Šingeki no kjodžin - The Final Season

For some, today marks the end of just one anime series, but for others, it signals the end of an entire era. While I've never been the staunchest fan of AoT in its previous seasons, always finding some reason to withhold that coveted fifth star, I can't deny it this time. I now understand why the ending of AoT is such a monumental event for many. It's a series that, like Pokémon, One Piece, Naruto, and later Sword Art Online, has created a whole new generation of otaku, serving as a gateway to anime for countless viewers who realized that animation isn't just for kids. For them, this is the end of their first true Japanese animated love – a feeling that must be both poignant and surreal. The most notable criticism of this final season, one that's been the butt of many jokes, is its broadcast format. Stretching it out in all ways possible, creating "final season, final part, part 2" or was it "final season, part 3, part 2", is something I'll remember for years to come. But perhaps it was a necessary sacrifice to uphold the series' quality, turning each episode into a grand and meaningful experience. MAPPA spared no effort, even in the realm of CGI, which typically raises eyebrows among anime purists. Yet here, it seamlessly blends into the narrative, leaving only minor details like the pronounced shading of characters using hatching to potentially gripe about. But what's beyond reproach now is the story. The final season is a culmination of everything the author has meticulously laid out in previous seasons, including what was only hinted at in passing. It broadens the scope of the narrative to encompass the entire world, introducing new dimensions and shifting perspectives on events we thought we understood. It's a profound philosophical exploration of morality, humanity, hatred, and war, with countless themes to unpack. Nothing is painted in simple black and white; everything is a matter of perspective. The line between hero and terrorist blurs, depending on who's judging our actions. For the discerning viewer, this last season is a treat to savor, a puzzle finally pieced together to reveal a beautifully complex image worthy of further analysis. The emotions, as intense as ever, resonate deeply as the stakes soar to unprecedented heights – and rightfully so. I found myself genuinely invested in the characters, no longer certain of anyone's fate, which made the loss of some all the more poignant. Surprisingly, I even shed a tear for a character I used to only make fun of in previous seasons. The "finale" itself, spanning the last two episodes, is nothing short of cinematic brilliance – a culmination, explanation, and conclusion rolled into one. Though, to say it ties up every loose end would be a stretch; some mysteries transcend even the end of the series – which is one of the show's takeaways. What more is there to say? For some, today marks the end of just one anime series, but for others, it marks the end of an era. And as Jeoffrey can only attest, there's a lot more to "Titans" than meets the eye. 9.5/10 (2023.11.05) (kevesebbet) (több)