First Impressions Review: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Spoiler)

I recently watched the highly-anticipated anime series, “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” based on a popular manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe. The show is set in a mythical world filled with magic and demons and follows the story of Frieren, an elf with centuries of life experience.

The series generated quite a bit of buzz as one of the standout releases of Fall 2023. It’s worth noting that the manga had already been making waves, even winning the New Work Prize at the 25th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Awards in 2021.

The animation is handled by Madhouse, a studio known for its critically acclaimed works like One Punch Man, Death Note, and Hunter X Hunter (2011). “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” offers a soothing and comforting viewing experience. Here’s a glimpse of my initial impressions from the two-hour premiere episode (first four episodes), with some minor spoilers.

The story begins at the conclusion of an epic ten-year journey undertaken by a heroic party. Comprising mage Frieren, hero Himmel, priest Heiter, and warrior Eisen, they have just vanquished the demon king and brought peace to the kingdom. Amidst fond reminiscing and a pact to reunite in fifty years, there’s a stark contrast—Frieren, an elf, possesses eternal life and watches her friends age and eventually fade away, leaving her with profound regret.

Before his passing, Heiter implores Frieren to take on Fern, a gifted young mage, as her disciple. After some hesitation, Frieren agrees, and the two embark on a seemingly aimless journey, during which Frieren undergoes a transformative experience.

The name “Frieren,” meaning “cold” in German, aptly mirrors her demeanor. Having lived for over a thousand years and encountered countless individuals, Frieren tends to distance herself from humans, who live but a fraction of her lifespan. Even the ten-year adventure with her companions feels fleeting, and she rarely checks on them over the years.

However, as Frieren’s friends age and pass away, her perspective evolves. She begins seeking new spells and experiences, hoping to better understand the human condition. Despite her initial aloofness, Frieren’s vulnerability and clumsiness emerge. Her past and present companions often end up caring for her, revealing a different side of her character.

The narrative primarily revolves around Frieren’s character development as she grapples with her regrets and comes to appreciate the bonds she forms. It beautifully captures the passage of time as an ever-present theme, skipping through decades effortlessly.

The setting, reminiscent of a European backdrop with German names for characters, blends elements of slice-of-life and isekai fantasy. While various races, including humans, dwarves, elves, and demons, add depth to the world, the magical elements could have been further explored.

In conclusion, “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” shows promise with each episode. Frieren’s journey of self-discovery and evolving perspective on human life is captivating from the start. Despite the melancholic undertones, the series strikes a balance with heartwarming moments. While character expressions may appear flat at times, it complements the story’s tone. If you appreciate thought-provoking anime with emotional depth, this one’s worth a watch.