The moving story and reviews of "Crying Freeman": A tear-jerking assassin story

The appeal and reviews of "Crying Freeman": A deep look from all angles

1. Overview of the Work

Crying Freeman is an OVA series based on the manga by Kazuo Koike and Ryoichi Ikegami. The first episode was released on November 11, 1988, with six more episodes released over the next few years. It was released by Toei Video and produced by IS and Toei. Each episode runs about 50 minutes and is directed by Daisuke Nishio, Johei Matsuura, and Shigeyasu Yamauchi.

2. Story

The protagonist, Shintaro Kudo, was living an ordinary life as a potter, but one day he was kidnapped by the mysterious organization "108" and brainwashed into becoming an assassin called "Crying Freeman." He was given this name because he sheds tears every time he completes a mission. The story follows Shintaro as he struggles with his own destiny and deepens his relationship with the woman he loves, Etsuko Yuki.

3. Characters

Shintaro Kudo (Crying Freeman)

Shintaro is a complex character who is talented as a potter but also ruthless as an assassin. His inner conflict and the tears he sheds after each mission are central themes in the story. Shintaro's character is depicted as torn between humanity and inhumanity, deeply moving to viewers.

Etsuko Yuki

Etsuko is Shintaro's lover and an important character who supports him emotionally. Her presence is what makes Shintaro confront himself as an assassin, adding depth to the story. Etsuko's strength and kindness are key factors in saving Shintaro's heart.

4. Animation and Production

The animation of "Crying Freeman" is one of the works that symbolizes the OVA boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Each episode is characterized by detailed drawings and dynamic action scenes that make full use of the technology of the time. In particular, Shintaro's assassination and battle scenes have a strong visual impact and have the power to draw viewers in. Also, do not miss the directing that reflects the individuality of the directors. The combination of Nishio Daisuke's meticulous storytelling, Matsuura Johei's dynamic action, and Yamauchi Shigeyasu's emotionally rich depictions enhances the quality of the work as a whole.

5. Music

Music is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of a work. The soundtrack of "Crying Freeman" uses emotionally rich melodies to express Shintaro's inner conflict and his love for Etsuko. In particular, the background music that heightens the tension in the battle scenes and the beautiful melodies in the moving scenes are impressive. The music helps the viewer to become immersed in the story, further enhancing the appeal of the work.

6. Evaluation and Impact

"Crying Freeman" is a critically acclaimed OVA, especially praised for its storytelling and character portrayal. The work deeply touched viewers by depicting humanity and love while dealing with the theme of assassins. It is also known as the work that led the OVA boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s, and its influence is great. It was also highly praised overseas, and gained international popularity, with English and other language versions being produced.

7. Subtitles and Episode Details

Episode 1

This is the episode in which Shintaro is abducted by "108" and brainwashed into becoming the assassin "Crying Freeman." It depicts Shintaro's inner conflict and his meeting with Etsuko, laying the foundation for the story.

Episode 2: The Voice of the Wind

This is the episode where Shintaro carries out his first mission. We see the tears he sheds during the mission and how his relationship with Etsuko deepens, further developing Shintaro's character.

Episode 3: "The Two Wings"

This episode further deepens the relationship between Shintaro and Etsuko. Etsuko's presence is an important factor in saving Shintaro's heart, and the story contains many touching scenes.

Episode 4: "The Winter Prison of the Male Neck"

This episode sees Shintaro take on a new mission. The contrast between his cold-heartedness during the mission and his tears after completing it depicts Shintaro's inner conflict.

Episode 5: Kishimojin of the Battlefield

This is the episode in which Shintaro carries out his mission on the battlefield. The harshness of the battlefield is contrasted with his love for Etsuko, and Shintaro's humanity is portrayed more deeply.

Final Chapter "Mumyoryusha"

This is the episode where Shintaro takes on his final mission. As the climax of the story, Shintaro's fate and his love for Etsuko are depicted, leading to a moving conclusion.

8. Recommendations and Related Works

"Crying Freeman" is a work that deeply moves viewers by depicting humanity and love while dealing with the theme of assassins. In particular, the storytelling that focuses on Shintaro's inner conflict and his relationship with Etsuko is appealing. In addition, the detailed drawings and dynamic action scenes are not to be missed. The music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, helping the viewer to become immersed in the story.

If you enjoyed this work, we also recommend the following related works:

Fist of the North Star

"Fist of the North Star" is a work that depicts the protagonist Kenshiro's fighting in a devastated world. Like "Crying Freeman," it depicts the protagonist's inner conflict and humanity, and is a work with a strong visual impact.

"AKIRA"

"AKIRA" is set in the future Tokyo and depicts the battle between boys with supernatural powers. It features detailed drawings and dynamic action scenes, and is recommended for fans of "Crying Freeman."

"JoJo's Bizarre Adventure"

"JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" is a work that is attractive for its eccentric characters and story. In particular, the scenes depicting the main character JoJo's fighting and humanity will resonate with fans of "Crying Freeman."

9. Summary

"Crying Freeman" is a work that deeply moves viewers by depicting humanity and love while dealing with the theme of assassins. Storytelling that focuses on Shintaro's inner conflict and his relationship with Etsuko, meticulous drawings, dynamic action scenes, and emotional music all combine to raise the quality of the work as a whole. It has received high praise as an OVA, and is known in particular as a work that led the OVA boom from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. This deeply moving work is definitely worth a watch.