Well, I don’t remember what I was expecting coming into Erin, but it certainly wasn’t this. I am absolutely blown away in the most positive sense. I am actually stunned. That was one of the best first episodes of anime I’ve ever seen, if not the best, for multiple reasons.
For starters, as soon as I saw the direction of the OP, I immediately knew I was about to embark on quite the ride. I adore anime that makes use of symbolism, and right from the very beginning in the OP, it was clear that Erin would be full of it. The mother and the daughter. The black Touda appearing with Soyon and the shining, white dove-esque creature that emerges alongside of Erin. The apple with the bites from either side, symbolic of the link between Erin and her mother. While the Toudas are the legendary creatures of old – the old guard, per se – similar to Soyon who is quite the spectacular Touda doctor, whatever this glimmering, white dove/phoenix-like creature is symbolizes a rebirth, new life, and peace. This is probably symbolic of Erin’s role she’ll be playing throughout Erin, as further evident by the apple falling down and Erin desperately diving towards it, reaching for it, but unable to grasp it. Looking up at the sky, she sees the majestic white creature flying towards the sun, illuminated in all its glory. She knows what she must do – what she must become, where she must go in life! The OP then transitions back to Erin once again with an apple, but this time solitary, as she takes a bite from it without hesitating. We then see her walking towards the original apple with the two bites taken from it – all the while the majestic white creature is flying on the opposite side where her mother once was, leading Erin forward.
If I can get this much out of a fucking OP, I cannot fucking wait to see what this show has in store!!!
Regarding the things I loved about the episode as a whole…
Let’s start with the writing. First off, the narration is helpful but not overly obtrusive. It’s a nice addition and doesn’t come across as “info-dumpy” or obnoxiously condescending unlike some narration that treats its viewers with very little respect, explaining very obvious things that are occurring on screen. Continuing this line of thought, the script itself also portrays this respect for the audience, as the characters never once say anything extremely obvious and to an even further extent, they discuss topics unfamiliar to the viewer without directly explaining what they’re referring to, leaving you to figure it out through context clues. This is masterful writing!
Next, let’s look at the direction. Takayuki Hamana utilizes quick cuts in places that really brings out the tone of the scene; for example, in the first battle scene where we see an overhead shot of the one army rushing ahead on their creatures, the camera cuts quickly to the shadow of one of the creatures on the ground and then very quickly again to the creature’s feet, leaping and bounding forward. Another direction technique I thought increased my enjoyment of this episode was the comparison of the baby bird in the nest with its mother and the predator to Erin, Soyon, and the Touda, particularly as the scenes both played out, mirroring one another. I also really enjoyed the very noticeable art style changes at specific moments, particularly revolving around the Touda and the effects they have on the humans both physically and emotionally. The overall art style is just super fitting for the anime, with the character designs blending perfectly into the simple-yet-very-unique backgrounds.
The thing I was LEAST expecting to be this incredible was the OST. The soundtracks helped convey a feeling of high tension in the more serious moments while also in turn perfectly expressing the serene, melancholic tones in scenes featuring Erin and her mother. I am in love with this OST!
I loved the themes present in this first episode, with the emphasis on the importance of family bonds and sticking together, especially when it feels like you’re different from everyone else or being treated unfairly by others. It reminded me a lot of the feeling Maquia gave me, which is my favorite movie of all time. Although, judging from the OP, the focus will soon be shifted away from emphasis on family being the stronghold to finding your own way in life and making your own stronghold.
All in all, absolutely perfect first episode. |