I don't know why I'm here, but I can at least give some feedback. On the style : 1. Sound is too low, raising it just a bit, at least so it's on the same level as the inserts, would help tremendously. 2. The JJ insert is too long, rythm is broken because of it. 3. Editing is solid. Nothing incredible, but serviceable. On the substance: AoT, if you're a new "media consumer", can feel new and interesting. To anyone with that cares a bit about storytelling, worldbuilding and character writing, it's mediocre. Not Trash, but mediocre. I like the thing you had with mystery boxes, because AoT relies HEAVILY on them, and just like with JJ's works, nearly all of them fall flat because the explanations for each of them is so contrived, deus-ex machina style, that, if you take 2 seconds to think about it, take you completely out of the story. This is explained (and supported by numerous interviews with Isayama), that he didn't plan for the story to continue as long as it did. Meaning that all those mystery boxes were just that. Mystery boxes. Contradictions riddle the entire lore, especially in the last part of the work, where all the "answers" start to be revealed. Characters are bland. They are not badly written, but they follow very basic tropes, never grow out of them and, as you said, are more reactive than active narratively. The exception is the main character, that manages to be extremely badly written, in a work where the rest of the cast is acceptable. Childish manicheism defines his entire character, and his actions often ignoring the entire worldbuilding that the Author created. He's used to move the plot forward, and nothing else. Plot contrivences are legions when it comes to him. The worldbuilding is the thing to save, as there IS work put into it. A shame that it's never used efficiently and that a lot of the characters seem to act and think in a vaccum. AoT does not have one of the best OST of any show running. Sawano is good, but his work on AoT is bland, relying mostly on basic orchestral pieces that are good, but not inspired. When you compare it to what he did on Kill La Kill or Xenoblade, or Thunderbolt Fantasy, where he had more freedom, it's like night and day. Equivalent talent also exist in the industry. He's great. But the OST of AoT is not special. Animation is Great. VA work is great. Never watched the dub. AoT is a decent show. But it's not great. I know you didn't want to be negative. But ignoring the obvious flaws of a work is not something that should be encouraged for any reviewers. So thus, my comment. Now I go back to the rest of the Internet. I wish you luck on your RUclips journey.
I don't know why I'm here, but I can at least give some feedback.
On the style :
1. Sound is too low, raising it just a bit, at least so it's on the same level as the inserts, would help tremendously.
2. The JJ insert is too long, rythm is broken because of it.
3. Editing is solid. Nothing incredible, but serviceable.
On the substance:
AoT, if you're a new "media consumer", can feel new and interesting.
To anyone with that cares a bit about storytelling, worldbuilding and character writing, it's mediocre.
Not Trash, but mediocre.
I like the thing you had with mystery boxes, because AoT relies HEAVILY on them, and just like with JJ's works, nearly all of them fall flat because the explanations for each of them is so contrived, deus-ex machina style, that, if you take 2 seconds to think about it, take you completely out of the story.
This is explained (and supported by numerous interviews with Isayama), that he didn't plan for the story to continue as long as it did. Meaning that all those mystery boxes were just that.
Mystery boxes.
Contradictions riddle the entire lore, especially in the last part of the work, where all the "answers" start to be revealed.
Characters are bland. They are not badly written, but they follow very basic tropes, never grow out of them and, as you said, are more reactive than active narratively.
The exception is the main character, that manages to be extremely badly written, in a work where the rest of the cast is acceptable. Childish manicheism defines his entire character, and his actions often ignoring the entire worldbuilding that the Author created. He's used to move the plot forward, and nothing else.
Plot contrivences are legions when it comes to him.
The worldbuilding is the thing to save, as there IS work put into it. A shame that it's never used efficiently and that a lot of the characters seem to act and think in a vaccum.
AoT does not have one of the best OST of any show running. Sawano is good, but his work on AoT is bland, relying mostly on basic orchestral pieces that are good, but not inspired.
When you compare it to what he did on Kill La Kill or Xenoblade, or Thunderbolt Fantasy, where he had more freedom, it's like night and day.
Equivalent talent also exist in the industry. He's great. But the OST of AoT is not special.
Animation is Great.
VA work is great. Never watched the dub.
AoT is a decent show.
But it's not great.
I know you didn't want to be negative.
But ignoring the obvious flaws of a work is not something that should be encouraged for any reviewers.
So thus, my comment.
Now I go back to the rest of the Internet.
I wish you luck on your RUclips journey.
Thank you for taking the time to offer feedback and critiques, I appreciate it.
A fellow aot fan!
What is your favourite season?
Fourth is my favorite, though I am one of the odd ones who really enjoys the second season.