he has no reason to desire the Grail, but he slowly begins to feel an emptiness within himself that he wants to get rid of via the Grail. The show uses flashbacks to develop each of these stories, and viewers will become emotionally invested in all of them.Moreover, each participant develops a distinct relationship with their summoned hero. Some respect and want to serve their masters, while others have to be forcibly controlled. For instance, Alexander the Great’s superior strength in comparison to the relatively unimpressive abilities of Waver, his master, leads him to take most of the initiative in their quest. Lancer, on the other hand, remains stoutly devoted to his master, Kayneth, almost to a fault. These relationships create a complex but engaging plotline for viewers to follow, as each relationship affects a participant’s quest to claim the Holy Grail.

While this universe ostensibly revolves around fictional concepts of magic and summoning, the show touches on very important aspects of human nature that will resonate with most viewers.

One of the show’s most consistent motifs follows Kiritsugu’s moral code; he repeatedly commits atrocities and uses underhanded methods to win, but he repeatedly justifies them with promises to use the Grail to remove evil from the world. He argues that using pure, honorable methods will only cause more devastation and harm in the long run. Thus, he adheres to a hardline consequentialist paradigm in which an action’s outcome determines its morality, regardless of how pure one’s intentions are.

Utilitarian models also feature heavily in his backstory, such as the ethical dilemmas of choosing between which set of lives one can save and whether one ought to strategize specifically to save the highest number of lives, regardless of methodology. His methods cause significant conflict between himself and his summoned servant, King Arthur, who believes in a knightly code of honor and chivalry regarding battle, and he wishes to replicate that in the quest to retrieve the Grail.

The other characters also reflect various virtues and vices through their personalities and actions. By watching the mages’ battles against one another, viewers can observe the individual progression of each character and will develop attachments to them as a result. After all, issues of morality, healthy and unhealthy relationships and tactical deception are not only fascinating concepts to reflect on, but also common experiences that many people can relate to.

The fight scenes in “Fate/Zero” largely speak for themselves, but one tangible element that separates the show from other mainstream shōnen anime is the continuity in fights. Although the show does feature some pauses in action to allow viewers a deeper glance into the characters’ minds, the show does not suffer from long segments where characters simply stare each other down, a common weakness in many popular animes.

Instead, the action in “Fate/Zero” achieves the perfect balance of maintaining a high pace and allowing enough time to pause and reflect on the significance of critical events. For example, the fight between Alexander the Great and Gilgamesh, who serve Waver Velvet and Tohsaka Tokiomi, respectively, excites viewers by emphasizing the rapid movements of the two heroes in real time, but it also gives viewers time to mourn during Alexander the Great’s defeat and death using slow-motion effects and a powerful internal monologue.

Overall, “Fate/Zero” provides a quick but rewarding viewing experience. The show paces itself well and engages the audience with plenty of food for thought. The show’s surface-level details, such as the animation and soundtrack, are impressive in their own right, but the true appeal lies in the show’s deeper message regarding universal themes, such as greed, ethical dilemmas and loyalty. As fantastical as some of the show’s elements are, “Fate/Zero” also teaches lessons that carry a chilling degree of weight.