In recent times, anime with the flashiest animation has taken the biggest priority. Demon Slayer is the biggest example of the phenomenon. Even though its plot isn’t revolutionary, it still conquered the world because of its animation techniques. Frieren, on the other hand, is a series unlike anything else in the current anime environment.
It does have action sequences and beautifully animated ones at that. But it does not rely on them entirely. In fact, some of the most impactful scenes of the anime come from sequences that are simple. So, is it really necessary to depend on flamboyant animation and over-the-top action scenes to prove an anime’s worth?
One of the best scenes in Frieren forsook extravagant animation
The biggest example of Frieren beating the flashy animation stereotype is the Frieren Vs. Aura episode. In episode 10 of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Frieren faces off against Aura. Fans expected a grand showdown of power, but the series gave them something even better.
Aura’s signature magic is Auserlese, and she uses it to weigh her soul against that of her target. If her mana exceeds that of her opponent, she gains control over her target’s body. In this case, she can issue any order, and the target has to obey them all, even if it costs their life. But unfortunately, the opposite is also true.
Frieren knew about Aura’s unique magic and put it to her use. She tricked Aura into thinking that she had an unimpressive level of mana. Aura was sure that she would be able to dominate Frieren, but soon enough, she was proven wrong. Frieren unleashed her full aura after hiding it constantly for thousands of years. The scales tipped in Frieren’s favor, after which she gets complete control over Aura’s body. The result? Aura is forced to end herself after a simple instruction from Frieren.
There was no battle, no flamboyant animation, and definitely no lengthy discussion about new power-ups. Frieren defeated her opponent by using the same tricks that demons themselves employ. She beat Aura at her own game without lifting a finger.
Frieren proves flashy animation isn’t the end-all of anime
Frieren Vs. Aura had no flashy action sequences and no tricks whatsoever. However, the plot and execution stole the show, and fans could hardly believe how great of a twist was waiting for them. It soon became one of the most goated sequences of the entire anime.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End proved that no one needs God-level animation to have a good anime. Anime from two or three decades ago did not have modern animation techniques. Yet, there were productions like One Piece, Slam Dunk, Monster, Hajime no Ippo, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, and countless others that are still considered legendary.
All of them relied on the plot as well as the abilities of the director and the dedication of the animation team. Hardly any shortcuts were taken. Yet, with the advent of series like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and other recent Shonen anime, fans have come to expect every anime to be on par with them. There is a dire need for fans to understand that flashy animation isn’t everything and animation alone can’t save a doomed plot.
Frieren anime is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
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