Sousou no Frieren: A Heartfelt and Beautiful Anime About Life and Death

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live for hundreds of years, while watching your friends and loved ones grow old and die? How would you cope with the loneliness and grief, and how would you find meaning and joy in your life? These are some of the questions that Sousou no Frieren, or Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, explores in its captivating and emotional story.

Introduction

Sousou no Frieren is an anime based on a manga series by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, which has won several awards and accolades, including the Manga Taisho Award in 2021. The anime is produced by Studio Colorido, and it is directed by Takahiro Kawakoshi, who is known for his work on Flying Witch and A Whisker Away. The anime is a fantasy slice-of-life drama that follows the journey of Frieren, an elf who outlives her human companions after a long and perilous quest. The anime is divided into two seasons, each consisting of 12 episodes. The first season aired from April to June 2023, and the second season aired from October to December 2023. The second season covers the second arc of the manga, where Frieren travels with a new group of adventurers and faces new challenges and discoveries.

In this blog post, I will give a detailed summary of the plot of the second season, and then analyze and evaluate the anime in terms of its strengths and weaknesses, such as its animation, voice acting, music, characters, humor, romance, and themes. I will also provide some personal opinions and recommendations for the anime. My main points are:

• Sousou no Frieren is a heartfelt and beautiful anime that depicts the joys and sorrows of life and death, and the bonds and memories that connect people across time and space.
• The anime has a stunning and expressive animation, a superb and talented voice cast, a varied and versatile music, and a lovable and relatable cast of characters.
• The anime also has a hilarious and heartwarming humor, a subtle and sweet romance, and a profound and meaningful theme that resonates with the viewers.
• The anime is a must-watch for fans of fantasy, slice-of-life, and drama genres, and for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and touching story.

Plot Summary

The second season of Sousou no Frieren begins with a flashback of Frieren and her companions, Himmel, Eisen, and Heiter, defeating the Demon King and completing their quest. However, their victory is short-lived, as Himmel, the hero, dies soon after from his wounds. Frieren, the mage, is devastated by his death, and vows to honor his memory by living on and learning more about the world. Eisen, the warrior, and Heiter, the priest, also decide to continue their lives, but they part ways with Frieren, knowing that they will eventually die of old age, while she will remain young and immortal.

The anime then fast-forwards to 50 years later, where Frieren is still traveling the world, but with a new group of adventurers. They are:

• Fern, a young and cheerful human girl who is Frieren’s apprentice and friend. She is curious and eager to learn magic from Frieren, and she admires her greatly. She is also the daughter of Heiter, who passed away a few years ago.
• Lutz, a grumpy and cynical dwarf who is Frieren’s bodyguard and companion. He is skilled in combat and engineering, and he often argues and bickers with Frieren. He is also the grandson of Eisen, who died of old age a decade ago.
• Acht, a mysterious and stoic human boy who is Frieren’s guide and ally. He is proficient in stealth and survival, and he has a hidden agenda and a dark past. He is also the reincarnation of Himmel, who died 50 years ago, but he does not remember his previous life.

The anime follows the adventures and misadventures of Frieren and her new friends, as they explore various places and encounter various people and creatures. Along the way, they also learn more about each other and themselves, and they face some dangers and secrets that threaten their lives and their bonds. The anime also shows some flashbacks and parallels of Frieren’s past and present, and how she has changed and grown as a person and as a mage.

Some of the main events and highlights of the second season are:

• Frieren and her friends visit the Kingdom of Lune, where they meet the king and the princess, who are fans of Frieren’s magic and books. They also witness a festival and a parade, where they see a giant statue of Himmel, who is revered as a hero and a legend. Frieren is shocked and moved by the sight, and she realizes how much Himmel has influenced the world and the people. She also notices that Acht has a strange reaction to the statue, and she wonders if he has any connection to Himmel.
• Frieren and her friends travel to the Forest of Elves, where they meet Frieren’s old friend and rival, Sylphiette, who is an elf and a mage. They also meet Sylphiette’s husband and daughter, who are humans, and they learn that Sylphiette has chosen to age and die with her family, rather than live forever as an elf. Frieren is surprised and confused by Sylphiette’s decision, and she questions her own choice and happiness. She also learns that Sylphiette has a secret and a request for her, which involves a dangerous and forbidden magic.
• Frieren and her friends go to the Desert of Sandworms, where they encounter a group of bandits and a giant sandworm. They manage to escape and defeat them, but they also discover a hidden ruin and a mysterious artifact, which is a part of Acht’s mission and goal. They also learn that Acht is a member of a secret organization that is seeking to revive the Demon King, and that he has been using Frieren and her friends to achieve his objective. Frieren is shocked and betrayed by Acht’s revelation, and she tries to stop him and his plan. However, she also realizes that Acht is not evil, but rather misguided and manipulated, and that he has a bond with her and her friends that he cannot deny.
  
  
  
  

Analysis and Evaluation

Sousou no Frieren is a heartfelt and beautiful anime that depicts the joys and sorrows of life and death, and the bonds and memories that connect people across time and space. The anime has a stunning and expressive animation, a superb and talented voice cast, a varied and versatile music, and a lovable and relatable cast of characters. The anime also has a hilarious and heartwarming humor, a subtle and sweet romance, and a profound and meaningful theme that resonates with the viewers. The anime is a must-watch for fans of fantasy, slice-of-life, and drama genres, and for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and touching story.

Animation

The animation of the anime is colorful and expressive, and it matches the tone and mood of the anime perfectly. The character designs are cute and distinctive, and they reflect the personalities and emotions of the characters well. The backgrounds and settings are detailed and realistic, and they create a sense of immersion and atmosphere for the anime. The animation quality is consistent and smooth, and it does not suffer from any noticeable flaws or errors. The anime also uses some CGI and special effects to enhance the action and magic scenes, and they blend well with the 2D animation. The anime also has some artistic and symbolic scenes, such as the opening and ending sequences, and the scenes where Frieren uses her magic to create flowers and butterflies, which are visually stunning and beautiful.

Voice Acting

The voice acting of the anime is superb, and it brings the characters to life with their voices and performances. The voice actors and actresses are well-chosen and well-suited for their roles, and they convey the feelings and nuances of the characters effectively. The voice actors and actresses also have great chemistry and rapport with each other, and they make the dialogue and interactions of the characters natural and engaging. The voice actors and actresses also sing the opening and ending songs of the anime, which are catchy and upbeat, and they match the tone and theme of the anime well. Some of the notable voice actors and actresses are:

• Ayane Sakura as Frieren, who is the main protagonist and narrator of the anime. She is an elf and a mage, who is immortal and powerful, but also lonely and curious. She has a calm and cold voice, but also a gentle and warm voice, depending on her mood and situation. She also has a subtle and dry sense of humor, and a sincere and heartfelt emotion, which she expresses through her voice. She also sings the opening song of the anime, which is called “Sousou no Frieren”, and it is a melancholic and beautiful song that reflects Frieren’s feelings and journey.
  
  
• Kana Hanazawa as Fern, who is Frieren’s apprentice and friend. She is a human girl, who is cheerful and curious, but also brave and loyal. She has a bright and lively voice, but also a soft and tender voice, depending on her mood and situation. She also has a cute and innocent sense of humor, and a passionate and earnest emotion, which she expresses through her voice. She also sings the ending song of the anime, which is called “Hana to Chou”, and it is a joyful and sweet song that reflects Fern’s feelings and journey.
  
  
• Tomokazu Sugita as Lutz, who is Frieren’s bodyguard and companion. He is a dwarf, who is grumpy and cynical, but also skilled and reliable. He has a low and rough voice, but also a warm and gentle voice, depending on his mood and situation. He also has a sarcastic and witty sense of humor, and a stubborn and proud emotion, which he expresses through his voice. He also sings the opening song of the anime, along with Frieren and Acht, and he adds some humor and energy to the song.
  
  
• Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Acht, who is Frieren’s guide and ally. He is a human boy, who is mysterious and stoic, but also proficient and smart. He has a high and calm voice, but also a cold and harsh voice, depending on his mood and situation. He also has a hidden and complex sense of humor, and a conflicted and troubled emotion, which he expresses through his voice. He also sings the opening song of the anime, along with Frieren and Lutz, and he adds some mystery and tension to the song.
  
  

These are some of the main voice actors and actresses of the anime, but there are also many other supporting and guest voice actors and actresses, who also do a great job in their roles. The voice acting of the anime is one of the best aspects of the anime, and it makes the anime more enjoyable and memorable.

Music

The music of the anime is composed by Yasuharu Takanashi, who is known for his work on Naruto, Fairy Tail, and Boruto. The music of the anime is varied and versatile, and it enhances the scenes and emotions of the anime with its melodies and rhythms. The music of the anime is also memorable and catchy, and it creates a sense of identity and style for the anime. The music of the anime also includes some insert songs that are sung by the characters, which are fun and charming, and they add some flavor and personality to the anime.

Some of the main types and examples of the music of the anime are:

• The opening and ending songs, which are sung by the main voice actors and actresses, and which reflect the tone and theme of the anime. The opening song is called “Sousou no Frieren”, and it is a melancholic and beautiful song that expresses Frieren’s feelings and journey. The ending song is called “Hana to Chou”, and it is a joyful and sweet song that expresses Fern’s feelings and journey.
• The background music, which is composed of various genres and instruments, and which matches the mood and atmosphere of the anime. The background music includes some orchestral, acoustic, rock, and electronic elements, and it creates a contrast and harmony between the fantasy and the reality of the anime. The background music also adapts to the different settings and situations of the anime, such as the peaceful and serene Forest of Elves, the lively and festive Kingdom of Lune, and the tense and dramatic Desert of Sandworms.
• The insert songs, which are sung by the characters in some special and humorous scenes, and which add some comedy and character to the anime. The insert songs include some parody and original songs, and they are usually related to the plot or the personality of the characters. For example, in one episode, Frieren sings a song about magic and flowers, which is a parody of a famous song by Yumi Matsutoya. In another episode, Lutz sings a song about his love for beer and engineering, which is an original song that he composed himself.

The music of the anime is one of the best aspects of the anime, and it makes the anime more enjoyable and memorable.

Characters

The characters of the anime are lovable and relatable, and they are the main attraction and appeal of the anime. The characters of the anime are well-developed and well-rounded, and they have their own backgrounds, motivations, and growths. The characters of the anime are also dynamic and diverse, and they have their own quirks, flaws, and strengths. The characters of the anime also have great relationships and interactions with each other, and they form a likable and lively cast that makes the anime enjoyable and entertaining.

Some of the main characters and their traits are:

• Frieren, who is the main protagonist and narrator of the anime. She is an elf and a mage, who is immortal and powerful, but also lonely and curious. She has a calm and cold personality, but also a gentle and warm personality, depending on her mood and situation. She also has a subtle and dry sense of humor, and a sincere and heartfelt emotion, which she expresses through her actions and words. She is the leader and the mentor of the group, and she cares for her friends deeply, even though she does not always show it. She is also the one who has the most development and growth in the anime, as she learns more about the world and herself, and as she faces her past and her future.
• Fern, who is Frieren’s apprentice and friend. She is a human girl, who is cheerful and curious, but also brave and loyal. She has a bright and lively personality, but also a soft and tender personality, depending on her mood and situation. She also has a cute and innocent sense of humor, and a passionate and earnest emotion, which she expresses through her actions and words. She is the student and the partner of Frieren, and she admires her greatly, even though she sometimes teases her. She is also the one who has the most influence and impact on Frieren, as she reminds her of the joys and sorrows of life, and as she helps her overcome her fears and doubts.
• Lutz, who is Frieren’s bodyguard and companion. He is a dwarf, who is grumpy and cynical, but also skilled and reliable. He has a low and rough personality, but also a warm and gentle personality, depending on his mood and situation. He also has a sarcastic and witty sense of humor, and a stubborn and proud emotion, which he expresses through his actions and words. He is the fighter and the engineer of the group, and he protects and supports his friends, even though he often argues and bickers with them. He is also the one who has the most contrast and harmony with Frieren, as he challenges and respects her, and as he shares and differs from her views and values.
• Acht, who is Frieren’s guide and ally. He is a human boy, who is mysterious and stoic, but also proficient and smart. He has a high and calm personality, but also a cold and harsh personality, depending on his mood and situation. He also has a hidden and complex sense of humor, and a conflicted and troubled emotion, which he expresses through his actions and words. He is the scout and the spy of the group, and he guides and assists his friends, even though he has a secret and a goal that he hides from them. He is also the one who has the most connection and tension with Frieren, as he is the reincarnation of Himmel, her former companion and love interest, and as he is the member of a secret organization that seeks to revive the Demon King, her former enemy and nemesis.

These are some of the main characters of the anime, but there are also many other supporting and guest characters, who also add some depth and diversity to the anime. The characters of the anime are one of the best aspects of the anime, and they make the anime more enjoyable and memorable.

Humor

The humor of the anime is hilarious and heartwarming, and it is one of the main features and strengths of the anime. The humor of the anime is based on the contrast and conflict between the characters’ personalities and situations, as well as the misunderstandings and situations that arise from their interactions and adventures. The humor of the anime is also based on the references and parodies of other anime, manga, and pop culture, which add some fun and familiarity to the anime.

Some of the main sources and examples of the humor of the anime are:

• The contrast and conflict between Frieren and Lutz, who are opposites in many ways, such as their race, age, height, attitude, and preference. They often clash and argue over trivial and serious matters, such as food, money, magic, engineering, and philosophy. They also often tease and mock each other, such as calling each other names, making fun of each other’s appearance, and exposing each other’s secrets. However, they also respect and care for each other, and they sometimes agree and cooperate with each other, such as when they fight against enemies, solve problems, and share experiences.
• The contrast and conflict between Frieren and Acht, who are similar in some ways, but different in others, such as their origin, memory, goal, and role. They often have a tense and awkward relationship, as they have a connection that they do not fully understand or accept, and as they have a secret that they do not fully reveal or confront. They also often have a subtle and complex interaction, such as when they exchange glances, words, and gestures, and when they sense each other’s feelings, thoughts, and intentions. However, they also trust and help each other, and they sometimes have a sweet and sincere moment, such as when they smile, hug, and kiss each other.
• The misunderstandings and situations that arise from the characters’ interactions and adventures, such as when they meet new people and creatures, visit new places and cultures, and encounter new challenges and discoveries. They often have some funny and embarrassing moments, such as when they make mistakes, get into trouble, or get surprised by something. They also often have some cute and charming moments, such as when they express their friendship, gratitude, or affection to each other.

The humor of the anime is one of the best aspects of the anime, and it makes the anime more enjoyable and memorable.

Romance

The romance of the anime is subtle and sweet, and it is one of the main features and strengths of the anime. The romance of the anime is based on the bond and attraction between Frieren and Acht, who are the main couple and love interest of the anime. The romance of the anime is also based on the memories and feelings of Frieren and Himmel, who are the former couple and love interest of the anime.

The romance of the anime is not the main focus or theme of the anime, but it is an important and integral part of the anime, as it affects the characters’ development and growth, and as it adds some drama and emotion to the anime. The romance of the anime is also not explicit or obvious, but it is implied and hinted, as it is shown through the characters’ actions and words, and as it is revealed through the plot and the twist of the anime.

Some of the main aspects and examples of the romance of the anime are:

• The bond and attraction between Frieren and Acht, who are the main couple and love interest of the anime. They have a complicated and mysterious relationship, as they are the reincarnation of Frieren’s former companion and love interest, Himmel, who died 50 years ago. They also have a conflicting and dangerous relationship, as they are the member of a secret organization that seeks to revive the Demon King, Frieren’s former enemy and nemesis. However, they also have a genuine and sincere relationship, as they are drawn to each other by their similarities and differences, and as they care for each other despite their secrets and goals. They also have a subtle and sweet relationship, as they show their affection for each other through their glances, words, and gestures, and as they share some romantic moments with each other, such as when they smile, hug, and kiss each other.
• The memories and feelings of Frieren and Himmel, who are the former couple and love interest of the anime. They have a tragic and beautiful relationship, as they were the hero and the mage who defeated the Demon King and completed their quest, but also as they were the lovers who parted ways and died in each other’s arms. They also have a lasting and influential relationship, as they left behind a legacy and a legend that shaped the world and the people, and as they left behind a bond and a memory that touched Frieren and Acht, their reincarnations. They also have a profound and meaningful relationship, as they taught each other about the joys and sorrows of life and death, and as they inspired each other to live on and learn more.

The romance of the anime is one of the best aspects of the anime, and it makes the anime more enjoyable and memorable.

Themes

The theme of the anime is life and death, and it is one of the main features and strengths of the anime. The theme of the anime is based on the journey and the growth of Frieren, who is an immortal elf who outlives her human companions, and who seeks to understand and appreciate the meaning and value of life and death. The theme of the anime is also based on the contrast and harmony between the fantasy and the reality of the anime, and how they affect the characters and the world.

The theme of the anime is not the only focus or message of the anime, but it is an important and integral part of the anime, as it affects the plot and the character of the anime, and as it adds some depth and emotion to the anime. The theme of the anime is also not simple or obvious, but it is complex and subtle, as it is explored and expressed through the characters’ actions and words, and as it is revealed and resolved through the plot and the twist of the anime.

Some of the main aspects and examples of the theme of the anime are:

• The journey and the growth of Frieren, who is an immortal elf who outlives her human companions, and who seeks to understand and appreciate the meaning and value of life and death. She is the main protagonist and narrator of the anime, and she is the one who experiences and learns the most about the theme of the anime. She starts as a cold and detached elf, who does not care much about the world and the people, and who does not understand the emotions and the values of her human companions. She also suffers from loneliness and grief, as she loses her friends and loved ones, and as she struggles to cope with her immortality and her memories. However, she also changes and grows as a person and as a mage, as she travels the world and meets new friends and enemies, and as she faces new challenges and discoveries. She also learns to care and love the world and the people, and to understand the feelings and the meanings of her human companions. She also learns to cope and live with her immortality and her memories, and to find joy and purpose in her life and death.
• The contrast and harmony between the fantasy and the reality of the anime, and how they affect the characters and the world. The anime is set in a fantasy world, where magic, monsters, and adventure exist, and where the characters have extraordinary abilities and roles, such as elves, dwarves, mages, warriors, priests, heroes, and villains. The anime also has a fantasy plot, where the characters have an epic quest and a grand goal, such as defeating the Demon King and saving the world, and where the characters have a fate and a destiny, such as being reincarnated and reviving the Demon King. However, the anime also has a reality aspect, where the characters have ordinary problems and issues, such as aging, dying, grieving, loving, learning, and living, and where the characters have a personality and a character, such as being cheerful, grumpy, mysterious, calm, curious, cynical, stoic, and gentle. The anime also has a reality plot, where the characters have a slice-of-life and a drama story, such as traveling the world and meeting new people and creatures, and where the characters have a choice and a freedom, such as deciding their own path and goal. The anime shows the contrast and harmony between the fantasy and the reality of the anime, and how they affect the characters and the world, and how they create a balance and a diversity for the anime.

The theme of the anime is one of the best aspects of the anime, and it makes the anime more enjoyable and memorable.

Conclusion

Sousou no Frieren is a heartfelt and beautiful anime that depicts the joys and sorrows of life and death, and the bonds and memories that connect people across time and space. The anime has a stunning and expressive animation, a superb and talented voice cast, a varied and versatile music, and a lovable and relatable cast of characters. The anime also has a hilarious and heartwarming humor, a subtle and sweet romance, and a profound and meaningful theme that resonates with the viewers. The anime is a must-watch for fans of fantasy, slice-of-life, and drama genres, and for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and touching story.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post, and I hope you will watch and enjoy Sousou no Frieren, which is one of my favorite anime of all time. Thank you for your time and attention, and please leave your comments and feedback below.