Levius

Levius is a gripping anime series that premiered on Netflix on November 28, 2019, and quickly became beloved among audiences for its high-octane action sequences, beautiful visuals, and profound storytelling. This series is a mix of science fiction, steampunk, and sports genres, thereby creating a unique canvas that is appealing to a broad range of viewers.

The main protagonist of the show is a teenage boy named Levius Cromwell, who, despite his tender age, has already faced the harsh realities of life. Set in the 19th century, the world of Levius is a dystopian one; it has been ravaged by a war that used human technology, resulting in a society deeply scarred and divided. This period of upheaval gives birth to a new sport – a brutal form of boxing where the fighters use mechanically enhanced limbs. This deadly game is known as 'Metal Boxing' and is at the heart of the plot, laying out a platform where characters fight for survival, purpose, and their inherent human spirit.

Levius, a naturally gifted boxer, is a survivor of the war with a tragic personal history. He has lost his father in the war, and his mother is in a coma, which drives him to live with his uncle, Zack. Despite all the adversities, Levius is determined not to let his circumstances drag him down. Instead, he channels his pain into becoming a formidable metal boxer. As he steps into the world of metal boxing, he not only discovers his prodigious talent for fighting but also begins to understand deeper connections between life, survival, and the human spirit.

The series doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life in its raw form. There's blood, there is sweat, and there’s the rigorous grind to become a better fighter. As brutal as the sport is, it emerges as a powerful platform where humanity and individuality are not just showcased but also tested to their limits.

Supporting characters like Levius' coach and uncle Zack, and the engineer Natalia, add depth to the storyline and protagonist’s journey. There's also the mysterious and enigmatic A.J., a formidable opponent in the ring, who carries secrets that are central to the plot. These intriguing personalities and relationships create an interpersonal drama that adds richness and layers to the high-octane fight scenes.

The show’s animation is a visual spectacle that brings the world to life with stunning detail and vivid colors. The publishers are Polygon Pictures, known for their work on other notable anime series. Indeed, things such as gears rotating inside a fighter's mechanical arm, the exhaust of a steam-powered train, or sweat and blood spraying during intense boxing matches are all portrayed in an immersive cinematic scope that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.

The visceral thrill of the brutal metal boxing matches and the character-driven storyline create a powerful contrast - illuminating the human spirit's resilience and vulnerability. Levius, with its thrilling fights and deep characters, becomes more than just a show about boxing – it transforms into a narrative about battling darkness, overcoming obstacles, and cherishing the spirit of human tenacity.

The world of Levius is a compressed metaphor for the real world, where pain, struggles, and hardship are everyday realities. However, like Levius, it sends out a strong message – in the darkness, you can always light a candle. The teenager's journey through this brutal world is filled with darkness and turmoil, but what makes his tale inspiring is his undying spirit to conquer the darkness with hope and determination.

To sum it up, Levius presents an imaginative universe that is a blending of past and future - a post-war mecha-boxing drama set in a time reminiscent of the 19th century, where the science of mechanical enhancements meets the art of boxing. It is definitely an enthralling watch for anyone who enjoys an action-packed sports anime with a melange of philosophically profound themes.