While there is two iterations of this manga brought to anime, I will be talking about the newer version from 2016 and not the one from the 90’s. Why ? Well because it is the one available to stream on HBO Max (lol).
I was first brought aware about this series on twitter. It was actually a picture of the manga and not the anime, but I didn’t really know the difference (lol). Anyways, fast forward a couple weeks later I get an HBO Max account and they have an anime section and I thought to myself “Should I become a weeb ?” So I clicked the section and low and behold Berserk was there! So I dived in with no real of this anime. [I had never really watched anime before, I tried watching an episode of death note like 5 years ago; but idk lol.]
There is only two seasons of this series, unfortunately. I recommend this with caution. It does have some animated gore, so if you don’t like that stuff; this might not be for you. Furthermore, if you’re a person who doesn’t like subtitles; this isn’t for you. This is in Japanese, is not dubbed and only has subtitles.
So if you’re not annoying, keep reading on why I think you should watch this anime.
The main plot of the series is Guts aka The Black Swords Man trying to get revenge on Griffith (who was once his friend 😲) for basically ruining his life. While trying to get his revenge, he is faced with obstacles that delay his plans. From missing lover to enemy turned ally. Guts goes through a treacherous journey. Not to mention that he is branded with a scar that attracts demons at night… like he can’t even get a good nights rest without trying to get murder. This also affects anyone he travels with, so he usually travels alone… usually. But he has his trusty dragonslayer, his sword that is as big as him.
According to Syfy Wire , “Berserk is the life’s work of manga artist Kentaro Miura. That’s not an exaggeration or figure of speech: Miura envisioned a story that would take him decades on end to tell, and so far has.” He first released the first volume in 1989 and now has 39 volumes, last one being released in 2018.
What I did like is that they showed real world problems, but injected them with steroids and put them on another level. From refugees to religion, Berserk covered many important topics, and put them under a magical microscope.
In the anime they show refugee camps, where there is no food, yet the people in the tower have plenty of food, and punish people when they try stealing food for being hungry. Also the persecution of people who are not of their religion. This religion being the Holy See, who rely upon 5 core beliefs, God, Tolerance, Faith and Prayer. Anyone who is caught practicing another religion or disobeys them is taken to the basement of the tower, and well that’s when some of the animated gore comes in.
Furthermore, they show how people can change and grow to become better versions of themselves. This can be seen in the main characters Guts. While in the beginning of the first season he is traveling only with Puck, very annoyed by that; may I add. But by the end of the first he has a whole crew. At one point he even tells himself “Why am I letting others in when I never did this before?” (Well… something around those lines) This is a great showcase of growth. He accepted that you can’t always rely on yourself and that sometimes you need the help of other whether you like it or not. I mean look at the picture for the season 2 promo vs the season one picture (which is the first picture at the top of the page.)
Additionally, in Lady Farnese character, while not spoiling too much about her or the story; she learns that once she learns to accept herself and question everything that’s really when she started finding herself. If you watch the anime you’ll understand what I mean and honestly it’s a good thing too see.
Moreover, it shows how unresolved trauma can lead to years of pain and hurt. While the time period that this take place is probably around the medieval times, they probably didn’t have therapist and stuff. (Basing the time period off the knights armor, which look medieval.)
We do have therapist and medicines that can help you face and move on from your trauma. There is no need to dwell in it. We are in times that your mental health is important. While your trauma may not lead you on a long quest for revenge (maybe?), it can still cause you pain. So it is better to deal with it and try and move pass it, then to hide it and let the pain grow and linger.
In conclusion, I highly suggest this anime to anyone! I honestly only covered the tip of the iceberg on this anime. I didn’t even talk about the relationship dynamics between the characters, his own persecution, etc. This is not only an action packed adventure it has moments where it really makes you think not only about the anime, but about the real world. 10/10 recommend !
J’s Journal 