A thorough review of the emotions and laughs of "Angel Beats!"

"Angel Beats!": A tale of youth and rebellion in the afterlife

"Angel Beats!" is a TV anime series that aired in 2010 and is an original work by Jun Maeda (Key/Visual Arts). The story is set in the afterlife and follows the story of boys and girls who face their destiny. It aired from April 3rd to June 26th, 2010 on CBC, MBS, TBS affiliates, BS11, Animax, and TOKYO MX. It consists of 13 episodes, each 30 minutes long.

story

Angel Beats! is set in a school in the afterlife. The main character, Otonashi, is a boy who lost his life for some reason and arrives in this world with no memories of his life. There, he meets Yuri, the leader of the Dead World Front (SSS), an organization that rebels against God. Yuri fights day and night against angels, messengers of God, and Otonashi chooses to fight alongside them. However, angels take the form of pretty young girls, and her true intentions and goals are shrouded in mystery. Otonashi must fight alongside his friends while trying to understand why he died and what is happening in this world.

Commentary

The theme of "Angel Beats!" is "life." At the heart of the work is the question of what the girls who curse their unfair fate will find through their rebellion against God. Jun Maeda, known as a tearjerker, depicts this hymn to life on a new stage in the world of animation, deeply moving viewers. The story depicts the brilliance and sorrow of youth, as well as the bonds between friends, and in the unrealistic setting of the afterlife, it reminds us of the value of real life.

cast

The main cast of this film is as follows:

• Otonashi: Hiroshi Kamiya
• Yuri: Hiromi Sakurai
• Kanade (Angel): Kana Hanazawa
• Sun: Ryohei Kimura
• Yui: Eri Kitamura
• Naoi: Megumi Ogata
• Noda: Shun Takagi
• Fujimaki: Hiroo Masuda
• Matsushita: Eiichiro Tokumoto
• Oyama: Yumiko Kobayashi
• Shiina: Saitou Fuuko
• Takamatsu: Hirotaka Mizushima
• TK: Michael Rivas
• Takeyama: Mitsuhiro Ichiki
• Yusa: Yui Makino
• Iwasawa: Sawashiro Miyuki
• Hisako: Matsuura Chie
• Irie: Kana Asumi
• Sekine: Kato Emiri
• Char: Hiroki Tochi
• Hatsune: Mai Nakahara
• Igarashi: Tomokazu Seki
• Naoi's father: Joji Nakata
• Fish Saito: Hikaru Midorikawa

Main Staff

Many staff members were involved in the production of "Angel Beats!". The main staff members are introduced below.

• Original story and script: Jun Maeda (Key/Visual Arts)
• Original character design: Na-Ga (Key/Visual Arts)
• Character design and chief animation director: Yuzo Hirata
• Chief animators: Yuji Miyashita, Kosuke Kawamo
• Planning: Koichiro Natsume, Kazutomo Suzuki, Naohiro Otobu, Atsushi Higashiyama
• Original work cooperation: Takahiro Baba (Visual Arts)
• Director of photography: Katsushi Sato
• 3D Director: Yoshimasa Yamazaki
• Edited by: Ayumi Takahashi
• Art director: Kazuo Tochi
• Color design: Katsue Inoue
• Special effects: Masahiro Murakami
• Sound Director: Satoki Iida
• Music: ANANT-GARDE EYES, Jun Maeda
• Music Production: Visual Arts, 1st PLACE
• Plugin cooperation: Kengo Watanabe
• Image board: Takehiko Matsumoto
• Art setting/prop design: Goichi Iwahata, Hideyasu Shimamura, Mitsuko Ogawa, Yasuyasu Moriki
• 3D Production: Yuko Horikawa
• Assistant editor: Momoko Ishida
• Editing studio: JAY Film
• Online editors: Good job TOKYO, Yoshihiro Kohama, Kazuhiro Nagao
• Sound effects: Iki Okuda
• Recording adjustment: Tokunari Tokuhisa
• Recording studio: STUDIO T&T
• Sound Production: Ducks Production
• Planning cooperation: Tomotaka Fujii (Visual Arts), Dengeki G's magazine editorial department, Yukito Nakatsuji
• Publicity Producer: Yuma Takahashi
• Sales Promotion: Toshiyuki Kanazawa
• Managing Director: Nobuhiro Kikuchi (PAWORKS)
• Web production: Takeo Tsuda, Osamu Miyaoka, Hiroki Kagamoto
• Preview Production: Michitaka Mochizuki
• Title design: Tomoyuki Uchikoga
• Live scene cooperation: Suzaku, Hoshijima Yuki
• Publicity cooperation: Takashi Watanabe, Makiko Naito, Hiroshi Saguchi, Hitomi Ando
• Production cooperation: Tomohiro Fujita, Tetsuya Endo
• Production desk: Shoji Soma
• Setting production: Keigo Koyanagi
• Line producer: Mitsuhito Tsuji
• Associate producers: Takanori Koarai, Toshihiro Maeda
• Producers: Hironori Toba, Kenji Horikawa, Hiroo Maruyama
• Animation production: PAWORKS
• Director: Seiji Kishi
• Produced by: Angel Beats! Project (Aniplex, ASCII Media Works, Visual Arts, P.A. Works, Movic, Dentsu, Mainichi Broadcasting System), Chubu Nippon Broadcasting

Main Characters

We will introduce the main characters of "Angel Beats!" in detail.

• Otonashi : A boy who has lost his memories of his life. While trying to understand what is happening in the afterlife, he decides to join the war front. His choices will have a major impact on the progression of the story.
• Yuri : A girl who leads the "Dead World Front (SSS)" in the afterlife. Although she is the type who acts before she speaks, she has a likable personality and is affectionately called "Yurippe" by the members of the front.
• Kanade : An angel in the form of a young girl who serves as the student council president at a school in the afterlife. She fights against the members of the Front who refuse to rest in peace. Her facial expressions don't change much, so it's hard to tell what she's thinking.
• Yui : I'm an assistant for the diversionary group "Girls Dead Monster" and I'm also a big fan. I aspire to be a musician and perform on the streets with my guitar.
• Hinata : A bright, easy-going boy who is the mood-maker on the front lines. He is friendly towards the newcomer Otonashi, and teaches him about the front lines and the afterlife.
• Takamatsu : He is a staff officer on the front lines and speaks politely to everyone. He rarely goes into battle, and is often by Yuri's side, checking the situation and reporting to her. He has a secret that cannot be seen from appearances.
• Noda : He is a member of the operation team who easily handles the long-handled weapon, the halberd. He is impulsive and does not follow orders from anyone other than Yuri. He always picks a fight with Otonashi, but his efforts are often in vain.
• Shiina : She's a kunoichi-like girl with a long scarf around her neck and a short sword in each hand. She's quiet and doesn't say unnecessary things, but she has a weakness for cute things.
• Yusa : An operator who reports to Yuri on the changing battle situation during operations. He has a calm personality and sometimes makes comments in a matter-of-fact way.
• Fujimaki : He's a rough-looking boy who likes to use long knives and wooden swords. He's the same age as Otonashi and the others, but the expression "a down-and-out guy" fits him best.
• TK : A mysterious member dressed in street fashion. His real name, background, and even his real face are unknown, and although he can speak Japanese, he speaks questionable English.
• Matsushita : A master of judo, he is affectionately known as "Matsushita 5th Dan." He has a bear-like appearance and demeanor, but is the same age as Otonashi and the others. He tries to use judo to face angels with superhuman powers.
• Oyama : He's a boy who is average in every respect, including looks, personality, and physical ability. He doesn't have any special skills, and his only role is to explain the situation during operations, but in some ways he's a valuable member of the team.
• Char : A veteran of the "Guild" in charge of manufacturing weapons used by frontline members. He has an old-looking face and an unruly beard, but he's the same age as Yuri and the others.
• Iwasawa : I am the band leader of Galdemo, and I am in charge of vocals and rhythm guitar. I attract listeners with my excellent guitar tone and singing voice, and I also compose and write the lyrics for the songs.
• Hisako : She is the sub-leader of Galdemo and plays the lead guitar. She has a straightforward personality and sometimes enjoys playing mahjong with the male members of Sensen.
• Irie : I'm the most timid character on the front line, I'm afraid of ghosts, and I really don't like ghost stories. I play the drums in Galdemo, and I'm really calm when I play.
• Sekine : A mischievous troublemaker, he loves to see the surprised faces of everyone. He sometimes starts improvising during performances at Galdemo, and doesn't get angry even when Hisako gets angry.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Angel Beats!" are as follows.

• EPISODE.01: Departure (2010/04/03)
• EPISODE.02: Guild (2010/04/10)
• EPISODE.03: My Song (2010/04/17)
• EPISODE.04: Day Game (2010/04/24)
• EPISODE.05: Favorite Flavor (2010/05/01)
• EPISODE.06: Family Affair (2010/05/08)
• EPISODE.07: Alive (2010/05/15)
• EPISODE.08: Dancer in the Dark (2010/05/22)
• EPISODE.09: In Your Memory (2010/05/29)
• EPISODE.10: Goodbye Days (2010/06/05)
• EPISODE.11: Change the World (2010/06/12)
• EPISODE.12: Knockin' on heaven's door (2010/06/19)
• EPISODE.13: Graduation (2010/06/26)

Related Titles

"Angel Beats!" has the following related works:

• "Angel Beats! Special Program"
• "Angel Beats! Special Edition"
• “Angel Beats! ANOTHER EPILOGUE”
• “Angel Beats! SPECIAL EPISODE 1-2”

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "Angel Beats!" are as follows.

• OP1
  • Period: 2-3, 5-9, 11
  • Song Title: My Soul, Your Beats!
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: ANANT-GARDE EYES
  • Sung by: Lia
• OP2
  • Duration: 4
  • Song title: My Soul, Your Beats! (Gldemo ver.)
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: Hikari Shuyu
  • Sung by: Yui (LiSA)
• ED1
  • Period: 1-9, 11-12
  • Song Name: Brave Song
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: ANANT-GARDE EYES
  • Vocals: Aoi Tada
• IN1
  • Duration: 1
  • Song Name: Crow Song
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: Hikari Shuyu
  • Sung by: Girls Dead Monster (marina)
• IN2
  • Duration: 3
  • Song Name: Alchemy
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: Hikari Shuyu
  • Sung by: Girls Dead Monster (marina)
• IN3
  • Duration: 3
  • Song Name: My Song
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: Hikari Shuyu
  • Sung by: Girls Dead Monster (marina)
• IN4
  • Duration: 5
  • Song Name: Thousand Enemies
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: Hikari Shuyu
  • Sung by: Girls Dead Monster (LiSA)
• IN5
  • Duration: 10
  • Song Name: Shine Days
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: Hikari Shuyu
  • Sung by: Girls Dead Monster (LiSA)
• IN6
  • Duration: 10
  • Song name: My number one treasure (Yui ver.)
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: Hikari Shuyu
  • Sung by: Yui (LiSA)
• IN7
  • Duration: 13
  • Song Name: The Most Important Treasure (Original Version)
  • Lyricist: Jun Maeda
  • Composer: Jun Maeda
  • Arrangement: ANANT-GARDE EYES
  • Sung by: karuta

Evaluation and Impressions

"Angel Beats!" has attracted many viewers with its unique setting and deep themes. The story of youth and rebellion set in the unrealistic setting of the afterlife leaves a strong impression on viewers. In particular, the growth and conflicts of the main characters, such as Otonashi, Yuri, and Tenshi, touch the hearts of viewers. Furthermore, the music scenes by Galdemo add color to the story and uplift the emotions of the viewers.

The music in this series is a perfect display of Jun Maeda's talent, with each song enhancing the emotions as the story progresses. In particular, the opening song "My Soul, Your Beats!" and the ending song "Brave Song" will leave a deep impression on viewers. Additionally, the live performance scenes of Galdemo have been praised for being both visually and aurally enjoyable.

The characters are rich in personality, and each one's backstory and growth are carefully depicted. The charm of the characters, such as Otonashi's memory loss and subsequent growth, Yuri's strong will and feelings for her comrades, and Tenshi's mysterious presence, support the story. Each member of the Front is unique, and many of the characters are loved by viewers.

The animation by PAWORKS is of high quality, and the setting of a school in the afterlife is depicted realistically. The fight and music scenes are also well-directed, providing a visual treat for the viewer. Director Seiji Kishi's direction also delves deeply into the theme of the story, moving the viewer.

Recommendation

I highly recommend Angel Beats! to anyone who likes youth anime or emotional anime. It is also recommended for those who like music and those who enjoy character development. It is also a must-watch for those who are interested in the unique setting of the afterlife and those who like Jun Maeda's work.

This work will make viewers think again about the preciousness of life and the importance of friends. The story, which has both laughter and tears, will deeply move viewers and leave a lasting impression. Please watch "Angel Beats!" and experience its charm for yourself.