Jun 27, 2014
Angel Beats! is one of those "love it or hate it" shows. Personally, I love this show, but I understand why people criticize it.
Why do I love this show? In many stories, whatever medium they might be in, I find I can often excuse a story of its short-comings so long as the characters are engaging. However, that isn't the case in this show. Angel Beats! unfortunately received fewer episodes than it needed during production to properly develop many of its characters. This is one of the major complaints against it.
Well, if it isn't the characters, is it the story? Once again, this is brought
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down by the show's short length. Like many of the characters, the story sets up quite a few things, but doesn't have the time to present them and feels rushed towards the end.
So if it isn't the characters, and it isn't the story, what could I possibly have found so appealing about this show? THEME. Angel Beats! allows its major themes to be the driving force behind it. It does a fantastic job of exploring its major thematic elements: the fear of death, the fear of moving on/letting go, and the fear of the unknown.
It is clear from the beginning that the cast is ruled by their fear. They may have already died, but they regret it more than anything and they fear passing through their purgatory and onto the next world because they don't exactly know what that entails. What if passing on means that you reincarnate as a barnacle? What if you go to hell? What if you simply cease to be?
Watching the characters struggle with the reality that they have to accept their death is much like watching a child grow to adulthood, but doesn't want to give up its youth and childish nature. While it might be a little difficult to connect to the characters on a personal level, seeing as we don't get to know much about a lot of them, it becomes apparent by the end that the connection was made on a much deeper, more primal level, which isn't quite understood or acknowledged until after the show is over.
Many people can't look past the flaws this show possesses. However, I look at its weaknesses as adding to its strengths. Despite its problems, it still presents what it was trying to convey powerfully, and I think that deserves some praise. Much like a one-legged man winning a race, this show uses its drawbacks to make its accomplishments that much more outstanding.
I should probably talk about the art style and the music too, while I'm at it. The art is interesting in that it is incredibly colorful and almost dreamlike. Many of the character designs pop out and draw the viewer's attention, while still being simplistic. The music was given a lot of care and consideration, as it all fits exactly where it belongs. The opening is upbeat, yet soulful. The rock and roll is, well, rock and roll, and the ending theme is slow and deliberate, much like the closing of any good story.
Overall, I would recommend Angel Beats! to anyone who can appreciate a show for its deeper meanings and messages.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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