86

I started watching 86 because I was intrigued by the song "Voices of the Chord" from the score, which I stumbled across. Wow, am I glad I did. This took me completely by surprise and is now one of my favorite stories. I read everything that's out in the light novel series immediately after finishing Season 1, and I'm really excited for Season 2. Some things I liked (spoiler-free):

• The depiction of war felt appropriately heavy. Some stories use death as a cheap plot-thickener and then slide it under the rug right away, but 86 treats death with dignity. This is especially well-written because it isn't just told to the viewer; it's naturally shown in characters' actions and dispositions, whether they're good, bad, or lukewarm.

• The story explores issues of racism and prejudice that reflect the real-life complexities of interacting with those who aren't like oneself and the consequences of not treating each other like humans, worthy of respect and love. This is well-written in the subtle and natural building tension between characters.

• MUSIC. Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto did the score. If that's not enough to grab your attention because you haven't heard the OST for AOT, then just know their music improved every scene. If you're not sure, look up Avid, Voices of the Chord, or the previews of the OST (it's not out officially on Spotify yet :/). I recommend "Shin" and "Hear My Voice." I mean, a song got me into this, right?

• 86 didn't tell me what its world was like right away. I had to keep watching to figure out why certain things were the way they were, which I love. Natural world-building for the win!

• There was minimal sexualization of women. One scene does show some nudity from the back, but it didn't feel like a sexualization; it had a very different intention and wasn't the focus, at least in my opinion. If you're someone who is made uncomfortable by "fan-service" in anime, know you don't have to worry about that being shoved into every scene here.

• Many scenes reached a new level because of thoughtful, artistic cinematography that deepened the meaning of the moment subtly. Some were so beautifully done that they are still ingrained in my brain.

• There's some excellent sci-fi, mecha action! This is even better because the machines are not these awe-inspiring, top-of-the-line technological advances; it allows the tactics and skills of the soldiers to stand out. But not all the tension in the plot is drawn from action, thankfully. :)

Honestly, I believe this show is completely worth your time, whatever your typical genre preferences. It's a heavy story, but it still brims with hope and moments of pure life that are brighter for the darkness. I know I'll be thinking about it for a long time.

If you needed a little push, I hope this review does it for you. I've only ever written one review here, and 86 was so good that it necessitated my second. I hope it is as meaningful to you as it is to me!