Dec 20, 2008
Watching nowadays' anime, many tends to forget, what sci-fis really are. It's not just something about future, about robots or mechas, about time travel or the twin paradox. Terra e is a real sci-fi - I can assure you - it's the anime this genre should be proud of. Indisputably Terra e is one of the best science fictions ever made. What makes this anime good or bad, will be discussed in this review and I would like to warn you, that the review contains a good amount of spoilers, so try not to read it, if you haven't finished the series yet.
Story:
The story
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starts off with a dystopia. Humanity is ruled by a programmed computer system, children are brainwashed at their age of 14. Since the adults are all brainwashed and the bad children are to be disposed of, there is noone to resists, but the Mu. The Mu, the only rebels, they, who wield telekinetic powers and want to get to the mother planet, Terra. Our protagonist is Jomy Marquis Shin, a boy, who suddenly awakens his powers and becomes the leader of the Mu with the help of Soldier Blue. The antagonist is Keith Anyan is the artificial human, created by Grand Mother with genetic engineering. This story is about the the fight between these two, and between the Mu and Humans.
In the Seki Ray Shiroe arc, the story reveals the significance of the past, the memories. It explains why the system is wrong. It also introduces the real personality of Keith Anyan. The arc contains lots of Peter Pan references, symbolizing the importance of childhood memories.
In the Nazca arc, a harmony is tried to be created. This arc shows us the dispute between two generations. It tries to settle an ideal society, and then reveals its errors. The feud between the elders and the young, the newborn babies, the terrible accidents, all forces Jomy to make his own decision to whether continue the journey to Terra or not. In this case we could say it was lucky to be attacked by Keith and the megido. The death of the comrades creates a resolution inside Jomy which completely changes his personality.
The last part of the anime picks up a rather fast pace. This is the most dramatic and intense part. This is the last chance for the Mu's survival. Most of the standpoints are seemed to be disproved. People start to realize that Humanity and Mu has the possibility to live together. The last decision should be Keith's decision. But the supercomputer system, Grand Mother misinterprets Keith and starts to rage. People start an uprising against the system by destroying it, and this way, saving the Mu. This shows that destiny is not formed by a single person, but by all the people.
Music:
The first OP and ED were brilliant, and tolerable, however I cannot say the same to the 2nd ones. The first ED was much more dramatic compared to the second one, which had a rather calming effect I think. The soundtrack was fascinating. They perfectly fitted the given scenes and they are also decent on their own. Whenever I just hear them, they send chills down my spine. Just listening to the OST equals to rewatching the series.
Animation & Art
The creators perfectly revived the art of the 1970s. I think this is a fitting style for a space opera. It is unique, but might not be appealing to everyone. However one can accustom to it and later might like it as well. The animation was also tolerable. It superbly mixes 2D and 3D graphics, but the minor problems might not be liked by demanding people.
Characters:
I think this is one of the most interesting parts of the whole anime. Most of the philosophies' standpoints are represented by a character each. In this anime it is typical for a character to have 2 or more personalities. A surface, an outer side, and an inner self, which sometimes is completely different, or even contradicting. Sometimes these contradictions lead to illogical results.
Jomy has the strangest character in the story. His rapid change of opinions are sometimes not quite well explained and I think it's practically impossible for someone to do this so quickly. He is a very naive child in the first part of the story, but somehow he changes his mind for the second half, although he can't fully erase his naivety.
Keith is a person who always stays even-tempered. He is often cold-blooded and indifferent to feelings. He is described as a machine by Shiroe. But this is the surface only. Shiroe, Sam, Matsuka and later Physis too are the ones who affect Keith's inner part. His other half is much more sensitive. These two feelings of his have the main role later in his final decision.
Enjoyment:
The series does not lack on the entertaining part either. Although it does not contain much comedy, the show is full of feelings and emotions. The harmonic and disharmonious parts are well-proportioned and take turns in a perfect pace. The huge amount of deaths gives us much drama and the ending gives you a cathartic feel.
Overall
Although the Mu win at the very ending of the anime, Keith does not completely deny the old system. Also the anime reminds us to care for our mother planet, the Earth.
Terra e is a profound anime with lots of entertainment. I don't think the actual story is unique at all, although there are not many animes with similar settings. In my opinion this lovely anime is something that everyone should watch. And not just for the fun itself, but it is also for its philosophical thoughts. I tried not to give a perfect score to the anime (it's really hard, believe me!) so I wouldn't look so narrow-minded. I hope you found my review helpful and informative. ^^
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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