Halex

Attack on Titan - Watching Guide

So, of course, this is a dark show with great animation, awesome non-stop action scenes with brutal fights, and thrilling dramatic moments, with a story full of mysteries and likable characters, which is why most people like it. These characteristics alone are what the hype of this show is about, and while watching it for these motives makes for an entertaining experience, that is not what makes this show a masterpiece.

One of the characteristics that set this show apart is how the story easily evokes metaphors, analogies & symbolism across different cultures and demographics, you cannot help yourself but let your mind wander, although perhaps, this story is best understood by people who have fought hard for a dream against immeasurable obstacles and by people who have questioned the sanity of the society where they were born.

For example, from a psychological perspective, the walls can represent the limitations we or our society set for ourselves in order to protect us, but they also become the cage that binds us, leaving us unable to reach our full potential, our dreams, limiting our freedom. While the Titans can represent the obstacles that we must overtake in order to find that freedom, the problems of "Titanic" proportions that stand in our way, the fears we must overcome in order to go beyond the walls and reach our dreams.

Analogies to real-life history have been a matter of controversy in several countries. I'm not sure how much the author intended this to be, but unfortunately, the themes of corruption & segregation are still part of our current history and easily understood by people who live in regimens like that.

There is a lot of emphasis in the show about being a conformist vs people who dares to go beyond the walls despite the horrors they encounter and does an excellent job at exemplifying what it means to charge for your dreams against immeasurable odds. The show portrays both the worst and the best of humanity when they are in dire situations.

The story is built on deceit, the show has received some bad reviews by people who notice some contradictions & things that don't quite make sense and they quit watching making a quick judgment of the show, but in fact, what you see in this story is not always the truth and if you keep watching it will eventually make all sense. In fact, this is one of the highlights of the show that offers a great rewatch value, since as new information is revealed and the truth is cleared out, the story takes new shape as you rewatch it. And this happens 3-4 times, every time making you see the story from the perspective of other characters based on what was revealed and everything fits perfectly. This goes beyond adding new meaning to some events, but rather the story itself is created anew changing the way you perceive it. On the first watch is all about surprises, shock value, and mysteries; while on the second watch the veil is lifted and you can only wonder how they were able to deceive everyone with a straight face? What they were thinking? People who seem heroic at first are seen in a new light, events that seem insignificant at first become of great importance and characters that were relegated to the background take centerstage. You'll get to see that there were no wasted frames on each scene and everything has meaning. It all ties up with the theme of questioning the society we live in, questioning what we take for granted, how do you know you have not been deceived? How can you be sure the sea really exist if nobody you know has ever seen it? Would you be able to go beyond the walls, risking your life against the Titans, just to reach the mythical sea? Or would you conform to a society that says the walls will protect you? In this story, you as the viewer are being deceived and that makes you part of the experience you are seeing.

As I mention, the animation is of excellent quality both in the style as in the action-scenes. They use a different style for the Titans that highlight their otherworldly nature. Both the music and sound effects are an excellent complement to the visuals, helping you to get immersed in the world. The dub is awesome too, one of the best I have heard!

Overall I'm surprised to see low or average reviews for this show, but after reading them, it seems some people were just too quick to judge or didn't considered the symbolic aspects of the show. I strongly recommend you give this story a try and don't constrain yourselves within your own walls, you won't be disappointed if you have an open mind. Remember that sci-fi is not to be taken literal, but it's all about the metaphors to real life, especially your own life. Take what you can from this story and use it!