Into the new world.
Genre - Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
Length – 25 Episodes
Run - Sep 29, 2012 to Mar 23, 2013
Animation Production – Aniplex, TV Asahi, A-1 Pictures, Pony Canyon, Sentai FilmworksL
Describing an anime like Shinsekai Yori requires tremendous analyses. To fully understand the undertones and overall message of an anime like this would require multiple viewings. Everyone has their own opinions on the matter. Shinsekai Yori is an anime that messes with your thought process. I will try my best to convey my thoughts but because this is such a complex anime I'll have to just write down whatever comes to mind.
On one hand you have a seemingly average looking anime about high schooler's living their lives 1000+ years in the future, in what would be best described as a dystopian society. While the next minute you’re thrown into the conspiracy of their lives. Psychics, spirits, demons, ogres, rat looking humanoid creatures, all sorts of shenanigans occur in this anime. At first glance it seems out of place and random. For example, why is there a glowing mini unicorn looking creature walking around and talking like a person with a superb level of intelligence? Why are there flashbacks of the past civilization (us) thrown into mix? However, as the story progresses everything starts to get carefully explained. The history of humanity and what led to its downfall. The rise of a new civilization bent on creating a perfect human race. The rise of an odd world filled with ridiculous made up lore meant to scare and control people. All these of these factors are brought up again and analyzed. Psychics and psychic powers are a central theme to this anime. We get to see all sorts of cool powers and what people are able to do with them. Don't expect "Super Saiyan" level type stuff though, people do get sent flying and things do get blown up, but this is by no means "DBZ".
There be sneaky rats afoot!
The main characters shown in the picture at the beginning of this review are basically what you will see throughout the anime. The anime centers around them and the world they are growing up in. This is not a kid's show; there is violence, blood, some gore, and adult themes thrown into the mix. Love, sex, growing into adulthood, loss of loved ones; these are all things Shinsekai Yori touches on. The viewer is shown a world hostile to its inhabitants, mainly humans. Our main characters discover why the world is the way it is and how to keep surviving despite their struggles.
To be honest I felt like I should drop the anime going into the first 3 or so episodes. It was very confusing; it seemed typical but confusing at the same time. After watching more episodes I was glued. It really was a blast to watch this anime. Really thought provoking and one of a kind. The art is good, it works with the way this series is meant to be presented as. There are some really gorgeous backgrounds and moments where the art is out of this world. The character designs are standard though some standout more than others. Not much can be said about the BGM other than it was on point and some key pieces will be remembered.
My only complaint was the initial pacing but it's easily dismissible once the story really starts to kick in. This is one of those anime that is simply hard to explain with words. I loved it, most people did, and I recommend anyone reading this to watch it. The dark and mysterious atmosphere of this anime will intrigue you to no end.
Art - (9/10) Sound - (8/10) Plot - (9/10) Enjoyment - (9/10)
Overall
8.75/10
Note: I wrote this review back when the anime finished last year, never posted it here though. I would have loved to add more to it but I sadly remember very little about this anime now.
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