BEASTARS Season 1 Episode 1 Review: A shocking start that exceeds expectations

"BEASTARS" Season 1 Review and Details

Overview

"BEASTARS" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Itagaki Paru, which aired from October 10 to December 26, 2019. It has 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long. It was broadcast on Fuji Television and BS Fuji, and produced by Orange. It was directed by Matsumi Shinichi, written by Higuchi Nanami, and character designed by Otsu Nao. Set in a world where carnivores and herbivores coexist, the series follows the youth of Legoshi, a gray wolf who comes to terms with his own instincts after a cannibalism incident.

■ Story

A world where carnivores and herbivores coexist. While eating meat is considered a serious crime, a "murder and cannibalism incident" occurs at Cherryton Academy, a prestigious boarding school, where a student from the drama club is killed and eaten. The culprit has not been found, and the students are in a state of anxiety. Meanwhile, a dispute arises in the drama club over who will replace the dead student. Rui the red deer, who is rumored to be a candidate for the next "Beastar" and is a charismatic member of the drama club, is attacked by a carnivorous member who holds a grudge. Legoshi, a second-year lighting technician, protects him. Contrary to his strong-looking appearance, such as his "sharp claws" and "large body", he is a kind-hearted, silent, and clumsy male gray wolf. However, Rui himself says that Legoshi is hypocritical and dislikes him, and forcibly appoints him to watch over night practice.

At night, Legoshi was on guard in the backyard behind the empty auditorium when a small white dwarf rabbit female student named Haru appeared before him. The moment he smelled her scent, an instinct ran through his body. He lost control and attacked her, and the next thing he knew, he had her wrapped up in his arms. He didn't know if the heartbeat he heard in his arms was his or hers. But this encounter with Haru and his own instincts would greatly change Legoshi's quiet and peaceful life. Are his feelings for her love? Or appetite? Male and female, carnivore and herbivore. Facing the pain, strength and weakness of each, Legoshi's troubled youth had just begun.

■Explanation

"BEASTARS" is set in a world where carnivores and herbivores coexist. In a world where eating meat is considered a serious crime, a "cannibalism incident" occurs at the prestigious boarding school, Cherryton Academy, where students are killed and eaten. In a school filled with anxiety, Legoshi, a gray wolf and eccentric member of the drama club, lives a quiet life despite his "big body" and "sharp fangs". However, his heart is shaken when he meets Haru, a small rabbit female student. "Is my desire for her love? Or appetite?" What he truly encountered was his own instinct.

■Cast

• Legoshi/Chikahiro Kobayashi
• Haru/Senbongi Sayaka
• Louis/Yuki Ono
• Juno/Atsumi Tanezaki
• Jack/Junya Enoki

■ Main staff

• Director: Shinichi Matsumi
• Screenplay by Nanami Higuchi
• Character design: Nao Otsu
• CG Chief Director/Eiji Inomoto
• Art Director: Minami Kasuga
• Color design: Ken Hashimoto
• Director of photography: Kosei Shiori, Tsai Bo-lun
• Edited by Junichi Uematsu
• Music: Satoru Kamisaki (MONACA)
• Produced by Orange

■ Main Characters

• A grey wolf in his second year at Legoshi High School. Despite his large carnivorous physique, he has a quiet, kind and sensitive personality. He is not good at communicating and is considered eccentric by those around him. He tries to live unobtrusively and is a behind-the-scenes worker in the drama club.
• A dwarf rabbit in her third year at Haru High School. She has a small and cute appearance, but she has a straightforward personality and is honest with herself. She has had relationships with many male students without any hard feelings, and although she is bullied by the girls because of it, she keeps up a strong spirit. She is the captain of the gardening club, which is on the verge of being disbanded.
• Akashika is a third-year student at Louis High School. He is the star actor in the drama club. With his beautiful appearance and the title of heir to a wealthy family, he is a charismatic figure at Cherryton Academy, rumored to be the "next Beastar." He is stricter on himself than anyone else and does not open up to anyone.
• A gray wolf in her first year at Juno High School. She is a member of the acting team in the drama club, and although she is often envied for her beauty, she is cheerful, kind, and hardworking. She believes that a same-species couple is ideal, and believes that Legoshi is the right match for her.
• Jack is a second-year high school student and a Labrador retriever. Legoshi's roommate. He has a kind and friendly personality, but is a little timid. He is a childhood friend of Legoshi, whose family lives nearby, and is a good friend of Legoshi, who is often misunderstood. He is smart and has the best grades in the school.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: The Full Moon Chooses the Beast It Illuminates (October 10, 2019)
• Episode 2: The heart of the school is in the garden (2019/10/17)
• Episode 3: Male wolf birth (2019/10/24)
• Episode 4: You even softened the Holy Grail (2019/10/31)
• Episode 5: The age when you start finding reasons for the dirt on your tail (2019/11/07)
• Episode 6: Blurred vision: dream or reality? (2019/11/14)
• Episode 7: Under the Uniform and the Fur (2019/11/21)
• Episode 8: Like putting dental floss on a canine (2019/11/28)
• Episode 9: The Terror of the Top Floor of the Elevator (2019/12/05)
• Episode 10: If you follow the fluff to the ends of the earth (2019/12/12)
• Episode 11: Yukiyukite: Summer Neon Town (2019/12/19)
• Episode 12: Summer Storm's Back (2019/12/26)

■ Theme songs and music

• OP
  
  • Period: 1-12
  • Wild Side
  • Sung by: ALI
• ED1
  
  • Period: 1-2, 5-11
  • The zoo
  • Lyrics by Miho Karasawa
  • Composer: Satoru Komaki (MONACA)
  • Arrangement: Akira Kosaki (MONACA)
  • Sung by YURiKA
• ED2
  
  • Period/3
  • Sleeping Instinct
  • Lyrics by Miho Karasawa
  • Composer: Keiichi Hirokawa (MONACA)
  • Arrangement: Keiichi Hirokawa (MONACA)
  • Sung by YURiKA
• ED3
  
  • Period/4
  • Marble
  • Lyrics by Miho Karasawa
  • Composer: Kuniyuki Takahashi (MONACA)
  • Arrangement: Kuniyuki Takahashi (MONACA)
  • Sung by YURiKA
• ED4
  
  • Period/12
  • A tale floating on the moon
  • Lyrics by Miho Karasawa
  • Composer: Satoru Komaki (MONACA)
  • Arrangement: Keiichi Hirokawa (MONACA)
  • Sung by YURiKA

■Review

"BEASTARS" depicts a world where carnivores and herbivores coexist, and the story is about the protagonist Legoshi coming to terms with his own instincts after a cannibalism incident occurs. The first season of the anime brought out the best of the original work, deeply moving and exciting viewers.

First, let's talk about the story. The cannibalism incident at Cherryton Academy is a very important element in depicting the tension between carnivores and herbivores. This incident forces Legoshi to face his own instincts. His inner conflict and growth are carefully depicted, allowing the viewer to share his suffering and joy. His meeting with Haru is also a major turning point in the story. The question of whether his feelings for her are love or appetite makes the viewer think deeply, and it is the catalyst for delving deeper into Legoshi's inner self.

The characters are also not to be missed. Legoshi is a large carnivorous beast, yet has a kind and sensitive personality, creating a fascinating contrast. His silent and clumsy side resonates with viewers. Meanwhile, Haru has a straightforward personality that is true to herself, despite her small and adorable appearance, and her strengths and weaknesses are portrayed. Louis is a charismatic member of the drama club, and while he is beautiful and the heir to a wealthy family, he also has a lonely side that doesn't trust anyone. The multifaceted nature of these characters enriches the story.

The animation quality is also very high. Orange's production depicts the characters' expressions and movements realistically, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. In particular, the scenes in which Legoshi's instincts run wild and when he meets Haru are visually stunning and have the power to stir emotions. The backgrounds and art are also meticulously detailed, realistically recreating the atmosphere of Cherryton Academy.

The music also adds to the appeal of the work. The opening theme "Wild Side" and the ending themes "Le zoo," "Sleeping Instinct," "Marble," and "Tales of the Moon" all perfectly match the atmosphere of the story and elevate the emotions of the viewer. In particular, YURiKA's singing voice adds to the moving impact of the story.

Overall, the first season of "BEASTARS" brings out the best in the original work, deeply moving and exciting the viewers. Legoshi's growth, the multifaceted nature of the characters, the quality of the animation, the appeal of the music, and many other elements combine to create a story that draws the viewers in. This work can be enjoyed as a coming-of-age drama, a suspense drama, and a fantasy, and can be recommended to a wide range of audiences.

■Recommendation

"BEASTARS" is a work filled with elements of youth drama, suspense, and fantasy, and can be recommended to a wide range of people. In particular, it is a must-watch for those who are interested in the unique worldview of the coexistence of carnivores and herbivores, and those who like stories that depict the growth and conflict of characters. In addition, the quality of the animation and the charm of the music are also points not to be missed, and it can be enjoyed visually and aurally. After watching the first season, you will surely be interested in the second season and the original manga. Please experience the world of "BEASTARS".