Attack on Titan Review: A Dark, Twisting Anime Epic
9/10 — Attack on Titan (2013)
Pros
- Gripping, shocking plot
- Thrilling action
- Ambitious themes
Cons
- Divisive ending
- Very violent
Humanity lives behind enormous walls to protect itself from man-eating giants called Titans. After one breaks through the wall, young Eren Yeager vows to destroy them all, joining the military.
What works
The early seasons are thrilling, with the 3D manoeuvre gear action and a relentless sense of dread. The long-term storytelling is remarkable, with major revelations that recontextualise earlier episodes, and the final seasons tackle war and cycles of hatred.
Where it falters
The final season’s animation shift and the conclusion divided fans, and the violence is extreme.
Verdict
A bold, ambitious series, even if it stumbles at the finish.
