86 is a good anime because it masterfully blends compelling characters, intricate world-building, profound themes, and a captivating soundtrack to create a truly immersive and emotionally resonant experience.
Here's a breakdown of the key elements that contribute to its success:
Compelling Narrative
- Intriguing Mystery: The anime keeps viewers engaged through its slow reveal of the enemy, the Legion, and the secrets surrounding the Republic's true motives. The obfuscation of information keeps you invested in understanding the full picture.
- Political Themes: The story explores heavy and realistic political themes like racism, dehumanization, and propaganda, adding significant depth and gravitas. These themes elevate the anime beyond a simple mecha action show.
- Emotional Core: The narrative focuses on the emotional struggles and development of the characters, fostering a deep connection with the audience. Their resilience in the face of adversity is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Lovable and Relatable Characters
- Character Depth: The characters in 86 are not simply archetypes. They are complex individuals with unique backstories, motivations, and vulnerabilities.
- Emotional Investment: As you learn about their pasts and witness their present struggles, you become deeply invested in their fates. The bonds they form with each other are crucial to the story's impact.
- Relatability: Despite the extraordinary circumstances they face, the characters' emotions and desires are relatable, making their experiences all the more poignant.
Exceptional Soundtrack
- Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto: The music is composed by renowned composers Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto, known for their work on iconic anime soundtracks like Attack on Titan.
- Emotional Amplification: The soundtrack powerfully enhances the emotional impact of key scenes, heightening tension, sorrow, and triumph.
- Memorable Themes: The music features memorable and distinct themes that perfectly capture the tone and atmosphere of the anime.
Production Quality
- Animation: The animation is generally high-quality, particularly in the mecha combat sequences, which are visually stunning and dynamic.
- Sound Design: Beyond the score, the sound design is impressive, creating an immersive and believable soundscape for the battlefield.
- Direction: The direction effectively utilizes visual storytelling and pacing to maximize the emotional impact of the narrative.
In short, 86 stands out as a truly exceptional anime due to its compelling story, well-developed characters, profound themes, and outstanding music, making it a powerful and unforgettable viewing experience.
