Attack on Titan Season 2: Roar of Awakening - A thorough analysis of the deeply moving and surprising ending

Review and recommendation of "Attack on Titan Season 2: Roar of Awakening"

■Overview of the work

"Attack on Titan Season 2: Roar of Awakening" is an anime film based on the popular manga "Attack on Titan" by Hajime Isayama, which was released on January 13, 2018. Distributed by Pony Canyon and animated by WIT STUDIO, the film is 120 minutes long and has a self-contained episode format. It is directed by Tetsuro Araki and based on the original work by Hajime Isayama, and the copyright belongs to "© Hajime Isayama, Kodansha / Attack on Titan Production Committee".

■ Story

After witnessing his mother being eaten by a Titan, Eren Yeager vows to eradicate all Titans from the world. However, during the brutal battle, he is faced with the shocking truth that he himself is turning into a Titan. Wielding his Titan powers to win freedom for mankind, Eren clashes with the Female Titan in the Stohess District of Wall Sina. In the fierce battle between Titans, Eren barely emerges victorious, but there is no time for rest. The next battle has already begun, and the story depicts how humanity will stand up to the hordes of Titans approaching Wall Rose.

■Explanation

Ever since the day when the peace and illusions of mankind were shattered by the emergence of the Colossal Titan, Eren Yeager's days of endless fighting have continued. This film maximizes the tension and thrills of the original work, successfully drawing audiences in with its visual impact and deep storytelling. In particular, the battle scenes with the Titans are a stunning expression that combines animation technology and artistry, leaving a strong impression on the audience.

■Cast

The cast includes a star-studded cast of voice actors, including Kaji Yuki as Eren Yeager, Ishikawa Yui as Mikasa Ackerman, and Inoue Marina as Armin Arlert. Other cast members include Shimono Hiro as Connie Springer, Kobayashi Yu as Sasha Braus, Mikami Shiori as Christa Lenz, Fujita Saki as Ymir, Hosoya Yoshimasa as Reiner Braun, Hashizume Tomohisa as Bertholdt Hoover, Taniyama Kisho as Jean Kirstein, Shimamura Yu as Annie Leonhart, Tsuda Kenjiro as Hannes, Paku Romi as Hange Zoe, Ono Daisuke as Erwin Smith, Kamiya Hiroshi as Levi, and Koyasu Takehito as the Beast Titan. The performances of these voice actors realistically express the emotions and actions of the characters, adding depth to the story.

■ Main staff

The original work is by Isayama Hajime, the director is Koizuka Masashi, the series composition is Kobayashi Yasuko, the character design is Asano Kyoji, the sub-character design is Yamada Ayumu, the chief animation directors are Asano Kyoji, Kadowaki Satoshi, Yamada Ayumu, the assistant director is Tanaka Hiroyuki, the action animation directors are Imai Arifumi, Sera Yuko, and Hu Takuma, the art setting is Taniuchi Yuho, the titan setting is Chiba Takaaki, the visual concept is Moriyama Hiroshi, the prop design is Hu Takuma, the color design is Hashimoto Ken, the art director is Yoshihara Shunichiro, the head of the living creatures visual effects team is Yamazaki Chie, the 3DCG director is Hirosumi Shigenori, the 3DCG producer is Yabuta Shuhei, the director of photography is Yamada Kazuhiro, the editor is Hida Fumi, the sound director is Mima Masafumi, the sound effects are Kurahashi Shizuo, the sound production is Techno Sound, the music is Sawano Hiroyuki, the animation producer is Nakatake Tetsuya, the animation production is WIT STUDIO, and the production is handled by the "Attack on Titan" Production Committee. It can be said that the efforts and talents of these staff members led to the success of this film.

■ Main Characters

Eren Yeager is a boy who dreams of the world outside the walls, and after joining the training corps, he aims to be assigned to the Survey Corps. He has a strong will and a reckless personality. Mikasa Ackerman has been with Eren since Eren saved her life when she was a child. Protecting Eren is everything to her, and she wears the scarf that Eren gave her almost every day of the year. Armin Arlert is a childhood friend of Eren and Mikasa, and is knowledgeable and taught Eren about the world outside the walls. Jean Kirstein is a member of the 104th Training Corps, and because of his outspoken way of speaking, he is always in an antagonistic relationship with Eren. Annie Leonhart is a member of the 104th Training Corps, and although she always has a scary face, she also has a gentle side. Sasha Braus is a member of the 104th Training Corps, and is a wild child with an unconventional intuition. Christa Lenz is a member of the 104th Training Corps and is a kind-hearted girl who looks after her classmates. Connie Springer is a member of the 104th Training Corps and is good at maneuvering with agility, but is slow-witted. Reiner Braun is a member of the 104th Training Corps, just like Eren, and has a strong will and is trusted by his comrades. Bertholdt Hoover is a member of the 104th Training Corps and is skilled in all techniques, but he also lacks initiative. Ymir is a member of the 104th Training Corps and nothing is known about her except that she loves Christa. Levi is the captain of the Scout Regiment and is considered to be the strongest soldier in humanity. Erwin Smith is the captain of the Scout Regiment and is a cold and ruthless commander. Hange Zoe is a squad leader of the Survey Corps, and has a unique way of thinking among the group of reform-seeking Survey Corps. The individuality and growth of these characters enrich the story.

■ Related works

There are "Attack on Titan: Part 1 - Crimson Bow and Arrow", "Attack on Titan: Part 2 - Wings of Freedom", "Attack on Titan: Attack on Titan", "Attack on Titan: Season 2", and "Attack on Titan: Attack on Titan: Season 3". By watching these works together, you can get a deeper understanding of the overall story.

■ Review

"Attack on Titan Season 2: Roar of Awakening" maximizes the tension and thrill of the original work, and succeeds in drawing the audience in with its visual impact and deep storytelling. In particular, the battle scenes with the Titans are a stunning expression that combines animation technology and artistry, leaving a strong impression on the audience. In addition, the growth of the characters and changes in their relationships are carefully depicted, giving the story depth. There are many scenes that highlight the individuality of each character, such as Eren's conflict and determination, Mikasa's dedication, and Armin's wisdom, and they have the power to make the audience empathize with them.

The music is also an important element in enhancing the appeal of this film. Hiroyuki Sawano's music effectively enhances the tension of the battle scenes and the emotions of the characters, greatly influencing the progression of the story. The sound effects are also realistic, with the roars of the giants and the sounds of battle drawing the audience into the world of the story.

This movie is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like anime and action movies. You will enjoy it even more if you pay particular attention to the battle scenes with the giants and the character growth. Also, by watching it together with related works, you can get a deeper understanding of the overall story.

■Recommendation

"Attack on Titan Season 2: Roar of Awakening" maximizes the tension and thrill of the original work, and succeeds in drawing the audience in with its visual impact and deep storytelling. In particular, the battle scenes with the Titans are a stunning expression that combines animation technology and artistry, leaving a strong impression on the audience. In addition, the growth of the characters and changes in their relationships are carefully depicted, giving the story depth. There are many scenes that highlight the individuality of each character, such as Eren's conflict and determination, Mikasa's dedication, and Armin's wisdom, and they have the power to make the audience empathize with them.

The music is also an important element in enhancing the appeal of this film. Hiroyuki Sawano's music effectively enhances the tension of the battle scenes and the emotions of the characters, greatly influencing the progression of the story. The sound effects are also realistic, with the roars of the giants and the sounds of battle drawing the audience into the world of the story.

This movie is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like anime and action movies. You will enjoy it even more if you pay particular attention to the battle scenes with the giants and the character growth. Also, by watching it together with related works, you can get a deeper understanding of the overall story.