[C] - Control

[C] – Control is an extraordinary anime series that is a captivating blend of economic theory, high-stakes action, and subtle philosophical undertones. It aired in 2011 and is a production available from FUNimation. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kenji Nakamura and written by Noboru Takagi, this show offers a rich and compelling narrative that cleverly intertwines finance, economics, and the aspect of fate and free will into its plot.

[C] – Control primarily takes place in two distinct realities: one is the real world, specifically, Japan's financial district, and the other is an alternate and parallel reality known as Financial District. In the real world, the story revolves around an economy student Kimimaro Yoga, whose life is primarily focused on maintaining a balance between his part-time job and his university studies. He dreams of a future where he can live a stable and secure life, free from the shackles of money problems that plague society.

Our protagonist’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is approached by the enigmatic character known as Masakaki. Masakaki represents the Financial District, a mysterious entity that exists in a parallel reality. He offers Kimimaro a deal that promises significant wealth and future security. Intrigued yet cautious, Kimimaro ultimately finds himself stepping into the Financial District, a world that operates on principles far removed from the ones governing his home reality.

In this alternate world, the conventional concept of money holds no value. Here, fortunes are made and lost with 'Deals,' battles that are fought between peculiar entities known as 'Assets'. These Assets are the embodied forms of the future potential and possibilities of entrepreneurs, or "Entre's" for short. These Entre's are individuals like Kimimaro who have been invited to partake in the high stake game of Deals.

As Kimimaro navigates through the Financial District, he encounters his Asset – a determined and powerful creature known as Mashu. As they bank their fortunes on these Deals, they quickly learn that the consequences of their choices in this world do not stick to the Financial District alone but have a tangible, often catastrophic impact on the real world. The Deals they fight lead to significant shifts in Japan's economic stability, or in an extreme case, can even result in the bankruptcy of an entire nation.

Throughout the series, [C] – Control attempts to explore complex themes and raises questions about the nature of money, the moral implications linked to its unregulated usage, and the lengths people would go to secure a financially stable future. The series masterfully depicts the impact of macroeconomic shifts on the micro levels of society, illustrated by both the ordinary and extraordinary life of Kimimaro.

Moreover, the anime brilliantly leverages its rich animation and stunning visuals to portray the distinctive contrast between the real world and the Financial District. The former is characterized by a standard, contemporary art style reflecting the monotony of Kimimaro's ordinary life, while the Financial District is depicted with a vibrant, surreal atmosphere fitting its extraordinary nature.

Another key component of [C] – Control is its deeply wrought characters with individual and conflicting motivations. As Kimimaro befriends other Entre's and understands their values attached to money, a myriad of viewpoints about finance, wealth, and futures start unraveling, including those of Mikuni Soichiro, a veteran Entre who believes in protecting Japan’s future at all costs.

Intelligent, thrilling, and thought-provoking, [C] – Control is a unique blend of economics and fantastical battles set in an ethereal parallel universe. With its striking animation and soundtrack, deeply developed characters and plot twists, this anime series spirals into a story of control over money, destiny, and ultimately, the inherent value of the future. It is a must-watch for anime enthusiasts looking for a narrative that is out of the box, distinctive, and carries a profound undertone.