Dies irae review: A combination of epic storytelling and profound themes

Comprehensive evaluation and recommendation of "Dies irae"

overview

"Dies irae" is a TV anime series that aired from October 6th to December 22nd, 2017. It is based on a game created by light, and the animation was done by ACGT. It is directed by Susumu Kudo and consists of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long. It is broadcast on TOKYO MX and AT-X, and the copyright belongs to ©light/Dies irae ANIME PROJECT.

story

The story of "Dies irae" begins in Germany after World War II. Members of the Longinus Lans, a secret Nazi German society, are plotting to carry out God's punishment to destroy the world. At the center of this is the protagonist, Reinhard Treibert. He is known as the "Golden Lion" and leads the powerful "Dead Apostles (Swallows)."

The story moves from Germany in 1945 to Japan in the 1970s. One day, the protagonist, Ren Fujii, suddenly encounters Reinhard and his companions. They have come to Japan to carry out "God's Punishment," and Ren Fujii must fight to thwart their plan. The story revolves around the conflict between Ren Fujii and Reinhard, and a grand-scale battle unfolds as the pasts and intentions of various characters intersect.

character

Fujii Ren

The protagonist. He was an ordinary high school student, but his fate changed when he met Reinhard. With a strong will and a sense of justice, he tries to stop "God's punishment" together with his friends.

Reinhard Tribert

The leader of the Dead Apostles, known as the "Golden Lion." He is cold-hearted and possesses great power, but his past hides deep sadness and conflict.

Mercurius

The founder of "Longinus Lans" and Reinhard's teacher. A mysterious figure, he is an important character who holds the key to the story.

Luciel

Reinhard's right-hand man. He has a calm and calculating personality, but is very loyal to his comrades.

Eleonore

A childhood friend of Reinhard, she is a powerful "Dead Apostle." She has strong love and loyalty for Reinhard, and plays an important role at key points in the story.

Animation and performance

The animation for "Dies irae" was produced by ACGT. The depiction of the battle scenes in particular is extremely detailed, with the beauty of the character movements and effects standing out. Director Susumu Kudo has faithfully recreated the worldview of the original work while adding his own unique touches, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

In addition, the camerawork and use of color in accordance with the development of the story are also superb, maximizing the visual impact. In particular, the confrontation scene between Reinhard and Fujii Ren is directed with a sense of tension and power that draws the viewer in.

music

The music in "Dies irae" is generally heavy and tense, enhancing the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the opening theme "Kadenz" and the ending theme "-Schwarzer Segen-" are songs that symbolize the theme of the story and will be deeply engraved in the hearts of viewers. In addition, the background music is carefully created to match each scene, enriching the viewing experience.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Dies irae" is a work that is appealing for its grand scale and deep character portrayal. In particular, the theme depicted through the conflict between Reinhard and Fujii Ren provides viewers with deep emotions and elements that make them think. In addition, the beauty of the battle scenes and the high quality of the music make this a work that can be enjoyed both visually and aurally.

Recommended audiences include those who want to enjoy a deep story and character growth, those who want spectacular battle scenes, those who are particular about the quality of music, etc. Also, for fans of the original game, the anime version will allow you to enjoy the story from a new perspective.

Related information

Original game

The original version of "Dies irae" is a visual novel game developed by light. It was first released in 2007, and various versions have been released since then. The game version has a more detailed story and character background, which gives it a different appeal from the anime version.

Sequels and spin-offs

There are also sequels and spin-offs of "Dies irae". In particular, "Dies irae ~Amantes amentes~" was produced as a sequel to the original game, and you can enjoy an even deeper story. In addition, the spin-off "Dies irae ~Interview with Kaziklu Bey~" develops a story that focuses on Reinhard's past. By enjoying these works together, you will be able to understand the world of "Dies irae" more deeply.

Conclusion

"Dies irae" is a very fascinating work that combines a grand scale, deep character portrayal, beautiful animation and music. It is a work that can be highly recommended not only to fans of the original game but also to anime fans, and provides viewers with deep emotions and thought-provoking elements. Please watch this work and enjoy its world view and story.