Sep 3, 2020
It is pretty safe to say that Re:Zero is a divisive show. Some people call it edgy garbage while others firmly stand by it. The most common review however, seems to be that it is a good show with its fair share of flaws. I however, believe that this is underselling the show by a wide margin as many of the 'flaws', can actually work in the shows favor. The excellent (and long overdue) second installment to this show only reaffirms this.
From a purely narrative point of view, Re:zero is a pretty damn good fantasy; it has enough novel elements and concepts to draw anyone's
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attention. Where the show really shines though, is its realistic and believable characters, and in particular, Subaru's thorough character development. If one looks at the entire series as being a method for developing its characters, suddenly many of the arbitrary flaws seem to be very intentional attributes that contribute to its depth.
For example, the lack of solid narrative direction makes a lot more sense when one considers that Subaru really has no idea what the hell he is doing. He merely tries to survive without letting the people he cares about die, and happens to be swept up in the machinations of those around him. This isn't an aimless lack of pacing or plot progression but rather a reflection of Subaru's character. If there had been a fast paced, coherent plot for the whole first season, it would have undermined his development into someone who can actually make a concerted and selfless effort to get something done i.e. the whale arc. This change into a person who can, with some amount pride, live up to the Rem and Emilia's expectations and perceptions of him, is a stark contrast to the selfish and shortsighted child he is at the beginning of the series.
Though I could go on for a long time about how superbly the development of each character compliments the plot in Season 1, I will instead cut my rant short to move on to Season 2 which, as of Episode 8, is going on to exceed its prequel. A clear difference is the more determined and straightforward direction that the story is taking, showing that Subaru has some amount of determination, and autonomy. In addition, several side characters have been getting some further backstories and development such as Emilia and Roswaal.
Even more so than Season 1, seeing Subaru's struggles as a regular guy trying to come to terms with some truly horrifying experiences is not only heart-wrenching but also genuinely inspiring. Subaru, as well as all of the other characters feel incredibly human. Without the care that has been taken to make each of them believable, it would never have been possible for Episode 8 to move me to the verge of tears.
There is so much more that can be said, and deserves to be said, about this show but suffice to say, it is truly a masterpiece and I hope that more people give it consideration as such.
P.S. This was my first review so I'm sorry if it wasn't terribly well put together but I hope I got my general point across.
P.P.S. BTW, who's Rem?
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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