Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions

Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions from FUNiMation in 2016 is a breathtaking anime series that delves into the realms of fantasy RPGs (Role-Playing Games), blending elements of action, drama, and a splash of romance. This compelling series distinguishes itself from the typical fantasy anime by focusing on the gritty realism of surviving in a world filled with lurking dangers and uncertainties.

The story begins with the main protagonists awakening with no memory of their past in a land that is nothing like they have ever seen, a world known as Grimgar. They don’t remember anything aside from their names and are without any clue as to why they ended up in this mysterious world. As they grapple to understand their situation, they realize they must learn to fight, to survive in this harsh new reality. This is how they embark on the epic journey of being trainees in the Volunteer Soldier Squad, becoming proficient in various fighting skills.

The characters in Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions are beautifully complex and relatable. They comprise a group of six members - Haruhiro, Ranta, Yume, Shihoru, Moguzo, and Manato. Each character couldn't be more different from each other, with individual talents, distinct personalities, and personal struggles, but they all share one common goal - to survive. Throughout the series, we get to see their development - emotionally, mentally and physically. We witness the bonds they form with each other, the hardships they face and the personal dilemmas they experience in this foreign landscape.

Artistically, the series stands out for its elegant, watercolor-like art style that brings the world of Grimgar to life in a distinctive, magical way. The combination of vivid colors, enchanting backdrops, and cinematic breathtaking action sequences creates a Cinematic experience that is both appealing and immersive. Furthermore, the strategic use of light and shadow does an excellent job of bringing out the mood of each scene.

The narrative structure of Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions is unique, as it veers away from conventional high tempo pacing. Instead, it employs a slow, gradual narrative progression, which allows the audience to immerse themselves deeply in the characters' trials and tribulations. This pacing appreciates the minor victories and the realism of combat, where every encounter is a struggle, and every victory is hard-earned.

One aspect that particularly stands out about this series is its astute, real-world approach to battles. Contrary to many fantasy shows where the main characters are significantly stronger than their enemies from the get-go, the characters in Grimgar struggle with even the weakest of foes initially. They make numerous mistakes, fail, learn, and gradually get stronger, mirroring how real individuals might react in such a situation, making it highly relatable.

In terms of the soundtrack, Grimgar, Ashes and Illusion delivers an atmospheric blend of music that reflects the plot's ever-changing moods. The melancholic melodies harmonize with more upbeat tunes, deepening the emotional impact of the series' emotionally-charged moments.

The series also explores existential themes like mortality, grief, camaraderie, the psychological toll of killing, adaptation, and development in an incredibly mature and nuanced manner. While the show does depict the dark reality of a fantasy world, it also celebrates life, friendship, and the powerful human spirit of the characters in the face of adversity.

Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions is a rare example of a balanced fantasy anime. It combines aspects of action and adventure with deep character exploration and a relatable depiction of survival. The result is a compelling narrative that offers a refreshing perspective on the genre.

Whether you're a fan of the role-playing genre or prefer intriguing narratives with strong character development, Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions promises to be an engaging watch. The series, with its slice of life approach and genuine emotions, provides a fresh, strange mix of familiarity and novelty and leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.

In conclusion, Grimgar, Ashes and Illusion is no ordinary RPG-styled anime. Its emphasis on the minutiae of survival, the examination of its characters' psyche, and portrayal of a unique world through beautiful artwork makes it stand out and keeps you invested from the first episode till the end. This thought-provoking and hauntingly beautiful series delivers a poignant reminder that even in the harshest conditions, the human spirit can find beauty, kinship, and a reason to keep fighting. It's not just a series about survival; it's about living, growing, and finding your place - even if that place is in a world far from anything you ever knew.