One of the best anime ever created, it's made to make people think rather than turn their brains off, so it's natural people will think it's pretentious. Good video :)
the proxies were artificially created life that were made for the sole purpose of rejuvenating the earth. During the game show episode & also towards the end they explained this. In a conceptual way of thinking, the proxies were man made Gods that created life as they see fit. That's why each dome corresponded with a different theme, (for ex. the empty city theme dealt with identity & the library theme dealt with self acceptance).. As disjointed as the episodes feel as soon as you understand what the proxies are, all the occurrences makes sense & thats a feat in storytelling on it's own.
SilverVeil I actually came to a different conclusion so could you clear this up. I thought the proxies were agents created by the actual creator of the universe.
kyle eaton yikes, that's way off bro. The proxies were artificial beings created by man for the sole purpose of rejuvenating the earth. The gameshow episode explained that after the earth was uninhabitable due an accident and several other factors like pollution, the remaining survivors of earth left the planet and remains in orbit. The citizens of the domes were all artificially created by proxies, or artificial Gods if you prefer. So the real "Gods" in this scenario is man themselves.
kyle eaton yup, also it's kind of like a subtle jab at religion as well. How people use the name of God whenever it's convenient for them , examples like America using the name of God to take land from native americans or the christian crusades. The proxies are allegorical representation of this idea. When the proxies rejuvenated the earth they were destined to die by the sunlight. So man only used the proxies like they use the name of God.
+SilverVeil I would definitely love to watch a video or read your analysis of this anime. I never really looked into why the domes were represented differently.
Wow, I just finished Ergo Proxy today, and it was well worth the watch. Thanks for the recommendation! My brain is fried, but I think a second viewing will remedy that as I wasn't fully awake the first time.
+ShadowACS I remember finishing this and thinking, "What the hell is this about?" I could never understand the actual plot of the series, unlike something like Baccano where there's no main character and no central plot.
My appreciation of this show is such that I spent $330 on the limited blu ray box. I LOVE this show. I LOVE "BUSY DOING NOTHING"!! I LOVE THAT EPISODE =D
To clear few things up... First of all a lot of people ignore or just don't pay a lot of attention to the quiz show episode where Vincent has to acquire 1mil. points. There is a lot told in that episode. Humans didn't survive in the domes, they destroyed earth with warfare and then escaped in a ship and the project was called "Boomerang project". Proxies were sent to earth by the "creator" to "heal" the earth by building the domes and create humans in the pods, which is why you see ships coming from the sky in the last scene of the last episode behind Vincent. And the word *Proxy* itself means "representative" or "agent" as it is in the dub. They are creators separate representatives of something (as ergo is of death) The only thing i don't understand is what is the difference between Re-L and Real (the copy that Deadalus made) and how did she become the proxy that Vincent and proxy one/ergo fell in love and what is her role in all of that. But yeah all in all it was a great anime that i really enjoyed.
Dedalus in greek mythology was a great architect. So great in fact that a king Minos traped him inside his own creation the labyrinth with his son Icarus. The only way for them to escape was to use feathers they collected and wax from cuddles to fly away. But icarus flew to close to the sun resulting in his wings burning and ultimately him falling to his death I think this is the connection between dedalus and Real
I'm stealing this from another analysis, but I think Re_L was Daedalus' first experiment with Monad Proxy, splicing her genes with the Regent's. If you consider her and Vincent to be "shadows" of their true selves (Re_L as the shadow of Monad and Vincent as the shadow of Ergo), this explains their deep connection to each other. Real, on the other hand, is a more pure clone of Monad.
-HisMajestyTheLICH- It was pretty good but nothing I would deem top 10 worthy. and as far as the opening, I have yet to find any that tops Ergo Proxy's. GITS stand alone complex & Steins;Gate comes close tho
Whenever people call it pretentious, you know they either aren't paying attention to the show, or aren't willing to try thinking or searching for the answer. Hilarious, in that a huge theme in the show is searching for truth. This is a thought provoking show, that upon multiple viewings still leaves questions in the mind. But there are answers within this series. There are clues in the imagery, in the names, and in the very opening itself. Fans have pieced the story together, but even now speculation continues in order to fully complete the puzzle. This is the beauty of Ergo Proxy.
Not really. Ergo Proxy threw this huge climax but did a poor execution on the ending. They did not bother to tell or explain the ending. If you bother to think, they explain mainly the background story in one episode, WHICH BY THE WAY, was only one episode, AND it made it seem like a filler. It is a great anime, but the ending was terrible. The info was thrown very vaguely which is never good. Yeah, it is freaking awesome when an anime makes you think, but to understand the ending was not shown clearly at all.
Ivan Leon This is not the kind of show where you should expect to have everything spoonfed to you. If that's what you wanted out of the ending, well, you're not in the show's target audience.
"It felt like I had my brains blown out the back of my head and put back in reverse order. Which could be a valuable experience, but it will leave you with one hell of a headache" This quote is pure gold
Ergo proxy reminds me of Hideo Kojima's work and the Ghost in the Shell movie. They all have so many layers to them and there is so much thought put into the design of it. Really love it
Reddit has a really good explanation in their discussion forum for each episode, i recommend watching an episode and going on reddit for the explanation
"I think; therefore I am." I see, I hear, I process information (aka I think), and I do things. Does that mean we can identify ourselves? How we look, and the impacts of our decisions? "I think; therefore you are." I see and hear you. I can think and process what you look and sound like. I can confirm your existence, and you can confirm mine. These are philosophical questions, and one of the many questions throughout the show. Only in the second half you're forced to notice them. These questions don't have a single answer and sometimes no answer. This show really needs a deeper analysis to really pull apart the various themes that exist.
"It's the first time I've seen such an intellectually challenging anime." Have you ever heard of Serial Experiments Lain, Texhnolyze, Paranoia Agent, Revolutionary Girl Utena, and hell, fucking GHOST IN THE SHELL? Because you have. And those are also that.
I'm not, it's just hard to express emotions through RUclips comments. I'm sorry if I came off as one, I guess I was just dissapointed that your analysis was more like a spoiler free review, instead of an actual analysis of the themes and the constant references to Alice in Wonderland and the religious symbolism, etc. Instead it was more like a promo for people who hadn't seen the show. I am sorry honestly, but I just have to ask one question. Have you not seen Ghost in the Shell?
Nucblus Apology accepted. And I do think it's a little demeaning to call it a "promo," it's a review. Of course it's going to be spoiler-free, one of the main target audiences of a review is people who might be interested in seeing it. Though it should be said that "anime analysis" is mostly a phonetic title, and that these are more reviews than anything. And no, I haven't seen Ghost in the Shell, it never really seemed like it was up my alley. Though I may check it out at some point, I hear it's amazing.
Yeah I really really enjoyed watching Ergo Proxy. I had to watch it again to figure out how things connect and also appreciate what just happened. I also agree, Pino is a really adorable character, not just because she is cute but because she has a very human way of being. I normally like "Guy saves world, guy gets girl"-type anime series but this one is a series that I really appreciated when there is a whole lot to think about. Yes, it is a massive puzzle for the eyes and for the mind.
totally gonna watch this one; just made my youtube account today and you were the first person i subscribed to. i have been watching your videos for a few years now and you have been the biggest inspiration to most of the anime i watch #loveclannad
YES. I really enjoyed your analysis. I stumbled onto it it wihle researching my analysis on the show. I've found it challenging to articulate "the type who would enjoy psychological dramas" and I think you've summed it up beautifully; This is the type of show that Stanley Kubrick fans would enjoy. I agree with that. In my case, I'm somewhat less interested in the contrast of character archetypes across shows, but I found the treatment of world building, social commentary, cynicism, the satisfying blend of fast and slow pacing, the sound score and mood to be exceptionally compelling. In my book, she's a classic, a flawed, but unforgettable work of the 2000's.
Most trippy and abstract? Try Utena, anything by Satoshi Kon, Neon Genesis Evangelion, or Texhnolyze and Serial Experiments Lain. Granted, I do love Ergo Proxy. It aimed so high and neeeearly got there.
Ergo Proxy is worth watching regardless of whether or not you like complex themes delivered in subtle, cryptic ways. Besides abstracts and metaphors, it's got atmosphere, art design, and action. these things, which Ergo Proxy delivers in spades - don't require careful analysis for someone to be able to enjoy them. I can testify to this because it's what kept my interest throughout the entire length of the series the first time I watched it. But the fact that Ergo Proxy has SO MUCH MORE going for it only makes it so much more enjoyable to watch the second time, the third time, and so on. this is the best anime I've ever seen.
this is by far your best anime review i seen so far and got me interested again after i saw the 1st episode and was not in the mood for it at the time. also the part about different perspectives remind me a little bit of umineko.
I got this as a torrent years ago. Whoever did the translation did liner notes at the begining and ending of each episode. Just the fucking peoples names in this show are significant. It refrences classic sciencfiction, back to Hugo Gurnsback. All the Philosphy, the Religon, the new Archetypy they created with Vincent. This is truly a masterpiece. Would deserve a serious movie treatment.
This was a very interesting show imo. It rarely spoon feeds you plot instead it forces you to catch on yourself and actively pay attention. This isn't a show for casual viewers to pass the time. Go into the series trying to learn something and test your ideals and beliefs. If you pay attention and not zone out you can follow the story and piece together the time line easily.
I plan on watching this eventually. Have you heard of Technolyze? I haven't seen it personally, but from what I can tell Ergo Proxy and Technolyze are rather similar (don't go by my spelling of the show; it's most likely wrong).
The perspective of the Proxy, especially on the "library episode", that was pure non-dual philosophy and you can see that it was a source of inspiration in many other episodes, I mean, "the pulse of awakening", worlds of illusion, masks, split identites, the simbolism is all there, but if you are not familiar it may sound like a lot of gibberish.
One of my favorites. Love the rotoscoping. Makes it feel like a send back to the old school animation I grew up on. Classic on the existential anime watch list.
You don't normally gush over an anime so much. As soon as I finish writing my review of Robotics;Notes (next in the series of Chaos;Head, and Steins;Gate) on my other channel, as well as likely making an AMV on this one, I will definitely check this one out.
I picked this anime up about a year or two ago and drop it around episode 9. Don't know why, since I really liked it, though; the world and atmosphere did intrigue me, and I kept looking forward to learning more about the Proxies and what everything else that was going on in the story. I'll have to get back on it sometime soon. But this review did get me to wondering if you've ever watched Revolutionary Girl Utena or Mawaru Penguindrum. I'm not sure if they'd be something you'd like, as they are way different in atmosphere from the stuff I usually see you reviewing, but they were extremely surrealistic and also did a lot of thought-provoking, oftentimes hard-to-follow, themes. Once again, I'm not sure if they'd be something you're into, but I certainly found them to be some of my favorites. I've also heard that Serial Experiments Lain is pretty dark and trippy, and from what few clips I've seen of it, it looks like something that may be right up your alley.
I honestly wish more cerebral anime would get made. Boring easily digestible god mode hero animes can be fun, but it's like there is no substance. Stuff like this...Paranoia Agent, (trying to rack my brain for other titles but drawing a blank) neon genesis,etc. Are really enjoyable, and it's nice to see the medium used to portray something with a bit more depth than your average shonen anime. At any rate thanks for this video, really liked the commentary!
Good job on the review. This show definetely looks interesting but I'm probably gonna have to wait until I've seen a lot of anime shows to decide whether I want to watch this show or not.
What you said about the opening reminds me a lot of Steins;Gate. I'm pretty sure you won't pick up Evangelion anytime soon (what a shame), but have you seen Serial Experiments Lain?
ACS, do you know why darkness dragon rose deleted his youtube account, if you do pleas tell us and if you don`t, pleas get in touth with him, we really want to know.
Serial Experimental Lain was the first thought-provoking show to me that really blew my mind. Even now, its hard to explain WHAT exactly everything is. This show follows.
Oh man I think this actually does a disservice to the show. It was definitely more accessible than you make it seem, even though there are deeper and way more intricate levels to it underneath. I think that just gives the show amazing rewatch value, though - like you said, you can watch it seven times, but not, I think, come to a different conclusion about the show, more like come to a better understanding of the show. The writer(s) stuffed it full of literary and philosophical references that actually make a lot of sense if you know them and you're making it seem so much more confusing than it really is!! "I think therefore I am" changed to "I think therefore you are" is not that much of a mindbreak man fhdkhfid esp in the context of the show. This is a really cool vid tho and I'm glad to see theres anything at all on Ergo Proxy out there :))
I've just watched it first time. Middle episodes were a total mindfuck for me, but overall I was struck how good and complicated everything was and I started to fully understand it only after watching and reading some analysis like this. Really.. it was one of the most intellectually demanding shows I've ever watched and the vision of the world presented iniside is just extremly grim and scary. I only wish that there would be more sci-fi ambient music in the show. Highly recommended if u re looking for an original anime.
hey shadow, can you review shin sekai yori? It very confusing at first however, take sometime and you might like it. And not to spoiler anything, there is a episode that you might drop it the series
Im pretty sure Shadow wouldnt drop the series after episode 8, considering its evident he isnt a homophobe in his magical girl lyrical nanoha review... and that their is a similar scene in Future diary and shadow loves that.
Could it be, that Peeno is actuali short version of Pinocio wich is short tale about pupet named Pinocio turning into human(gainig soul) if yes ... It would be so cool :D
Why haven't you done a analysis of bleach yet? You said in your top 30 anime how good and badass it was, and in one of your videos you said it as an addictive story. I'm curious to know why you like bleach in a detailed analysis rather than statements.
so you like trippy anime...try paranoia agent, or my favorite serial experiments lain(you remember therefore I am)... it was lain and zegapain that made me change my outlook on what it means to be me... we all now dakarts "I think therefore I am",,, I now go by the philosophy "I remember therefore I am"...
I don't usually make requests like this but I feel I should make an exception. I would like you to do a review for an anime called Noragami, which came out sometime in January this year, if you haven't already made plans to do so. It's perfectly fine if you decide not to make a review as this is only a request, but I would appreciate it if you did. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
i've only just found this anime, but i'm already loving it, i find it refreshing compared to the usual animes out there and was wondering if you could recommend more like it :) i love animes and other shows that don't necessarily follow the usual story lines and try to make you look at what is between the lines more, something that makes you become more engaged with the story than you normal would :)
Death Note has a similar tone and also a lot of thought-provoking themes, though it's much less overtly cryptic. Fractale also has a lot of thought-provoking themes as well, as well as kind of a dystopian element.
***** if you still do not know what the proxy's were i can tell you. Proxy 1 mentioned "The Creator" multiple times during the series. which by my observation means God. the definition of proxy is to represent. and the proxy's were sent to Earth by "The Creator" to create the domes to sustain life as Agents of the Creator. so basically the represent God. hope that helps
I thought the ending was the only anime ending id even seen where i was completely satisfied once it ends. I just sat back and thought, ‘thats exactly what i wanted.’ The only one.
Hey ShdowACS, i think for your next "Ticket to Damnation" you should try watching Tsuma Shibori. It's only 2 episodes but i think you'd have fun reviewing it.
I've got 2 more episodes to go..i had to jump on here and see what other people were thinking about it.. there are many excellent interpretations spelled out here, and they do give an immediate new thought chain for me .. Thank You! I do love this anime..and I am also kinda lost..Re-L is such a great strikingly beautiful character it brought such a realism to the show! Something not found in many anime's at all! anyone else agree?? I love a god show that makes me think.. just like movies that do so,it's not for everyone.. I do feel that a second screening with some time to digest it between episodes will open up many other layers next time around.. All in all,,,Great anime! Thanks for the enlightenment from you all!
I wanted so much to love this anime but the amount of unanswered questions is just too many to actually find myself enjoying the series. They always sought the truth, still whenever they tasted some of it; a whole new big question mark appeared. In the end, I think the plot was far too complicated to just let it end the way it ended. They had plenty of chances to explain everything but somehow they managed to put 1000 questions in 2 episodes and that wasn’t very satisfying. Don’t get me wrong, the anime had some very good episodes. But every time I watched a new episode, I hoped for some clear answers, so I can move on. However most of the time I was like: wtf is this? WTF is that? The FUCK is happening. And you know damn well this is the absolute truth. As for the characters, I disagree with people saying that they don’t have strong personality, yet I believe that this applies to Vincent because for the most part he couldn’t make it through a conversation or give any answers to anyone and especially to himself (& to us). Vincent and Re-I didn’t have any intense interactions between them excluding a couple of times. Their dialogue was poor, Vincent didn’t have anything to say and that made it boring. Τo summarize, I would be very happy if they gave me some crystal clear answers that can actually make me understand the raison d'etre of Ergo Proxy. The fact when I finished the anime, I had a feeling that is not completed is my biggest complain. End of story. If you disagree, I will happily listen to your argument.
Ergo proxy and Ghost in the shell are 2 of the best thought provoking anime. Ghost in the shell makes you think about what it really means to mean to be human...what it means to have a consciousness (ghost) what is a consciousness? And what makes A.I any less important than us if A.I can code and develop its own consciousness... Go watch it if you haven't seen it I swear your missing out. Btw don't watch the Hollywood remake.
I feel like the sound and tone of the show reminded me of death note as well their seemed to be a lot of religious themes in the story like death note I’m so glad you pointed that out
I still think you should watch "Arpeggio of Blue Steel". It isn't AS focused on the psychological aspect as this, but the non-human characters do start to question their purpose as weapons throughout the show, making for some interesting moments.
i would add another anime, maybe you have already watched it. Psycho-Pass > and the philosophy of Makishima. If u want something really heavy go for Texhnolyze, i think thats the heaviest anime out there, +- Serial Experiments Lain.
Hi Shadow, this may sound really silly and stupid, but do you know if Dark is still watching animes? It's just everything sound so serious, i mean, he just deleted his channel and asked you to not tell us what happened (I can totally understand, it's private.) it just look so dramatic! And Dark like animes (if not why would he review them) so I was just wondering if you would happen to know that. >///
I do love the style of the art.dark and creepy but the story doesn't get me that much. one major problem is lack of development constantly. it's slow and kinda confusing.
if you liked ergo proxy, you should definitely watch serial experiments lane. it is on par with, of not a bigger mindfuck than ergo proxy. the animation and character designs are hard to get used to, but it is an anime from 1998, so don't let that turn you off.
I watched an episode back in high school, but never got around to watching the rest until recently. Finished it last night. This show was really awesome just by itself at first, but really got tippy with the story line later on.
Hey Shadow! If you enjoy cyberpunk mindrapes you will LOVE Serial Experiments Lain. It is one of my favourite anime ever and it also deals with the themes of perception.
Watched this anime a while ago. I loved it! It provided the action and intellectual stimulation I wanted, aside from the tripy episode in the abandoned dome. That left me with my head scratching even after 3-4 views, so I wrote it down a metaphorical and moved on.
If you like intense psycho mindfuckery and bizarre imagery I recommend the Garden of sinners series. It a series of 7 anime films produced by ufotable(they also made Fate/zero). It has a more supernatural tinge than sci fi but its great at messing with your head and making you think.
I would suggest to watch Serial Experiments Lain but I haven't watched it so I can't really recommend it. However I would suggest Shin Sekai Yori as it is a though provoking show, though don't drop it after the infamous episode 8. For a scifi/dystopian anime but not as though provoking you could also try No.6, just don't get put off that it does get categorized as a Yaoi, in which it isn't, sure there is a small romance between two young men but it doesn't go anywhere beyond a kiss.
Well, there were moments where I did think this show was being pretentious. There are one or two episodes in there that I really didn't like. Some episodes were absolutely excellent, and to my big surprise too, because even though I haven't been watching that much anime in recent years, I can't really think of any other show that had such deep, multi-layered and well executed themes running through it. Or maybe it's more of a sense of profoundness, as opposed to actual real thought-provoking content, I'm not entirely sure yet. Because there is a difference between being confused and not knowing exactly what is meant, and philosophical exploration. Perhaps this does require a second viewing. Vincent at times really started to sound like a whining idiot, always asking himself these existential questions while repeating "Re-L Re-L Re-L" so many times it started to bug me. I don't mean that the character shouldn't be having those thoughts and feelings, but the writers had him verbally say that shit too often imo. I feel like the viewer can read that into the character and what he's going through, without having been told (by him) what's going through his head all the time. You don't know who you are, you're not sure bout your place in the world, you have feelings for Re-L, I get it, no need to forcefeed it to me. I really liked Re-L, I love her journey, both throughout the outer world as well as the journey she takes inside. I think the connection between her and Vincent was well done, with him basically loving her right from the start, while she clearly needed some convincing (time actually, to get to know him). Also, I thought I disliked her Autoreiv (forgot its name), but boy did they manage to make that character interesting in the second half of the show. Pino (not sure how to write her name) was such a cool character, I think probably my favorite. Really intersting at times. I kinda felt like Vincent on the wind-powered vehicle traveling through the dark wastelands, when all of the other humans had died along the way and it was just him and this little robot, and he felt like he was all alone, ignoring the fact that Pino was there with him, because Pino isn't a real human being. He excludes her and considers himself to be all alone, but then eventually comes to realize that even though she isn't a human, she's still someone. I felt like that, because to me, she wasn't any different from the other mindless robots at first. Yeah she was programmed to be cute and she looks cute, but that's just a machine mocking human behaviour. You can disregard that, dismiss that, because it's just not real. But the show does a great job at opening you up to the idea that this little robot is an individual, and what's there that would truly distinguish her from a real girl? She experiences feelings, she has to deal with events, she clearly cares for other beings.. you kinda fall in love with her, and want her to find a place of peace and protection. What I hoped for was that Pino would start viewing Re-L as a mother, I don't know why, but I wanted to see the three of them somehow become a family. For that reason, I didn't like the fact that Pino, once back in the dome, went back to what's his face (forgot the dudes' name), looking for her 'father'. To be fair, inspite of that guy being a destructive asshole, he did seem to genuily care for Pino, although that connection was never really established or explained, and we simply had to accept that. I could write an entire essay about this show, I just realized. Haven't even touched upon some of the underlying themes. Another thing that I noticed while the episodes evolved and the world they were living in became larger, was that I wanted to know more about the outer world. I felt like they didn't explore that quite enough, and it was a fascinating world they created: dark and eerie, and fogged up.. really captivating and well done, cause like you (ShadowACS) I usually don't care much for these dystopian, post-apocalyptic worlds. I think I've written more than enough, and maybe it's better not to delve into any deeper meanings and the final episodes.. but yeah, glad I just happened to run into this show by mere chance, because despite some of the vagueness and minor complaints, it's a refreshing series for sure.
I'm a fan of Dark Souls, a game that does more than feed you the story. This show sounds perfect for me, the way you have to interpret it the way you want to understand it.
I kind of confused myself the way he talks about the show it sounds like it is one of those shows that stays in your head but I only vaguely remember watching this show. I remember watching it, I remember the characters and I remember some scenes like a group of scavengers being attacked outside the dome but other than that I can’t seem to remember anything else, considering my sheer lack of memory towards the show I have to assume that I must have watched it then thought to myself “Well, that was interesting” and then moved on to watching something else. I mean I don’t even remember if liked the show, which I know must have at least little because I know I didn’t drop it halfway through because I won’t bother with a show that I’m not liking. I actually forgot I even watched until after this review which I thank Shadow ACS for but now I just wish I at least remember what I thought of it you’d think that that would be the one thing I remember. I wonder why I don’t.
The episode where they wait for the wind is my favourite one
agreed, so much development happens.
Same! Just loved how the characters where flashed out. Till this day I tell people to just give this show a try! Stay blessed!
One of the best anime ever created, it's made to make people think rather than turn their brains off, so it's natural people will think it's pretentious. Good video :)
no i seriously need explanation , i loved it but i am very confused in so many things
@@youdontknowme2913 Well, I do not know everything about this show but I will try to answer you. Tell me, what do you think you do not understand? :)
the proxies were artificially created life that were made for the sole purpose of rejuvenating the earth. During the game show episode & also towards the end they explained this. In a conceptual way of thinking, the proxies were man made Gods that created life as they see fit. That's why each dome corresponded with a different theme, (for ex. the empty city theme dealt with identity & the library theme dealt with self acceptance).. As disjointed as the episodes feel as soon as you understand what the proxies are, all the occurrences makes sense & thats a feat in storytelling on it's own.
SilverVeil I actually came to a different conclusion so could you clear this up. I thought the proxies were agents created by the actual creator of the universe.
kyle eaton yikes, that's way off bro. The proxies were artificial beings created by man for the sole purpose of rejuvenating the earth. The gameshow episode explained that after the earth was uninhabitable due an accident and several other factors like pollution, the remaining survivors of earth left the planet and remains in orbit. The citizens of the domes were all artificially created by proxies, or artificial Gods if you prefer. So the real "Gods" in this scenario is man themselves.
oh, so in the end when the two proxies are fighting each other and they're referring to they're creator, they're talking about humans.
kyle eaton yup, also it's kind of like a subtle jab at religion as well. How people use the name of God whenever it's convenient for them , examples like America using the name of God to take land from native americans or the christian crusades. The proxies are allegorical representation of this idea. When the proxies rejuvenated the earth they were destined to die by the sunlight. So man only used the proxies like they use the name of God.
+SilverVeil I would definitely love to watch a video or read your analysis of this anime. I never really looked into why the domes were represented differently.
If you look at the cover of the Evanesance Fallen Album, the main girl in the show looks just like Amy Lee.
If you take out the two 'R' letters from the name Re-L Mayer and rearrange what's left you can spell Amy Lee. ;)
I believe Re-l’s character was inspired by Amy lee
Wow, I just finished Ergo Proxy today, and it was well worth the watch. Thanks for the recommendation! My brain is fried, but I think a second viewing will remedy that as I wasn't fully awake the first time.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
To me, the first 3/4 of the anime was pretty straight forward. It was just the final few episodes escalated exponentially that it fks up your brain
+ShadowACS I remember finishing this and thinking, "What the hell is this about?" I could never understand the actual plot of the series, unlike something like Baccano where there's no main character and no central plot.
EMBRACE THE PULSE OF THE AWAKENING
My appreciation of this show is such that I spent $330 on the limited blu ray box. I LOVE this show.
I LOVE "BUSY DOING NOTHING"!! I LOVE THAT EPISODE =D
Busy Doing Nothing was pivotal!!
yah you wasted money for no reason. couldve been like some people and downloaded a 1080p version of all episodes. lmaooo way more cost efective
that was my favorite episode
@@7625e he is saving the anime co.mmunity God damn it
Holy shit looking back at that comment i sound like a bonified asshole. My bad @TheKazragore
I definitely could've worded it more civilly.
To clear few things up... First of all a lot of people ignore or just don't pay a lot of attention to the quiz show episode where Vincent has to acquire 1mil. points. There is a lot told in that episode. Humans didn't survive in the domes, they destroyed earth with warfare and then escaped in a ship and the project was called "Boomerang project". Proxies were sent to earth by the "creator" to "heal" the earth by building the domes and create humans in the pods, which is why you see ships coming from the sky in the last scene of the last episode behind Vincent. And the word *Proxy* itself means "representative" or "agent" as it is in the dub. They are creators separate representatives of something (as ergo is of death) The only thing i don't understand is what is the difference between Re-L and Real (the copy that Deadalus made) and how did she become the proxy that Vincent and proxy one/ergo fell in love and what is her role in all of that. But yeah all in all it was a great anime that i really enjoyed.
Dedalus in greek mythology was a great architect. So great in fact that a king Minos traped him inside his own creation the labyrinth with his son Icarus. The only way for them to escape was to use feathers they collected and wax from cuddles to fly away. But icarus flew to close to the sun resulting in his wings burning and ultimately him falling to his death
I think this is the connection between dedalus and Real
I'm stealing this from another analysis, but I think Re_L was Daedalus' first experiment with Monad Proxy, splicing her genes with the Regent's. If you consider her and Vincent to be "shadows" of their true selves (Re_L as the shadow of Monad and Vincent as the shadow of Ergo), this explains their deep connection to each other. Real, on the other hand, is a more pure clone of Monad.
Re-l was a clone of Monad proxy
Ergo Proxy is in my top 10 anime of all time, truly a masterpiece & the opening is my #1 favorite too. I hold this show in high regards
-HisMajestyTheLICH-
i heard that darker then black has only arcs and no story? is that true?
-HisMajestyTheLICH- It was pretty good but nothing I would deem top 10 worthy. and as far as the opening, I have yet to find any that tops Ergo Proxy's. GITS stand alone complex & Steins;Gate comes close tho
Yeah. The only opening I like better is 91 Days'
Whenever people call it pretentious, you know they either aren't paying attention to the show, or aren't willing to try thinking or searching for the answer. Hilarious, in that a huge theme in the show is searching for truth. This is a thought provoking show, that upon multiple viewings still leaves questions in the mind. But there are answers within this series. There are clues in the imagery, in the names, and in the very opening itself. Fans have pieced the story together, but even now speculation continues in order to fully complete the puzzle. This is the beauty of Ergo Proxy.
The people who can't understand the series just have an attention span that's too short
DIMusicA
Wow, that's being a little harsh, don't you think?
Not really. Ergo Proxy threw this huge climax but did a poor execution on the ending. They did not bother to tell or explain the ending. If you bother to think, they explain mainly the background story in one episode, WHICH BY THE WAY, was only one episode, AND it made it seem like a filler. It is a great anime, but the ending was terrible. The info was thrown very vaguely which is never good. Yeah, it is freaking awesome when an anime makes you think, but to understand the ending was not shown clearly at all.
Ivan Leon
You're wrong, everything was explained, you just have to put all the pieces together.
Ivan Leon This is not the kind of show where you should expect to have everything spoonfed to you. If that's what you wanted out of the ending, well, you're not in the show's target audience.
"It felt like I had my brains blown out the back of my head and put back in reverse order. Which could be a valuable experience, but it will leave you with one hell of a headache"
This quote is pure gold
Masterpiece anime
I enjoyed every second of this show.
+Solf J. Kimblee I put it as #3 on my top anime list.
Ergo proxy reminds me of Hideo Kojima's work and the Ghost in the Shell movie. They all have so many layers to them and there is so much thought put into the design of it. Really love it
The writer of this anime and ghost in the shell manga is the same man
Re-I is men's wild dream.
+pyroghost11 You got that right.
shes real bae
dream as in nightmare?
she was
R - Amy Lee - R
To date, you are the best anime reviewer I've ever seen. Fundamentally sound review, without spoilers. Great job.
Check out Glass Reflection and Gigguk if you want to see great anime reviewers :P
Karan Pratap Singh Thanks for the information. I will check them out.
Reddit has a really good explanation in their discussion forum for each episode, i recommend watching an episode and going on reddit for the explanation
"I think; therefore I am."
I see, I hear, I process information (aka I think), and I do things. Does that mean we can identify ourselves? How we look, and the impacts of our decisions?
"I think; therefore you are."
I see and hear you. I can think and process what you look and sound like. I can confirm your existence, and you can confirm mine.
These are philosophical questions, and one of the many questions throughout the show. Only in the second half you're forced to notice them. These questions don't have a single answer and sometimes no answer. This show really needs a deeper analysis to really pull apart the various themes that exist.
"It's the first time I've seen such an intellectually challenging anime."
Have you ever heard of Serial Experiments Lain, Texhnolyze, Paranoia Agent, Revolutionary Girl Utena, and hell, fucking GHOST IN THE SHELL?
Because you have. And those are also that.
Am I under some obligation I don't know about to have seen every fucking anime in the world?
***** You mean you don't know these?
I'm not, it's just hard to express emotions through RUclips comments. I'm sorry if I came off as one, I guess I was just dissapointed that your analysis was more like a spoiler free review, instead of an actual analysis of the themes and the constant references to Alice in Wonderland and the religious symbolism, etc.
Instead it was more like a promo for people who hadn't seen the show. I am sorry honestly, but I just have to ask one question.
Have you not seen Ghost in the Shell?
Nucblus
Apology accepted. And I do think it's a little demeaning to call it a "promo," it's a review. Of course it's going to be spoiler-free, one of the main target audiences of a review is people who might be interested in seeing it.
Though it should be said that "anime analysis" is mostly a phonetic title, and that these are more reviews than anything.
And no, I haven't seen Ghost in the Shell, it never really seemed like it was up my alley. Though I may check it out at some point, I hear it's amazing.
***** Why are you so mean to him? He's absolutely right in his criticizing your vid.
Yeah I really really enjoyed watching Ergo Proxy. I had to watch it again to figure out how things connect and also appreciate what just happened. I also agree, Pino is a really adorable character, not just because she is cute but because she has a very human way of being. I normally like "Guy saves world, guy gets girl"-type anime series but this one is a series that I really appreciated when there is a whole lot to think about. Yes, it is a massive puzzle for the eyes and for the mind.
This is probably your best review so far. Or at least one of the best, so great job.
Thanks for selling me on it, Ergo Proxy is incredible.
Ghost in the Shell, Ergo Proxy, Neon Genesis (I guess), and then Serial Experiments Lain. The last one went pretty far down the rabbit hole.
totally gonna watch this one; just made my youtube account today and you were the first person i subscribed to. i have been watching your videos for a few years now and you have been the biggest inspiration to most of the anime i watch #loveclannad
YES. I really enjoyed your analysis. I stumbled onto it it wihle researching my analysis on the show. I've found it challenging to articulate "the type who would enjoy psychological dramas" and I think you've summed it up beautifully; This is the type of show that Stanley Kubrick fans would enjoy. I agree with that. In my case, I'm somewhat less interested in the contrast of character archetypes across shows, but I found the treatment of world building, social commentary, cynicism, the satisfying blend of fast and slow pacing, the sound score and mood to be exceptionally compelling. In my book, she's a classic, a flawed, but unforgettable work of the 2000's.
Hey, could you do a review of Hell Girl? I want to know your opinion on it
Most trippy and abstract? Try Utena, anything by Satoshi Kon, Neon Genesis Evangelion, or Texhnolyze and Serial Experiments Lain.
Granted, I do love Ergo Proxy. It aimed so high and neeeearly got there.
Hey shadow, have you been watching sword art online II and zankyou no terror (aka terror in resonance)? I think you may really enjoy them.
Ergo Proxy is worth watching regardless of whether or not you like complex themes delivered in subtle, cryptic ways. Besides abstracts and metaphors, it's got atmosphere, art design, and action. these things, which Ergo Proxy delivers in spades - don't require careful analysis for someone to be able to enjoy them. I can testify to this because it's what kept my interest throughout the entire length of the series the first time I watched it. But the fact that Ergo Proxy has SO MUCH MORE going for it only makes it so much more enjoyable to watch the second time, the third time, and so on. this is the best anime I've ever seen.
So much symbolism in this series. Like that Romdeau in the last episode takes the shape of a cracked egg, the Christian symbol for rebirth.
this is by far your best anime review i seen so far and got me interested again after i saw the 1st episode and was not in the mood for it at the time. also the part about different perspectives remind me a little bit of umineko.
i really loved this anime although i didn't fully understand the ending
I got this as a torrent years ago. Whoever did the translation did liner notes at the begining and ending of each episode. Just the fucking peoples names in this show are significant. It refrences classic sciencfiction, back to Hugo Gurnsback. All the Philosphy, the Religon, the new Archetypy they created with Vincent. This is truly a masterpiece. Would deserve a serious movie treatment.
great review on a twisted and mindbending anime . I have a question, how Is the progress on your book, The Gatewalker Chronicles
I gave up on that a year ago.
Boo! Don't give up on writing man. Come on
This was a very interesting show imo. It rarely spoon feeds you plot instead it forces you to catch on yourself and actively pay attention. This isn't a show for casual viewers to pass the time. Go into the series trying to learn something and test your ideals and beliefs. If you pay attention and not zone out you can follow the story and piece together the time line easily.
Enjoy your holiday shadow. U deserve it for all your hard work.
I plan on watching this eventually. Have you heard of Technolyze? I haven't seen it personally, but from what I can tell Ergo Proxy and Technolyze are rather similar (don't go by my spelling of the show; it's most likely wrong).
Serial experiments lain was made by the same person as technolize. And lain is probably even more confusing than ergo proxy. Love all of them though
The perspective of the Proxy, especially on the "library episode", that was pure non-dual philosophy and you can see that it was a source of inspiration in many other episodes, I mean, "the pulse of awakening", worlds of illusion, masks, split identites, the simbolism is all there, but if you are not familiar it may sound like a lot of gibberish.
One of my favorites. Love the rotoscoping. Makes it feel like a send back to the old school animation I grew up on. Classic on the existential anime watch list.
Hey ShadowACS, have you heard about the new Fate Stay Night anime coming out later this year?
Goth chicks for the Win!
You don't normally gush over an anime so much. As soon as I finish writing my review of Robotics;Notes (next in the series of Chaos;Head, and Steins;Gate) on my other channel, as well as likely making an AMV on this one, I will definitely check this one out.
This was on late night tv, and was one of the coolest things ever
I picked this anime up about a year or two ago and drop it around episode 9. Don't know why, since I really liked it, though; the world and atmosphere did intrigue me, and I kept looking forward to learning more about the Proxies and what everything else that was going on in the story. I'll have to get back on it sometime soon.
But this review did get me to wondering if you've ever watched Revolutionary Girl Utena or Mawaru Penguindrum. I'm not sure if they'd be something you'd like, as they are way different in atmosphere from the stuff I usually see you reviewing, but they were extremely surrealistic and also did a lot of thought-provoking, oftentimes hard-to-follow, themes. Once again, I'm not sure if they'd be something you're into, but I certainly found them to be some of my favorites.
I've also heard that Serial Experiments Lain is pretty dark and trippy, and from what few clips I've seen of it, it looks like something that may be right up your alley.
Just finished this series. It's now added to my top favorites with Kino's Journey and Mushi-Shi.
is your next review death note or fullmetal alchemist or bleach or something supernatural
I honestly wish more cerebral anime would get made. Boring easily digestible god mode hero animes can be fun, but it's like there is no substance. Stuff like this...Paranoia Agent, (trying to rack my brain for other titles but drawing a blank) neon genesis,etc. Are really enjoyable, and it's nice to see the medium used to portray something with a bit more depth than your average shonen anime. At any rate thanks for this video, really liked the commentary!
Ergo Proxy = When you don't do main quest after you realize you don't have to
Good job on the review. This show definetely looks interesting but I'm probably gonna have to wait until I've seen a lot of anime shows to decide whether I want to watch this show or not.
What you said about the opening reminds me a lot of Steins;Gate.
I'm pretty sure you won't pick up Evangelion anytime soon (what a shame), but have you seen Serial Experiments Lain?
Hey, you rhymed! :D
Jennifer Crespin Eh, close enough
ACS, do you know why darkness dragon rose deleted his youtube account, if you do pleas tell us and if you don`t, pleas get in touth with him, we really want to know.
Shadow, ever thought about checking spice and wolf out? its pretty good and i would like to hear what you think about it :)
I think he already watched it. It's in one of his top 10's
but i mean that i want him to review it. i dont find that he have made a video of it.
Ah ok
Serial Experimental Lain was the first thought-provoking show to me that really blew my mind. Even now, its hard to explain WHAT exactly everything is. This show follows.
Oh man I think this actually does a disservice to the show. It was definitely more accessible than you make it seem, even though there are deeper and way more intricate levels to it underneath. I think that just gives the show amazing rewatch value, though - like you said, you can watch it seven times, but not, I think, come to a different conclusion about the show, more like come to a better understanding of the show. The writer(s) stuffed it full of literary and philosophical references that actually make a lot of sense if you know them and you're making it seem so much more confusing than it really is!! "I think therefore I am" changed to "I think therefore you are" is not that much of a mindbreak man fhdkhfid esp in the context of the show. This is a really cool vid tho and I'm glad to see theres anything at all on Ergo Proxy out there :))
I've just watched it first time. Middle episodes were a total mindfuck for me, but overall I was struck how good and complicated everything was and I started to fully understand it only after watching and reading some analysis like this. Really.. it was one of the most intellectually demanding shows I've ever watched and the vision of the world presented iniside is just extremly grim and scary. I only wish that there would be more sci-fi ambient music in the show. Highly recommended if u re looking for an original anime.
hey shadow, can you review shin sekai yori? It very confusing at first however, take sometime and you might like it. And not to spoiler anything, there is a episode that you might drop it the series
lol what ep i forgot most of it so please refresh my memory
the famous episode 8
Im pretty sure Shadow wouldnt drop the series after episode 8, considering its evident he isnt a homophobe in his magical girl lyrical nanoha review... and that their is a similar scene in Future diary and shadow loves that.
Could it be, that Peeno is actuali short version of Pinocio wich is short tale about pupet named Pinocio turning into human(gainig soul) if yes ... It would be so cool :D
This is the best anime by far. If this was a live action series it would earn an Emmy.
Hope you have fun on your vacation, Shadow
Why haven't you done a analysis of bleach yet? You said in your top 30 anime how good and badass it was, and in one of your videos you said it as an addictive story. I'm curious to know why you like bleach in a detailed analysis rather than statements.
It sounds like a somber, more thought provoking combination of Chrome Shelled Regios and Casshern Sins.
You said one had to watch the show several times to understand it, so how many times did you have to watch it to understand it?
so you like trippy anime...try paranoia agent, or my favorite serial experiments lain(you remember therefore I am)... it was lain and zegapain that made me change my outlook on what it means to be me... we all now dakarts "I think therefore I am",,, I now go by the philosophy "I remember therefore I am"...
I don't usually make requests like this but I feel I should make an exception. I would like you to do a review for an anime called Noragami, which came out sometime in January this year, if you haven't already made plans to do so. It's perfectly fine if you decide not to make a review as this is only a request, but I would appreciate it if you did. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
i've only just found this anime, but i'm already loving it, i find it refreshing compared to the usual animes out there and was wondering if you could recommend more like it :)
i love animes and other shows that don't necessarily follow the usual story lines and try to make you look at what is between the lines more, something that makes you become more engaged with the story than you normal would :)
Death Note has a similar tone and also a lot of thought-provoking themes, though it's much less overtly cryptic. Fractale also has a lot of thought-provoking themes as well, as well as kind of a dystopian element.
okay, i've already been reading Death Note, so i'll give Fractale a try, thanks :)
*****
if you still do not know what the proxy's were i can tell you. Proxy 1 mentioned "The Creator" multiple times during the series. which by my observation means God. the definition of proxy is to represent. and the proxy's were sent to Earth by "The Creator" to create the domes to sustain life as Agents of the Creator. so basically the represent God. hope that helps
yeah that does help, thanks :)
Serial Experiments Lain and Paranoia Agent are some trippy shows you should check out if you like that sort of thing.
I thought the ending was the only anime ending id even seen where i was completely satisfied once it ends. I just sat back and thought, ‘thats exactly what i wanted.’ The only one.
Having Paranoid Android as the closing song was enough for me.
Hey ShdowACS, i think for your next "Ticket to Damnation" you should try watching Tsuma Shibori. It's only 2 episodes but i think you'd have fun reviewing it.
I've got 2 more episodes to go..i had to jump on here and see what other people were thinking about it.. there are many excellent interpretations spelled out here, and they do give an immediate new thought chain for me .. Thank You! I do love this anime..and I am also kinda lost..Re-L is such a great strikingly beautiful character it brought such a realism to the show! Something not found in many anime's at all! anyone else agree?? I love a god show that makes me think.. just like movies that do so,it's not for everyone.. I do feel that a second screening with some time to digest it between episodes will open up many other layers next time around.. All in all,,,Great anime! Thanks for the enlightenment from you all!
There are no gods...Humanity just needs to wake up
You know the real twist is knowing two Proxys go off and start a new society with two insane robots.
I wanted so much to love this anime but the amount of unanswered questions is just too many to actually find myself enjoying the series. They always sought the truth, still whenever they tasted some of it; a whole new big question mark appeared. In the end, I think the plot was far too complicated to just let it end the way it ended. They had plenty of chances to explain everything but somehow they managed to put 1000 questions in 2 episodes and that wasn’t very satisfying. Don’t get me wrong, the anime had some very good episodes. But every time I watched a new episode, I hoped for some clear answers, so I can move on. However most of the time I was like: wtf is this? WTF is that? The FUCK is happening. And you know damn well this is the absolute truth. As for the characters, I disagree with people saying that they don’t have strong personality, yet I believe that this applies to Vincent because for the most part he couldn’t make it through a conversation or give any answers to anyone and especially to himself (& to us). Vincent and Re-I didn’t have any intense interactions between them excluding a couple of times. Their dialogue was poor, Vincent didn’t have anything to say and that made it boring. Τo summarize, I would be very happy if they gave me some crystal clear answers that can actually make me understand the raison d'etre of Ergo Proxy. The fact when I finished the anime, I had a feeling that is not completed is my biggest complain. End of story. If you disagree, I will happily listen to your argument.
Ergo proxy and Ghost in the shell are 2 of the best thought provoking anime. Ghost in the shell makes you think about what it really means to mean to be human...what it means to have a consciousness (ghost) what is a consciousness? And what makes A.I any less important than us if A.I can code and develop its own consciousness... Go watch it if you haven't seen it I swear your missing out. Btw don't watch the Hollywood remake.
Thanks for the review..I definitely will put this on my backlog.
I feel like the sound and tone of the show reminded me of death note as well their seemed to be a lot of religious themes in the story like death note I’m so glad you pointed that out
In the first episode, the bowl of alphabet cereal reveals a word “awakening”.
I still think you should watch "Arpeggio of Blue Steel".
It isn't AS focused on the psychological aspect as this, but the non-human characters do start to question their purpose as weapons throughout the show, making for some interesting moments.
One of my favorites. It's absolutely amazing. Re-L is great. One of the very few I'd say is a true masterpiece.
i would add another anime, maybe you have already watched it. Psycho-Pass > and the philosophy of Makishima. If u want something really heavy go for Texhnolyze, i think thats the heaviest anime out there, +- Serial Experiments Lain.
Outstanding commentary about this superb anime!!
Hi Shadow, this may sound really silly and stupid, but do you know if Dark is still watching animes? It's just everything sound so serious, i mean, he just deleted his channel and asked you to not tell us what happened (I can totally understand, it's private.) it just look so dramatic! And Dark like animes (if not why would he review them) so I was just wondering if you would happen to know that. >///
Am i the only guy who watches an intellectual anime just enjoying it without ever realizing but just enjoying it
I do love the style of the art.dark and creepy but the story doesn't get me that much. one major problem is lack of development constantly. it's slow and kinda confusing.
if you liked ergo proxy, you should definitely watch serial experiments lane. it is on par with, of not a bigger mindfuck than ergo proxy. the animation and character designs are hard to get used to, but it is an anime from 1998, so don't let that turn you off.
I MEAN, ONE OF THE STATUES IS NAMED DERRIDA.........SO YOU CAN PRETTY MUCH KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
Do you do an analysis for those who have already seen this anime.
You ought to review another for your next supernatural anime shadow
I watched an episode back in high school, but never got around to watching the rest until recently. Finished it last night. This show was really awesome just by itself at first, but really got tippy with the story line later on.
Shadow you would probably like Evangalion. I wasnt the hugest fan, but I reconise its good. It has that whole complex themes thing.....
Hey Shadow! If you enjoy cyberpunk mindrapes you will LOVE Serial Experiments Lain. It is one of my favourite anime ever and it also deals with the themes of perception.
Watched this anime a while ago. I loved it! It provided the action and intellectual stimulation I wanted, aside from the tripy episode in the abandoned dome. That left me with my head scratching even after 3-4 views, so I wrote it down a metaphorical and moved on.
how about EXPERIMENTAL LAIN? is more cryptic than ergo proxy...after watching experimental lain.. ergo proxy is like just walk in a park
Manglobe did have really awesome art style! Re-l was so successful character as well.
Can you go and do an anime analysis about Black Rock Shooter?
If you like intense psycho mindfuckery and bizarre imagery I recommend the Garden of sinners series. It a series of 7 anime films produced by ufotable(they also made Fate/zero). It has a more supernatural tinge than sci fi but its great at messing with your head and making you think.
I would suggest to watch Serial Experiments Lain but I haven't watched it so I can't really recommend it. However I would suggest Shin Sekai Yori as it is a though provoking show, though don't drop it after the infamous episode 8. For a scifi/dystopian anime but not as though provoking you could also try No.6, just don't get put off that it does get categorized as a Yaoi, in which it isn't, sure there is a small romance between two young men but it doesn't go anywhere beyond a kiss.
Well, there were moments where I did think this show was being pretentious. There are one or two episodes in there that I really didn't like. Some episodes were absolutely excellent, and to my big surprise too, because even though I haven't been watching that much anime in recent years, I can't really think of any other show that had such deep, multi-layered and well executed themes running through it. Or maybe it's more of a sense of profoundness, as opposed to actual real thought-provoking content, I'm not entirely sure yet. Because there is a difference between being confused and not knowing exactly what is meant, and philosophical exploration. Perhaps this does require a second viewing. Vincent at times really started to sound like a whining idiot, always asking himself these existential questions while repeating "Re-L Re-L Re-L" so many times it started to bug me. I don't mean that the character shouldn't be having those thoughts and feelings, but the writers had him verbally say that shit too often imo. I feel like the viewer can read that into the character and what he's going through, without having been told (by him) what's going through his head all the time. You don't know who you are, you're not sure bout your place in the world, you have feelings for Re-L, I get it, no need to forcefeed it to me. I really liked Re-L, I love her journey, both throughout the outer world as well as the journey she takes inside. I think the connection between her and Vincent was well done, with him basically loving her right from the start, while she clearly needed some convincing (time actually, to get to know him). Also, I thought I disliked her Autoreiv (forgot its name), but boy did they manage to make that character interesting in the second half of the show. Pino (not sure how to write her name) was such a cool character, I think probably my favorite. Really intersting at times. I kinda felt like Vincent on the wind-powered vehicle traveling through the dark wastelands, when all of the other humans had died along the way and it was just him and this little robot, and he felt like he was all alone, ignoring the fact that Pino was there with him, because Pino isn't a real human being. He excludes her and considers himself to be all alone, but then eventually comes to realize that even though she isn't a human, she's still someone. I felt like that, because to me, she wasn't any different from the other mindless robots at first. Yeah she was programmed to be cute and she looks cute, but that's just a machine mocking human behaviour. You can disregard that, dismiss that, because it's just not real. But the show does a great job at opening you up to the idea that this little robot is an individual, and what's there that would truly distinguish her from a real girl? She experiences feelings, she has to deal with events, she clearly cares for other beings.. you kinda fall in love with her, and want her to find a place of peace and protection. What I hoped for was that Pino would start viewing Re-L as a mother, I don't know why, but I wanted to see the three of them somehow become a family. For that reason, I didn't like the fact that Pino, once back in the dome, went back to what's his face (forgot the dudes' name), looking for her 'father'. To be fair, inspite of that guy being a destructive asshole, he did seem to genuily care for Pino, although that connection was never really established or explained, and we simply had to accept that. I could write an entire essay about this show, I just realized. Haven't even touched upon some of the underlying themes. Another thing that I noticed while the episodes evolved and the world they were living in became larger, was that I wanted to know more about the outer world. I felt like they didn't explore that quite enough, and it was a fascinating world they created: dark and eerie, and fogged up.. really captivating and well done, cause like you (ShadowACS) I usually don't care much for these dystopian, post-apocalyptic worlds. I think I've written more than enough, and maybe it's better not to delve into any deeper meanings and the final episodes.. but yeah, glad I just happened to run into this show by mere chance, because despite some of the vagueness and minor complaints, it's a refreshing series for sure.
If you're into art house films, you might wanna give Trainspotting a try. It's a dark comedy, but it has a similar trippy feel to Donnie Darko.
I'm a fan of Dark Souls, a game that does more than feed you the story. This show sounds perfect for me, the way you have to interpret it the way you want to understand it.
I kind of confused myself the way he talks about the show it sounds like it is one of those shows that stays in your head but I only vaguely remember watching this show. I remember watching it, I remember the characters and I remember some scenes like a group of scavengers being attacked outside the dome but other than that I can’t seem to remember anything else, considering my sheer lack of memory towards the show I have to assume that I must have watched it then thought to myself “Well, that was interesting” and then moved on to watching something else. I mean I don’t even remember if liked the show, which I know must have at least little because I know I didn’t drop it halfway through because I won’t bother with a show that I’m not liking. I actually forgot I even watched until after this review which I thank Shadow ACS for but now I just wish I at least remember what I thought of it you’d think that that would be the one thing I remember. I wonder why I don’t.
0:27 "Most cryptic and trippy anime"
Ever watched "Perfect Blue" (by Satoshi Kon)?