A colossal mark

Why does 'Attack on Titan' merit a theatrical release?

KARACHI:

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Crunchyroll is gearing up to release the finale of Attack on Titan in North American theatres, over a year after the famed anime series bid adieu. And just like that, fans are back in the walled island of Paradis with their favourite characters once more.

A jog back to the roots

Attack on Titan is an apt example of a cultural phenomenon whose popularity survived the test of time. With season releases being separated by a time-gap of as long as three years, the Japanese animated series had a decade-long run before concluding in November of 2023. But now the TV show is back again to rejuvenate spirits, this time on the big screen.

Adapted from Hajime Isayama's manga of the same name, the fantasy series follows the story of Eren Yeager, a zealous boy who wishes to rid his home—the surviving population of the world—of the threat of the human-devouring titans that reign over the world outside the walls.

After tragedy strikes a little too close to home, Eren's determination solidifies, leading him and his closest friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert on a martial path that changes their lives forever.

Characters on the forefront

Among other fascinations, Attack on Titan is recognised for sustaining an indelible mark on the anime community through its memorable characters. With many competing for a viewer's choice of favourite character, the cast is lathered in layers of character development that grow stronger as the show progresses.

At the top of the list reigns Eren, whose journey is one for the books, with a character development that recapitulates his standing as the dark fantasy show's thematically driven protagonist. But all alone, Eren is nothing. His camaraderie with those closest to him, especially Armin and Mikasa, is what adds depth to his recklessness. He is hardly a principled boy, but he is loyal to what he holds dear, and that is both his strength and his undoing.

However, long before Eren became the public's star, someone else was quietly helming onlookers' interest. For anime aficionados, an esteemed mentor (or sensei) is a gateway to everlasting plaudits for a show. Everyone adores a wise, old figure that serves as a deliberate comic relief on the side and spends the wealth of his time pushing the protagonist to excellence.

While Levi Ackerman isn't old, traditionally wise, or even a comic relief, he has been slicing through hearts since the very beginning. Fondly identified as the "fidget spinner" of the crew, Levi is adored for cutting through titans like they are cake and even for his deadpan, no-nonsense personality. He means business at all times and he ensures everyone knows.

His popularity is succeeded by that of his fellow veterans, who are each culturally revered for what they add to the show. Hange Zoë is a raving scientist whose overflowing spirit of inquiry is helpful in answering many of the audience's questions. On the other hand, Erwin Smith is a formidable commander whose longing for progress trumps any reluctance in making irreversible sacrifices.

This trio offers a taste of how well group lineups work in this animated show. In a narrative rooted in the struggle for human survival, every character's individual personality supplements those they are close to. Eren's vigour to eradicate the plight of titans is influenced by Armin maundering on about the sights of the outside world, whereas Mikasa's enlistment into the military is influenced by her promise to protect Eren from harm.

As such, Attack on Titan's success as a story is embedded in its character-driven nature. Every action inspires an outcome and changes the lives of the individuals for better and, at times, even for worse. Plus, when you have an expert line of actors commanding the fervent voices of these characters, it's difficult not to care.

A fortress of lore

Aside from the characters, another important facet that steers the show is the storyline itself. The expansive lore blooms the longer the audience spends time with these characters, and though its depth might overwhelm first-time viewers, the pay-off makes the mental strain worth the attention.

Similar to the case of characters, the world-building elements all serve an undeniable purpose hence not feeling as if they are unnecessarily crowding the plot. Biology lessons on the titans are an integral part of cadet training, awareness of the omni-directional mobility (ODM) gear is a requisite for survival, and most of all, the audience is willing to learn about these things because their usefulness is not forcefully dumped from the get-go.

Not many shows are well-versed in the art of showing not telling, but Attack on Titan plays on imagery with full confidence in the audience's intelligence. From episode names to dialogue cues to visual choices, everything carries an iceberg's length of meaning in a narrative infused with foreshadowing and mystery that throws you off-kilter.

And to validate the grim nature of the world, the stakes are raised to astronomical levels. Infested with uncanny visual elements and hideous titans that might plague your nightmares, the story doesn't shy away from how cruel and selfish human nature can be, and neither is it afraid to show just how brutally indiscriminate death can be.

But even as chaos takes over the world, hope finds a way to illuminate persevering hearts, proving the show's efficiency in striking a balance between horror and calm. Imagine the power of friendship, but not as an insufferable plot armour, rather as a force that makes trauma easier to stomach.

And that is essentially what Attack on Titan is: your reminder that the world can be riddled with unfettered brutality, but it is humanity's desire to survive that makes life beautiful against all odds. So if you're thinking of indulging such an experience, or even reliving it, you don't have to wait for months or even years anymore. Attack on Titan is out and ready for you to enjoy at your behest.