Mushoku Tensei - the greatest fantasy anime ever

BACKGROUND

I'm sure that if you have been into anime for quite sometime now, you've probably heard of Mushoku Tensei. Mushoku Tensei is currently the #1 most popular show on Netflix Japan for winter 2021 (including non-anime shows). Mushoku is a light novel that started back in 2012 and reached the title the #1 Japanese light novel of all time. it has even got the title "The Grandfather of Isekai" over the years among the community and I bet that even your favorite isekai has probably taken inspiration from Mushoku Tensei and might even has some references to it included.

So, what's all the hype about? what's so great about MT?

STORY AND CHARACTERS

The protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat was a 34 year old shut in guy who got expelled from his home because he had a debt to pay, wandered in the streets, starving in the rain and finally, saved people from a traffic accident by sacrificing his own life. A guy who had nothing but died as a hero and then got reincarnated into another world.
I know what you're thinking to yourself right now: "so not original", "so generic and boring." Well then... actually this time its different and there is a lot more to it, just stick with me.
Remember truck-kun? Mushoku were the ones to start it. The thing is that unlike other shows, there is actual depth to it and it makes the show more emotional and deep, a beautiful example of how to write characters and backstories in a touching way. Also the plot is just so well written and well thought of. They took to mind every little detail and this exact thing is unique just for Mushoku. It's a beautiful mix of both Slice of Life and Fantasy/Action which gives more flavor to the show and to us to enjoy. While it does have quite a few fan service to offer, it is consistent and funny, the jokes are on point and hit every time and it makes the show HILARIOUS, at least 2 or 3 laughs per episode. No matter what's my mood, after an episode of Mushoku I have a smile on my face. The ecchi part actually has a connection to the plot rather than just being there for the fun, although sometimes it is the case.

In addition to that, there is actually focus on his growth and family life rather than just having a time skip and seeing him departing away. Rudy doesn't forget his previous life which were a disaster. He was bullied and began to isolate, thus he ran away from communicating with people. In his second life, unlike other shows, Rudy isn't an overpowered guy instructed by a divine being. Rudy understands that he has been reincarnated and that he's not on Earth, He learns a new language and gets used to new people and all of that he does by himself. Those simple things improve him so much as a character, he learns how to live a honest life and becomes quite the hard worker. Every minor thing he does pays out for him and moves the plot forward, just at the right time and pace. That's how a real reincarnation should look, we get to see him reborn properly. Rudy realizes that it's his second chance and he doesn't want his life to be a failure again and this time he is born as a noble, which pays perfectly to his goal. He may be talented and a noble but he lives humbly and tries his best in every term. He doesn't really have a goal to start with, he just lives his life and that's exactly what this show knows how to convey. The plot knows how to explain itself very clearly, if it's the world building, monarchy of nobility, magic system, occupations, different species and languages and so much more, this is how a true isekai needs to be done. It feels like they don't rush anything at all, the pacing is perfect and it matches the story's theme. The world building is insane, it's so detailed and well explained. There are continents, species and tribes among them. The History of this world and what Rudeus was taught by his parents, books and Roxy who trained him at a young age also play a big role later. Things becomes more complicated once Rudy crosses paths with someone from the demon tribe "Superd" whom Roxy warned him about. The side characters are also great. Each one of them has their own personality and highlights, they also get enough screen time for them to shine. Even the history of the world of RE:ZERO resembles MT. An example for that would be the war and the tragic events that have prevailed terror on both worlds and took place 400 years ago in both shows.

Rudy is such an amazing protagonist, he has a trauma that scars him even in his new life and yet, he wishes to change. He doesn't judge people by their appearance but rather tries to understand them because that he comes from the same place of being bullied and ashamed. He is awkward and funny, but most importantly - a human being. He sometimes is put in a very unexpected situations and still finds his way around each time, wisely and realistically and it's very interesting to see his social and mental development and in all other senses. It's just fun seeing him bringing others to his side, slowly but smartly, splendidly done for someone who has learnt how to act and be so charismatic. Even the side characters are well written, you can tell them apart, each one has a different personality and design. You could even tell the difference between a 2 year time skip which is really rare to see among childhood or extreme ages in anime. This anime may seem like it misses some plot twist or action at first look, but when it gets to that part, it becomes action-packed high quality show. The plot turned so dramatically, it was so shocking and it caught me off guard. There is so much character introduction that it feels like most of the season is just a prologue for Rudy and it's so good. Such a great buildup with a surprising plot hook.

In my opinion the concept of isekai has kinda run its course. Personally, I'm tired of seeing the same things each time: an OP and bland character gets transported into a different world in order to defeat the Demon King or something similar and by his journey falls in love with a heroine and all of that is done in the stupidest way possible. But Mushoku, a franchise that came out a decade ago, renews in perfectly.

ANIMATION AND SOUNDTRACK

Even if you don't like it's genres, MT is worth watching just for the animation alone.
I know about 700 anime and I've never once in my life seen an anime so aesthetically pleasing. It's gorgeous.
Even after watching animes like Fate and Violet Evergarden I could certainly say that I find MT to have the greatest animation ever. While the art style might not be for anyone, there's no doubt the animation is on a whole other level. So much detail and in the same time so sharp and clean. The water looks so realistic that words can't even describe it. I could seriously talk about how stunning it looks all day long. The world building is awesome and it matches the art style so well, same goes for those beautiful of character designs. The choice of the shades is on point and matches a medieval-rural kinda set just right, not to mention that the coloration is extraordinary. It is so rich that each frame almost looks like an entire oil painting, but animated which is extremely hard to pull off and you couldn't even come to understand that. It is so dense and overdrawn but yet so detailed and appealing. The action also looks insane, every scene is just so well drawn that honestly every single shot is a wallpaper worthy. Even from first appearance or the trailers alone it was so eye luring that most people thought it won't meet the expectations but it far exceeded them in any way possible. MT tends to keep the animation consistent all along the show and that, makes the action more intense and even more fun to watch.

As I already mentioned previously, MT has a mix of both action and SoL and that has been incredible, like sometimes you'd see things that one wouldn't bat an eye if they were not animated, but they are and enhance the experience a lot more, background work, consistency, movements, MT is the best looking show so far in the history of anime and I'd be surprised if animation could get any better than that in the next 5 years.
As a proof to that, I bet you couldn't even be able to tell there is use of CGI in a lot of scenes.
Considering that this is the first anime that studio Bind animates this is crazy. The budget is huge and it made me shocked when I saw the numbers on Wikipedia.

Personally, I think the art style is amazing, it looks more hand drawn and less vibrant, it reminds me of the animation I grew up on just with much better quality and frame rate and this is another thing this show does - being nostalgic. In my eyes it's beautiful, not too colorful but also not pale at all. The character designs are cool and match their personality very well. The outlines look like they're drawn with chalk which is very unique and for some reason it is really satisfying to see, reminds me a little of 91 Days or Scum's Wish in that sense, but on a whole different level. After watching MT every other anime seems like a kids' drawing and I'm not exaggerating.

As for the music for the show, it was created especially for it and it gives me amazing feels, it is so relaxing and works fantastically with a fantasy show. There are 2 opening themes but no actual opening, in each episode there is a kind of a MV with credits that plays through the episode while the music plays. This way we get more screen time and let me tell you this, it works surprisingly well. When they first showed the opening on episode 3 I shed some tears because of how glad it made me. Now, for the ending, it's just your typical ending but due to how good it looks it makes it the best ending of the season for me, it feels somewhat nostalgic I may even say and with every visual my heart skips a beat. The song is also a banger and it's from the same artist that does both of the openings.
The lyrics beautiful. The whole song is from Rudy's perspective and he sings to Roxy, the meaning is so deep and the music and vocals make you feel like you're a part of the show. Honestly one of the best anime endings I've ever come across.

The voice acting also is worth praising, they thought about every detail possible to produce the best, Rudy's thinking is voiced by a voice actor with more of a deep and manly voice in order to remind us that Rudy is actually a grown up at heart and has the mindset of an adult. The different languages are also voiced in different languages, I'm not sure if it's an actual language and if it is then I couldn't figure out which one it is so I guess it's just Gibberish, and if it is it's done so good and consistently that they literally came out with a new language just for this show which is insane. This may sound very simple but the amount of effort they put into that is huge and it isn't obvious at all. In Vinland Saga for example the voice acting was bad in this term, at some scenes they were supposed to talk in different languages but the entire voice acting was in Japanese and it was so weird, so the creators sure had taken here a lot to mind.

In conclusion, Mushoku Tensei is definitely the show of the season if not of the year and you should watch it RIGHT NOW, you don't even know what you're missing.

HOPE YOU ENJOY!

Classroom of the Elite - How a Highschool-Drama Should be Done

BACKGROUND

If you've been in the anime community for quite a while now I'm sure you are familiar with Classroom of the Elite.
Classroom of the Elite or how the fanbase call it, You-zitsu is a very well known light novel series that has attracted many people's attention.
COTE is usually known for it's very respected protagonist - Kiyotaka Ayanokouji.

Whether you like Psychology or Slice of Life, this might be your next favorite show. This show might require high understanding but if you think you're suited for it then it's a must watch anime. This show became a high school-drama classic so quickly and received many titles and praises.
It's not your typical high school drama, this show uses many great elements and knows how to make a progressive and creative story that is also refreshing.

So, what is so great about Ayanokouji and about this show in general? Why is this series so popular?
If you want to get a clear answer for those questions, proceed with caution.

THE SHOW ITSELF

Classroom of the Elite takes place in Koudo Ikusei Senior High School, Japan which is known for it's high scores, graduation stats and quality education. Each year 100% of the students who have graduated this school go on to university and find employment, you could say they are always on the top of the top. This school is not your typical formal school. Koudo Ikusei is isolated, it is like a little country that contains everything the students need in their lives, even entertainment such as mall and cinema. The students spend their entire schooling life in this school. They get their own apartments, they are free wear whatever they want, have whatever haircut they want, they can bring any personal effects they desire and basically live their lives quietly and comfortably while the school funds them - the ideal school, the dream of every student. It's like a literal heaven for students. But what they don't know is that only the most superior of students receive this favorable treatment. For some reason our protagonist, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka underestimated his entrance examinations when he got to school, thus he was careless and naïve when he got to school and got exactly 50 on every subject. 50, exactly the half of 100, remember this because it's quite a plot point later on in the show. As a result of that Ayanokouji was put in D-class, the worst class there is in school.

In episode one, the very start of the show, we see a bus full of people. Most of the people in the bus are students of Koudo Ikusei. The situation in the first scene is this: an old woman gets in the bus, but there's no place for her to sit. It seems that nobody is willing give her priority sitting even thought they are young and well aware of the woman's old age. Only one girl wills to let the old lady sit without hesitating or making the old lady ask for her to do it. The girl asks for the other students to give their sit to their old lady, we see a shot of Ayanokouji thinking, but before he decides some other random girl gets off her sit. The girl that helped the old woman is no other than Kikyou Kushida, who later on reveals to be in the same class as our protagonist, Ayanokouji. This act comes to shows us Kushida's humbleness and kindness in order to put her in the spotlight and make her look good. On the other hand, Ayanokouji doesn't seem like he's doing very well. While Kushida looks cheerful Ayanokouji looks gloomy and he fails to introduce himself to the class. Those scenes are made in a way that is supposed to make us think of Ayanokouji as sloppy and as someone who has absolutely zero social skills, thus putting him in the black light while on the other hand making Kushida seem successful and shine in the white light. The 2 of the characters are complete opposites. While Kushida tries her best to make as many friends as possible, Ayanokouji lacks interest in these kind of staff. Later on in the story we get to see what Kushida's objective really is - to bring the whole class to her side for her personal benefits and our perspective as the watchers completely changes. This small twist is done splendidly. So good that you might not even be able to tell before you get attached to the story. Every little detail in the plot is important and thought about in advance, that's how you write a good drama. It gets more interesting and even more thrilling with every single episode. Our point of view as completely change and our sides overturn entirely. Kushida seduces many people and tries to make Ayanokouji fail, be hated and even even expelled by any means necessary as long as she gets what she wants. When Ayanokouji finds out about her twisted, mixed personality things get spiced up...

Ayanokouji chooses to stick with his class and he does that by siding with Horikita Suzune, a girl in his class. He helps her in her personal life and together they aim for bringing their class at the top. Both Aya and Suzune are inelegant and not so friendly of people. Ayanokouji pushes Suzune to aim higher and helps her gain confidence. At this point it becomes kind of like a mind game between Aya and Suzune and between Kushida. Ayanokouji says some controversial things through the show but it doesn't prevent him for stealling the show. This show is very variant and very colorful. It brought a lot more aspects to it rather than just high school drama and this way refresh so many things and give us, the viewers more flavor to enjoy. The story set isn't only in school and it is beautiful to see it's twists and plot hooks and even the small ones get their screen time. We get to see some interesting flashbacks of Aya's past but they are not really clear and leave us with even more questions than from where we started with. The ending of the season is also genius, it leaves us with taste for more and so much question but at the same time it's dramatic and good. At the ending Suzune and Aya's relationship has come a long way and they are as close as a brother and sister. I won't spoil the ending but each one Aya seems to have soften Suzune's cold heart and make her fully trust him and even thank him (a huge anime achievement - make a tsundere be loyal to you). Also I'll just remind you that at the start she tried to ditch him and distance him away.

What happens romance wise? Why did Ayanokouji get 50s in every single test at his enterance exams? Who is he really? What is his true purpose? and more. If you want to find out you'll just have to watch the anime and figure out for yourselves.

BEST ANIME PROTAGONIST EVER

So, I'm sure you've heard the name Kiyotaka Ayanokouji somewhere around. Aya is known for being one of the 4 loners of the romance/SoL anime among with Sakuta (Bunny Girl Senpai), Hachiman (OreGairu) and Oreki (Hyouka). But why does everyone hype up Ayanokouji?
Well the answer to that is obvious, he's a goddamn well written character. Ayanokouji is one of the best characters there are out there and the #1 for me. He's my favorite out of the 4 and in anime in general.

Now, you may say "Ayanokouji isn't the kind of character you get related to", but think about it, does being a good character has to do with feeling related to it? Ayanokouji isn't the kinda person you get emotionally attached to (at least in the anime but the light novels are a different case). In fact, it seems like Aya is emotionless and that's exactly what is so great about him. Aya isn't the person you relate to, he is the person that you want to be. He is a very wise and interesting character. He does have emotions, he just doesn't really show them to anyone n the anime. Each time there are sticky situations or trouble Ayanokouji finds a solution and finds his way out wisely depending on his improvisation, quick thinking, intelligence and some other skills. Even with his "perfect attitude" Ayanokouji is a very well written character that refreshes many things unlike characters such as Lelouch or Light who are in my eyes boring and bland, sure, they are badass but they have no class, all of them are known for their intelligence. However, Ayanokouji isn't annoying and isn't bland, even he struggles sometimes, let's not forget that even he, the most successful and lucky man in the show is a human being. This guy is a beast, it is like he is the mastermind behind everything that happens, every scene of him is so intense that it makes me want to jump while watching it in the middle of the night, he always thinks ahead and how to benefit from the things for his class and mainly for himself. Ayanokouji is mysterious but when we do get to know a little about him things become even more complicated. He is smart, thinks before he acts and takes risks even if it's not always the best decision, he does what he loves and lives his life on his own, such simple thing and yet amazing. In most anime they usually forget to include that part but in COTE Ayanokouji lives by his own rules. He has a vision and he is very sure of himself. If he has a goal he is very serious about it and knows clearly how to act. He could be really caring and responsible, it just depends on his mood. He is quite spontaneous but he is a very decisive and independence person who knows how to get things done quick and thoroughly. Aya has an amazing background and the anime is a great build up to that. It is a huge cliff hanger so I recommend you check out the light novel afterwards, after all the anime was created in order to boost it and it does that great. The anime is so interesting and thrilling even thought it isn't that easy to understand. The plot is genius and the psychology part is so thrilling that even with the amount of dialogues this anime has it still can and does draw attention. Despite his dead eyes, menacing look and bad social skills of his, Aya does his best in order to get his class to the A spot. Ayanokouji isn't interested in glory, he is offered to be the vice chairman of the Student Council but he refuses, not once but twice. He gambles big time and finally wins but he still keeps it a secret and throws the credit on Suzune even through she never asked for it either. Ayanokouji sees being popular as a burden and thinks it's a good thing to make Suzune compete Kushida, thus helping her character develop.
As you've probably already understand, my guy literally carries the whole plot and makes the most simple dilemmas and situations look insanely deep and significant.

CONCLUSION

Classroom of the elite is without a doubt one of the best anime I've ever watched. A show full of amazing characters. Each one of them with their own screentime and aspects. Some of them are somewhat simple and easy to get attached to and to empathize/identify with them.

This show truly is a masterpiece, the writing is amazing, the character designs match them so much and the coloration work is insane. Studio Lerche did an amazing job, very accurate character designs and such a beautiful animation. The art style is incredible and the coloration work on the eyes alone is crazy and it's worth so much more love and praises because that nobody really talks about it. The eyes of the characters are gorgeous and also the different backgrounds sure are variant and beautiful. It is so consistent and the animation doesn't fail to stand the expectations in every episode anew. The OSTs match the theme of the show and it's genres so good. The main OST is so good, it makes you consecrate on the dialogue and makes you really feel a part of the show. This music is super dramatic and hype that every time it plays you know something is about to go down and it adds to the watching experience so much.

One of the few shows that succeeds in every term and every new element it brings to it. A really really fun watch, I once recommended this show to a friend, he finished it in one day and right after that bought all of the novels that were available at the time. And yes, it's that good.

HOPE YOU ENJOY!