Masterpiece

Aardbeitaart

This anime is truly a masterpiece, I can't understand why it is so unknown. Perhaps it is because people expect it to be some sf-anime with over the top action scenes and cliché character 'development'.

The concept is quite original: an unknown life form is starting to eat people all over the world. First they find a host and take over his brain, and then they use that host to feed and live.

However, something goes wrong with our main character (Izumi): the parasite can't take over his brain and is forced to take his arm instead. Thus, Izumi retains his human consciousness but loses control of his right arm. His only option is to live in symbiosis with the parasite, the parasite as well needs his host to survive, and therefore has to defend a human.

What we get next is a nearly flawless story, amazing character development, philosophical themes such as what it means to be human. All the while, the series manages to steer clear of typical plot devices, stereotypic human behaviour displayed and over the top action/emotional scenes. The story never feels forced as it is the case in many other anime.

There is gore, (intelligent) action, there is love, friendship. But most importantly, all these themes are balanced which makes this anime dynamic.

Nice soundtrack as well.

For reference: other anime I find very good are Death Note, Steins; Gate, Code Geass (esp R2), Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Monster ...

score 10/10

Aardbeitaart 14 June 2015

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3257947/