How One Anime Fixed Isekai's Main Issue 

Hello everyone, I have been looking through your comments and began noticing a trend, so I want to clarify something: I know that Frieren is not an Isekai, I have never said that it was, and I thought I made it pretty clear by explaining what the sub-genre was in the video. Also, clips of shows coinciding with specific parts of the script should not necessarily be taken as us targeting that show in particular. This critique is not of this or that Isekai anime, but rather of the general principles that seem to be followed by most of them (hopefully the handful of segments where we are intentionally using specific clips and images to make a certain point should be rather evident). In other words, using clips of much beloved shows like Re:Zero and Mushoku Tensei stems from the fact that, as some of the best Isekai out there, they inevitably represent the genre. And, like it or not, this also means that they may carry some of its problems. With that being said, both shows are clear examples of Isekai that do not shy away from fully utilizing the formula, and that try to tell an interesting story about change and growth through their flawed protagonists (hence why we purposefully use clips of them in our “exceptions” segment), while also introducing unique and fresh worlds that have their own history and mysteries. Thanks again for watching our video!

"you dont need a second life, or a second world to have a second chance"

Frieren gives me two things as a guy in his 30's. It gives me the perfect platform to review and reminisce, remind myself of my past and that I can take my time with things. And weirdly it always reminds me that to dogs, we are the elves

As a widowed man reaching retirement, this anime is an emotional experience. I look at my very old photos and see myself looking a lot, metaphorically speaking, like Himmel and then I look in the mirror today and see the balding old man and I can feel that cut between the Hero's party at the start and when they later re-unite for the meteor shower and, for me, it really seems that fast to go from one to the other. It is also so refreshing to see that Frieren is not the perfect in all ways main character seen so often. It is so refreshing to see a real multi-faceted character. She annoys her companions, does really foolish things like falling for mimics over and over and yet she is unbelievably powerful. She shows that one can be the greatest and yet not be perfect. It makes one feel safe to laugh at their own shortcomings - almost like they add to your character as a person instead of making you seem somehow less.

Damn if I was the writer of Frieren I'd be crying happy, because this one feels like a really genuine love letter

What i love about Frieren is that it's in a realm where magic and fantasy is common but the most beautiful and captivating scenes for me were normal everyday experiences that exist in the real world. (Watching a sunrise, making flower crowns, having desserts in a restaurant overlooking a pier by the sunset, a subtle love confession of putting a ring to the person you love, your big brother cooking you a meal for your hard work, two people dancing, crying to a beloved comrade from his funeral, just appreciating things that matter).

Frieren will become a timeless classical modern masterpiece in future

The one thing i liked the most in Frieren is the hero, who was in love with Frieren, knew he wont be there for her forever and decided to make memories. All of those statues of the hero party, were made so future generation knows they werent a fairy tale and to protect Frieren, if the time in far future comes, if nobody remember the hero party anymore would hurt Frieren the most mentally so that why almost each villages, there is a statue of a hero or the hero party.

I find that frieren as a character relates to people who are lost in life. Reflecting their own experience with feeling lost, but for frieren she has all the time in the world to figure things out while mortal beings rush to their end. But her finding joy in the little things in life reminds us that just because we don’t have one driven purpose doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stop and smell the flowers

I think the "you dont need a second life to have a second chance" mantra is especially encouraging looking at Haiter. Someone who, in his old age found a different pleasure from drinking and debauchery through raising fern. You are never too old to begin a new life

Seeing Frieren has filled me with joy difficult to describe. Here's a slow, atmospheric, relaxed story that does not try to frontload any action or try to hook you in with some wacky premise. It lets the episodes breathe, it takes its time with its gentle exposition, its visuals and music aid that exposition and make everything come together near the moment that the characters on screen figure something out. Frieren takes the viewer seriously. It likes to goof around occasionally, but never too much. It likes to show incredible, flashy action - but never too much. Its animation is conservative and simple in some scenes, overwhelmingly dynamic in others. It is fully mature in what it is. And really, it's a story that perhaps will resonate with older viewers. I personally have changed homes, changed jobs, changed friend circles and survived friends and family. I've made mistakes, I've also set on mastering skills. Everything about this story resonates strongly, deeply. When Frieren reminisces about Himmel and his unrequited love towards her, I do the same with someone in my own life. When Frieren recalls a quirky friend as she joyfully casts a spell that would make that friend happy, I recall doing similar fun with those friends. When Frieren sleeps past noon and stays up all night, yeah, that's totally me. And when she shows the deep, unmistakeable joy of teaching another in something that she loves - I know that feeling all too well. And she just can't refuse the allure of being able to beat the odds and that 1% chance of a mimic NOT being a mimic finally happens, all to her chagrin - as we all have our specific vices that we are powerless against. Every single frame, every single note, every single part of this story screams "Live! You matter!". It is so deeply life affirming without getting preachy or pretentious. It just does what it desires, its a clear work of passion for everyone involved, and it moves me with nearly every episode as each of the side characters learn and grow alongside or because of Frieren. It is the perfect story about how even the most aloof, reserved person can still change everyone else's lives for the better, no matter their weird quirks or strange habits. And for an artist and writer, this show is also a beacon of hope - that you can ignore trends entirely, that so long as you fully devote yourself to telling a story the way you want, there will be people that will see it and appreciate it. No matter what changes in the world, people will always desire to feel genuine human emotion and lived experience that's plain to see in a work of fiction, no matter how many flashy, but substanceless things might drown us at times. Quality will always shine through.

My wife and I are 30 now and have been watching anime since we were kids in the late 1990’s. I have never looked forward for a new episode release quite like Frieren. Frieren Friday’s will be missed. What a wonderful way to tell a story about not taking your time with your loved ones for granted, and not forgetting that life is about the journey, rather than the destination. Not only that, the battles and animation are just as good. Madhouse made a modern day masterpiece IMO. A classic that I will revisit more than once.

I think what set Frieren off more than other fantasy animes is the fact that this is the closest we've gotten to modern adaptation of Tolkens work that is good. Frieren is easier to compare to european fantasy book, rather than other fantasy mangas from Japan.

If Legolas and Gimli had one final adventure after Aragorn's death and before going to the undying lands it would be Frieren

Frieren and Dungeon Meshi made me realise that there is more potential to anime's fantasy genre that was clouded by all those isekai's.

One thing I noticed a lot of is that Frieren looks directly at the reader in a lot of frames. It's a nicely subtle nod to take what we're reading to heart but almost having us be part of the conversation.

Having me realize that Spirited Away was an Isekai seriously fucked me up. shit.

A poignant theme of this show is theme-while the rest of the world has moved on and sees the mythical heroes of old only in statues-Frieren remembers the actual people, including their flaws. It’s a stark reminder that the figures in our history books were people too.

As long as future seasons get as much love and attention as this one the series will inded be remembered as one of the best

i think this anime is so good because a lot of people in the world feel lost in their life and this anime helps remind people that you only have a limited time on this planet. the relationships we forge with others is so important that almost nothing else matters. its very up lifting for people who are trying to find and make connections with others but feel the same way as frieren and want to make that change to be a better person but just don't know if its all worth it in the end because of the fear people now have of others from when we were all locked inside our houses for a few years. IMO this show will help some people pick up the broken pieces they feel and put them back into place and help them to move on and live life to its fullest.

"when you say a little longer, how many years is that?" I remember how hard Fern's line hit me.

I've read the manga and it made me realise how little time I have left to spend time with my grandparents. Took them around the country and they passed on 2 years later. When the anime adaptation came out, I realised I need to touch grass again. Took 2 weeks off to the Borneo Island and never regret that decision.

It is the subtleness and gentleness of the anime frieren that keeps me engaged with,, every character has a depth and no one exist unnecessarily..i love it it deserves a spot in my heart

I never knew a show where I actually really enjoy and look forward to the flashbacks. Despite there being an immortal elf leading this show, Frieren has to be among the most human shows to ever roll across the screen. It is all things quirky and touching, easy-going and yet humbling. It was just _right._

Frieren is definitely worthy of the top spot on Mal, it is an instant classic, it's kinda like Steph curry many will discount his greatness until he's retired, some won't recognize the greatness of Frieren until a decade has passed and we see the effects it has on other manga, only those who are open to change will realize we are watching a classic unfold before us, the new standard. Also really great to hear someone else recognize the wasted potential of isekai.

And himmel got reincarnated in Japan to be employed in Mappa studio

I hate how many Isekais don't even need to be Isekai. They could've been fine as stand alone fantasy.

Coz it is that definitive fantasy anime. And it is classic epic fantasy that's why it is a breath of fresh air. And obviously story and characters are amazing. With top notch score and animation the anime just doomed to be number 1

I like how the names of every character in the show are German words that describe an aspect of the character the word is attributed to. It's not quite related to the overall message of this vid, but it can really help understand a lot of the different characters' basic tropes *or* how those characters go against said tropes.

The quote, "It is never too late too change." is such a simple sentence. Yet such sentence is merely ignored by others, until he/she loses what "was" important to them. Though through attempts to feel or know this has been unsuccessful for most, "It would never be too late to try." Is your next sentence. Only once where you lazed around, you begin to remember "Moments like these, come and go, forever etched in memory. It repeats inside your head as you get trapped in its melancholy."

This anime truley felt like a wake up call to whimsically wandering through life, I felt not the pressure to take things more serious, but to enjoy the time spent doing the things I love all the more. those friendships that you want to nuture, the passions that you wish to achieve more with, self growth in it best form of living in those moments.

i dont think anyone has put the problem of isekai more succinctly and politely as you have. you are one of the most brilliant youtube essayists.

Well... Now I have ANOTHER new show to watch... THANKS

Isekai is a formula designed to cut effort by making a protagonist from the real world so you don't need to think up a backstory or realistic personality based on medieval life experiences. It's the fast food of fantasy.

这是RU-vid上少有的对这部作品有真正思考的视频，一开始的intro部分就完美地把故事的情绪传达给观众了，无论是画面，剪接还是音乐，都恰到好处。最重要的是对故事内涵的解读也很有深入的思考，尤其是 “...成功是在错误中学习；和朋友一起从错误中成长” 这些观点都令人难忘。谢谢你的视频，我已经关注你了。

Its so hard to move on from this anime to my own life, the feelings it gave me made a huge scar on my own soul, in a good way. Thank you Frieren.

Your channel has some of the best stuff on RU-vid, it's a crime you aren't recognized more.

This channel's such a breath of fresh air, keep up the incredible work guys!

the isekai concepts i like are the ones where the protagonist is already a professional in our own world and is merely applying their profession onto the new world.

This almost made me cry, thanks. Beautifully written and said, Frieren quickly became my all time favorite anime and this video pretty much captures why.

Thank you. I truly appreciated how the delivery was similarly paced to Frieren unlike the usual fast paced videos that are common today. I really appreciate that in great detail and I too relate to finding Frieren pre anime and I couldn't continue reading it back them because it gave me an existential crisis. However, now that I've watched and continued to read it it truly is something I hold close to my heart. Thank you for this video

This is the first time I've been compelled to leave a comment on a video. This was a very well made video about Frieren and I enjoyed every second of it. You summed up what I felt about Frieren's story with very clear and precise words. A lot about this resonated with me and gave me comfort. I thought I'd let you know. Thank you so much for this.

the editngs keeps me focus on your voice even more, Truly smooth edit and perfect pace at each word spoken translated to visual

this video made me cry in the same way frieren did!! not in a particularly sad way, not in a particularly happy way either but in a so deeply hopeful and human way!! frieren is a one of a kind love letter to change and appreciating connections and it does it in such an effortless and beautiful way, i cherish it a whole lot!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!! ✨

This anime is truly remarkable. Watching this series, I couldn't help but grasp the profound depth conveyed through each character and their distinct personalities. What stands out in this video is the adept manner in which the fundamental themes are encapsulated, offering a comprehensive understanding in just one viewing. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of your video, only to realize it had reached its conclusion. Keep up the excellent work!

Videos like this makes frieren so good it's just so good everything from the story the animation to the developments the side characters as well felt like they were real people with actual personality and feelings

this reminds I once thought of something, an immortal bard who goes around and tells the stories of people not known, people who lived, who existed, he travels with them, remembers them, and passes on their stories, be it small or big. Everyone knows that hero, but have you heard of blah blah? they did this and that or whatever.

I felt like crying while watching, I was hit by facts. The facts that people only have a short life to live, that I should take my opportunity or regret not taking it till death comes. Frieren taught me that I should not be afraid of my decisions, because I have my friends backing me up, she taught me that I can rely on others, that I'm not alone through my journeys in life. Frieren truly is incredible. Thank you making this video.

This channel is such a gem. The editing is tight, the subject matter is explored thoughtfuly, and the whole thing is full to the brim with passion and personal investment. I just can't get enough!

This has got to be the best way to explain frieren, you earned a subscription for the lifespan of the elf herself.

This is one of the best video essays I've ever seen. That was a wonderful closing, thank you for this

I love how you guide your video through your script. Your storytelling make me feel to change my bad habits. I hope this video, and your another video, can reach more people and make them learn something, even it's just a little!

Thank you for making this ❤️❤️. I can’t describe how Frieren has changed me (as exaggerated as this sounds), and I’ll remember it for a long time. Thank you for putting into words all the thoughts and feelings I experienced while watching Frieren go on her adventures 🥰.

If you guys are looking for more Fantasy Anime then I'd suggest Delicious in Dungeon, Spice and Wolf, Dorohedoro, Yona of the Dawn, Wolf Children, Claymore (Eps 1-24 continue with the manga since the anime have anime only ending), Little Witch Academia, Ranking of Kings, Hell's Paradise, Ascendance of a Bookworm, Mushishi, Magi, Record of Lodoss War, Snow White with the Red Hair, The Boy and The Beast, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and More There are so many good Fantasy out there if you're willling to search and watch them despite how old and niche they are 🙂

This is the best video explaining my love for this show, it really changed the way I've thought about things so thanks for putting it into words.

This video is so intricately crafted. Thank you for your service!

Genuinely one of the most well written and beautifully edited youtube videos I've ever watched. Thank you.

This is an excellent video essay about Frieren. The quality in writing and producing is leagues better than some other videos out there that only scratch the surface. I feel like you really struck at the core of what makes this show so great, nice work!

You have made a wonderful video essay, even had me tearing up on some parts. This is a great homage to this masterpiece and I hope more people see this. Subbed!

AMAZING VIDEO! You took what I was thinking and feeling about Frieren and put it into a video; so I understood both the manga/anime, and myself better.

That intro segment goes so hard. I've rewatched it like 5 times and it still gets me in the feels. 10/10 will continue rewatching some more.

I've been wandering around on RU-vid watching 'Frieren analysis/essays' or whatever else you could call that for a few days now, simply because I wanted not to part with story just yet. And in most cases, these videos were summaries of first episode of the show, with pointing outs of what the creators have found most important. Your work, however, has much deeper analysis of the show. Instead of talking about things that happened in the show, you put Frieren in context with other animes of similar genre, interpret important lessons which can be taken from it without telling exact detail of any episode (sorry but that really started ticking me off after a few videos), and make every part of the video relevant to its main idea. It made me think about the show in a way that I haven't thought about yet, and appreciate it even more. So yeah, that's my way to say: I love your video mate, keep up the great work!

Your videos are the best videos I’ve seen on this app in a long time!

You did a fantastic job on this video, that beginning bit with clair de lune tugged the heartstrings.

The intro on this video is breathtaking. Not to mention, the whole video is put together brilliantly. Thanks for the effort put into it.

Oh hey it’s that channel that appeared out of nowhere to deliver another banger

I just came from Star Wars de-infantilized. I got 2 things: 1) WOW are you an underrated tuber. The way you string together footage that lines up and goes in time with the music is amazing. 2) I never expected to see a tuber that loves both Star Wars and anime. My hat's off to you and the sub button is pushed!

This video was extremely captivating. It's very clear in its ideas and doesn't go about expressing it in a pretentious way like I have seen with a lot of analysis or documentary style channels. I found that at times in the video, you expressed some thoughts I had before that I couldn't put into words.

You explained so eloquently. I really appreciate this video you've made, because I definitely did not recognize WHY the story was so much better, I simply just knew that it was. The fact that it's bittersweet is a large part of why it's so amazing. It holds regret from the beginning. An appreciation for the past and a hope for the future. I think this is one of the stories that I'm going to hold dear to my heart for a very long time. FMAB was my comfort anime for 10 years. I think it's time for a new one.

What other anime do you think deserve to be, and remain on, the top 10?

Amazing anime, def top 1 for me

I just wanna say it was the video title that drew me in, then I saw that the editing was amazing, and then the narration is what got me to stay. good job all around on this video

10 out of 10 use of background music in this video! U really were inspired ❤

thank you for the audio/video sync, clair the lune was on point

I never comment on RU-vid videos but the way you depict and edit frieren is beautiful. Thank you

Really beautiful video, thank you very much!

This video beautifully explaines frieren. I cried while reminiscing each scense while listening to your prespective. Thank you for the beautiful video ❤

Only one of your owrks ive ever seen, but damn did you comunicate feelings that I didnt even know I had. I am proud to call myself a new subscriber

Single-handedly the best frieren video essay on RU-vid

Beautiful analysis. Can’t wait for more of these!

Amazing video. Frieren is amazing, and your take on it was very precise.

I don't watch much isekai, it doesn't affect much of my appreciation for this beautiful show and the way of this storytelling. I got in this show without knowing anything about it, and i fell in love with it within 10 mins. Kanehito Yamada is an exceptional mangaka/writer. And I love your take on this show.

that intro w the music was impeccable

I just wanted to tell you that this channel is beautiful. You have a great feel of beauty, and you can talk about it in a very wholesomely simple way... Thank you for that

I really like your editing style, and I think pairing Frieren with classical music is so tonally perfect. The edit at the beginning of the first few episodes to Debussy was especially good.

Don't think enough is said about how you edited and sync-ed/timed the video according to the bg music. That is not easy at all. Kudos dear sir.

Idk why. But that 'claire de Luna in the beginning of video suddenly make me feel so emotional 😢

This video was very well made. Thank you.

it honestly puts a smile on ur face when you buy a manga or something that you thought was niche at the time become the most loved thing later on. this was also frieren for me. and everytime i think of frieren i rethink my life as a whole. for me personally the anime came out in a stressfull time in my life and when an anime of all things have me rethinking my understanding of life i think that alone is a enough to put it as not just number 1 of the year but number one entirely for many many years to come

clair de lune was such a good choice to set the tone on the intro

this anime and its message is just beautiful. It had me so hooked that i watched 27 episodes in two sittings (one 4 hour nap) visually and emotionally it was just art. the production team fucking nailed it. Frieren is also very cute (i will never get tired of seeing sleepy frieren). i agree with you 100% about most isekai anime. they feel souless

Excellent analysis of the themes and characters. Many gorgeous scenes from the show as well. I teared up a little while watching this... I saw a piece of Frieren fanart that, I believe, encapsulates this video's essence and the show's essence as a whole. It's a picture by artist "maij" where Frieren is sitting on a field of flowers, while fondly staring at the ring that Himmel gave her all those years ago. She has a sweet smile on her face. It's one of the most beautiful drawings I have ever seen and I could admire it all day. maij is a gifted artist to say the least.

I just started watching this a couple days ago. You made a good summary of what I have seen so far.

Oh man, the editing on the opening Clair de Lune section was fantastic and certainly not easy to do! While many - myself included - get stupefied by the production values of Frieren, it’s nice to be reminded that the story and themes hold us captivated just as much as animation or score. Eager to see what else you guys create!

Even for a specie like elves that time is truly just a number, life is still full of meaning to discover .

This was lovely and summed up exactly how this show made me feel. I'll be forwarding this video to a lot of people.

Well written, edited and delivered! Watching it for the second time. Keep up the good work!

"I know that Frieren is not an Isekai, I have never said that it was, and I thought I made it pretty clear by explaining what the sub-genre was in the video." Ah yes, the "It's not clickbait, why are you saying it's clickbait! I clearly explained that they solved isekai's main issue by not being isekai" defense

it is crazy a manga only 4 years old is already feel like a nostalgia masterpiece thanks to these kind of videos like your. Amazing analysis btw. If Frieren is written by less competent writter she would somehow turn back in time 50 years before like nothing happen or Himmel magically immortal like frieren which i found in so many mid mangas, specially manhwas. Those shitty stories are all over the place which contain 99% filler with terrible repetitive formulas.

Wonderful editing! Thoughtfully done and really well-timed. Really added to the emotional narrative of the video essay :)