The appeal and depth of "Fractal": anime review and recommended points

Fractals - The profound world and its fascination

■Overview of the work

The TV anime series "Fractal," which aired in 2011, was produced as an original anime work by Mandelpro Engine, and animation was handled by A-1 Pictures. Although it was a short series of 11 episodes, it attracted many viewers with its unique worldview and deep themes. The impressive staff includes director Yamamoto Hiroshi, series composition by Okada Mari, and story concept by Azuma Hiroki.

■Broadcast information

"Fractal" was broadcast on Fuji Television and other broadcasting stations from January 13 to March 31, 2011. Each episode was 30 minutes long, and viewers looked forward to new developments every week. It was broadcast on a wide variety of stations, including Fuji Television, Fuji Television On Demand, Kansai Television, Tokai Television, Sakuranbo Television, BS Fuji, Saga Television, Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting, and Fuji Television Two, appealing to a wide range of viewers.

■ Story

The story begins when Clain, a boy living an ordinary life on a remote island, rescues a young girl named Phryne who has been chased by someone and fallen off a cliff. Phryne disappears, leaving Clain with a brooch, but the brooch contains an avatar in the form of a young girl, Nessa. Clain and Nessa set out on a journey to find Phryne, and in the process, they come across the secrets of the "Fractal System." This system was created to create a paradise where humans could live without working, but after a thousand years, its functions have begun to break down. Clain's journey is also a journey to discover the truth about the system and the future of humanity.

■Worldview and Theme

The world of "Fractal" begins with the premise that the "Fractal System," which was completed over a thousand years ago, supports the lives of humanity. This system created a paradise where people could live without working, but at the same time, it robbed people of their freedom and creativity. The story depicts Crane and his friends searching for the truth in a world where this system has begun to collapse. Themes that are explored in depth include freedom and dependence, the relationship between technology and humans, and the meaning of one's existence.

■ Characters

The protagonist, Clain, is a 14-year-old boy who lives on a remote island, benefiting from the "Fractal System." He is a vintage maniac who likes to tinker with old IT devices, but he also enjoys cycling and has an active side. His encounter with Phryne changes his life greatly. Phryne is a 16-year-old girl who is a young priestess at the "monastery" that manages the "Fractal System." Having spent her life at the monastery since birth and not knowing the outside world, she is well-bred but a bit out of touch with the world. Nessa is a doppel that emerged from the brooch left behind by Phryne, an innocent and curious 10-year-old girl. Enri is a 13-year-old girl and the eldest daughter of the "Granitz Family," a faction of the "Lost Millennium" movement. Sunda is a 20-year-old young man who is the leader of the Granitz Family and Enri's older brother. Barrow is a 48-year-old scientist who manages the "Fractal System" and aims to restart the system. Moran is a 40-year-old woman who is the highest-ranking "High Priestess" in charge of managing the "Fractal System" and governs the system as the symbol of the monastery.

■Subtitles and Episodes

Each episode has the following subtitles:

• EPISODE01／Encounter
• EPISODE02／Nessa
• EPISODE03／Granitz Village
• EPISODE04／Departure
• EPISODE05/Journey
• EPISODE06／The End of the Town
• EPISODE07 / The City of Vanity
• EPISODE08/Underground Secret
• EPISODE09／Cornered
• EPISODE 10/To the Monastery
• EPISODE11／Paradise

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Fractal." The director was Yamamoto Hiroshi, the original work was by Mandelbrot Engine, the series composition was by Okada Mari, the story was by Azuma Hiroki, the character design was by Hidari, the character design and general animation director was Tashiro Masako, the set designs were Aoki Tomoyuki and Inose Yukie, the prop design was Tanaka Yusuke, the mechanic design was Hayashi Isao, the art direction and image design was Kesamaru Emi, the color design was Nakajima Kazuko, the cinematography was Ishiguro Harutsugu, the editor was Tsubone Kentaro, the music was Shikano Sohei, the sound director was Tsuruoka Yota, the production cooperation was Ordet, and the animation production was A-1 Pictures. These staff members worked together to create the unique worldview and deep themes of "Fractal."

■Cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• Crane/Yu Kobayashi
• Phryne/Minami Tsuda
• Nessa/Kana Hanazawa
• Enri/Yuka Iguchi
• Sunda/Shintaro Asanuma

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Fractal" has been highly praised by many viewers for its unique worldview and deep themes. In particular, the storyline depicting the collapse of the system and the future of humanity left viewers deeply moved and pondered. In addition, the character growth and changes in relationships were beautifully depicted, allowing viewers to empathize with Crane and his friends' journey. Furthermore, the beautiful visuals and music also add to the appeal of the work, making it a work that is both visually and aurally satisfying.

■ Recommendation points

"Fractal" is a work that I would especially recommend to science fiction fans and viewers who enjoy deep themes. The following points are particularly appealing:

• Unique worldview: The setting in which the "Fractal System," which was completed over a thousand years ago, supports human life will provide viewers with a fresh surprise.
• Deep themes: The film depicts deep themes such as freedom and dependence, the relationship between technology and humans, and the meaning of one's existence, encouraging viewers to think.
• Character Growth: The growth of characters, including Crane, and the changes in their relationships are beautifully portrayed, allowing viewers to empathize with them.
• Beautiful visuals and music: The beautiful visuals and music enhance the appeal of the work, providing a satisfying experience both visually and aurally.

Related information

The following information is related to "fractals".

• Original work: This is an original anime work, and the original work was created by the Mandelpro Engine.
• Broadcast period: A total of 11 episodes were broadcast from January 13 to March 31, 2011.
• Broadcasting stations: Fuji Television, Fuji Television On Demand, Kansai Television, Tokai Television, Sakuranbo Television, BS Fuji, Saga Television, Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting, and Fuji Television TWO.
• Production: Animation was handled by A-1 Pictures, and production was handled by the Fractal Production Committee (Asmik Ace Entertainment, Fuji Television, A-1 Pictures, Sony Music Entertainment, Dentsu, and Toho).

Conclusion

"Fractal" is a work that has attracted many viewers with its unique worldview and deep themes. The collapse of the system and the future of humanity depicted through Crane and his friends' journey will deeply move viewers and make them think. The beautiful visuals and music also enhance the appeal of the work, making it a work that is satisfying both visually and aurally. This is a work that I would especially recommend to science fiction fans and viewers who are looking for deep themes.