Like Himmel, we’ll keep farewells short. The anime adaptation of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has finally reached its end with episode 28. With the conclusion of the series, I’m glad that it stayed true to its essence — sticking closely to the manga, continuing the final exam arc, and showing more interactions among the characters. Though it may not have been an explosive finale, the characters instead simply continue with their lives post-exams.
Despite the absence of an epic conclusion or even just a ceremony to honor Fern and the others as they rank up to S-Class, it doesn’t detract from the episode’s overall quality. Frieren‘s final episode still left a lasting emotional impact that tugged at the heartstrings of everyone who was part of this journey ever since it began.
Through its 28-episode journey, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has maintained its high production standards and the finale is no exception. While many anime series stumble along the way or don’t stick the landing at the end, Frieren remains strongly consistent. Every episode, every scene, and every intricate detail is carefully crafted and adds to the overall beauty of the series.
For instance, in episode 14, there’s a subtle detail worth noting when Himmel places the ring on Frieren. Behind them stands a clock tower, which may appear like a simple background feature at first glance. However, it’s much more than that. The clock tower symbolizes that the only thing that stands between Frieren and Himmel is time.
Similarly, in episode 18, a seemingly small moment holds deeper significance. I may have interpreted it first as something literal but it can also mean that Frieren’s expression hints at the fleeting nature of time. Looking at Fern, she realizes she is growing older and will eventually drift away. Moments like these remind us how even the tiniest of details hold the biggest of significance, and that time is an essential theme throughout the series.
The beauty of this anime extends beyond its themes, narrative, animation, and subtleties. Rather, it’s the masterful execution that truly sets it apart. Whether showcasing thrilling battles, heart-wrenching moments, or lighthearted humor, Frieren excels in capturing every emotion that it wants to portray. When the narrative wants to evoke a specific feeling, the anime ensures a seamless and captivating viewing experience all throughout. From the direction, pacing, and even just the blend of voice acting and music — the anime shines in every aspect while combining and delivering these elements together, all to create something that resonates deep within us.
Even though I’ve already expressed my gratitude to the staff numerous times in my previous reviews, it still feels like it’s never enough. The consistency remains unparalleled and this is the result when you have a team that is passionate about a title. This also wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the dedication of the creative team and their leader, the revolutionary director, Keiichiro Saito.
Keiichiro Saito has quickly risen to the top of my list of favorite anime directors, and for good reason. It’s not just because of his work on Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, but also because of his ability to transform seemingly slow-paced stories into captivating and heartwarming experiences on screen. When the anime staff lineup was revealed, I was beyond ecstatic. Not only was it being animated by the studio behind my all-time favorite anime, A Place Further Than the Universe, and featuring music by Evan Call, the composer of the OSTs for my second favorite anime, Violet Evergarden, but it was also being helmed by Keiichiro Saito.
Saito’s track record speaks volumes. He’s the mastermind behind Bocchi the Rock, an anime that revolutionized the “moe” or “cute girls doing cute things” genre, making it appealing to a wider audience. Despite being overshadowed by other popular titles airing during the same season, Bocchi managed to shine brightly, thanks to Saito’s direction. Fast forward to Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Saito once again worked his magic, leading a team to create one of the finest anime ever made. He delivered something truly inspirational, special, and close to perfection.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is not a perfect anime. It isn’t flawless because, in reality, there will never be a perfect anime. Yet, if there’s a series close to perfection, it’s this one. I’ve nearly exhausted a thousand words praising this show yet it still feels insufficient. No amount of words, be it a thousand or a million, can truly capture the brilliance of this masterpiece. This anime is simply breathtaking. While I yearn for a sequel, I’m oddly content with its open-ended finale. The journey to Ende continues in the manga, so it’s not truly over.
I know I said I would make this review short, and honestly, I could’ve dissected more details of Frieren’s final episode and the entire series, but I’ll save that for next time. I won’t go all out on this review because as per Himmel, that would be embarrassing. It may have been only a mere 6 months but watching this series felt like it was a journey of a lifetime. Thank you, Frieren. Until we meet again.
Frieren Beyond Journey’s End final episode screenshots via Muse Asia
Bocchi the Rock screenshots via Crunchyroll
© Yamada Kanehito, Abe Tsukasa /Shogakukan / “Sousou no Frieren” Production Committee
© Aki Hamaji / Hobunsha, Aniplex
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