Seven Mortal Sins

Seven Mortal Sins is an anime television series that debuted in 2017, captivating audiences with its unique combination of supernatural elements, evocative visual aesthetics, and intricate plot. The series is made up of two distinct parts: a sharply-etched portrayal of the heavenly and infernal realms, and a drama-soaked exploration of human frailty and moral choices.

The series is based on the concept of seven deadly sins and fuses together deep-seated Western and Eastern influences, creating a narrative that spans across different culture. The mortal sins depicted are Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride, each represented by a corresponding demon lord.

The story takes off as Lucifer, the proud archangel, defies God and is cast out from Heaven. Descending into Hell, she is stripped of her powers and endowed with the sin of Pride. Despite her own fall, Lucifer is determined to overthrow the reigning Seven Mortal Sins, who rule over hellish layers, and sets about recruiting an army of banished celestial beings.

Amid this supernatural chaos, viewers are introduced to the character Maria Totsuka, an ordinary human girl who becomes embroiled in Lucifer's rebellion. Maria becomes a key player in the narrative, serving as the audience's anchor in the fantastical world of the supernatural. Her interactions with Lucifer and the demons are central to the story's exploration of human vice and virtue, providing a human perspective on the otherwise heaven-and-hell centered narrative.

One of the most striking aspects of Seven Mortal Sins is the way it breathes life and personality into abstract vices. Each of the seven sins is embodied by a unique character with distinctive features and an elaborate backstory. Their interactions with each other, with Lucifer, and with Maria reveal the layered complexity of their characters, challenging both the characters themselves and the viewers to question the dichotomy between good and evil.

Unfolding against lush, vibrant visuals, the series is a feast for the eyes. Each of the demon lords' domains is meticulously constructed to represent their respective sin, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that elevates the series beyond its plot. The character designs are detailed and creatively illustrative of each sin, from Lust's seductive allure to Greed's ornate extravagance.

On the sound front, Seven Mortal Sins excels at tying the auditory experience to the unfolding story. The series is punctuated by a soundtrack that skillfully enhances its emotional moments and underlines key plot twists. Voice acting performances are on point, faithfully reflecting the personality quirks and dramatic arcs of each character. The opening theme, "My Sweet Maiden," and the ending theme, "Welcome to our diabolic paradise," both performed by Mia REGINA, encapsulates the series' potent blend of seduction and danger.

Despite its name and the ostentatious representation of sin, Seven Mortal Sins also weaves in an impressive degree of subtlety in its themes. The series doesn't shy away from exploring dark and existential themes, yet it manages to do so without resorting to straightforward moralization. Instead, it prompts viewers to consider the many shades of morality, and whether the very qualities that we perceive as vices might actually be virtues under a different lens.

Overall, Seven Mortal Sins offers much more than its surface-level sensuality and vividly-portrayed sins. It manages to package thought-provoking themes in a visually captivating style, providing a stimulating exploration of the contradictions and paradoxes inherent in human nature. Its interplay of heaven, hell, and everything in between makes it a memorable addition to the world of supernatural anime.