Shingeki no Kyojin: An Absolute Cinema

A series I’ll always wish to watch for the first time again

Pict from Hellena on Pin

A few weeks ago, I found myself feeling bored. I realized that I really enjoy binge-watching all kinds of shows, including comfort movies that I believe are always worth rewatching.

I have always loved anime since Naruto. It is one of the best anime series, and I still enjoy watching it to this day, ever since I was a child.

However, at that time, I truly wanted something new. I decided to try an anime titled Shingeki no Kyojin, recommended by my younger brother — more commonly known as Attack on Titan.

I could write hundreds of paragraphs explaining why this anime series is so remarkable and unforgettable, and why I would describe it as “absolute cinema.” I have to admit that I feel like I may never find another masterpiece quite like Shingeki no Kyojin.

The storyline may seem complex and even confusing at times. Without paying close attention to the details, some viewers might struggle to fully understand it. However, my curiosity pushed me to pay attention to every detail. Episode by episode, I found myself deeply immersed, constantly wondering: “What is happening?” and “What should actually be done?” These questions kept circling in my mind.

The story follows three children — Eren, Mikasa, and Armin — who join the Scout Regiment on an isolated island called Paradis Island, initially to survive the attacks of Titans. The Titans, or giants, are one of the main driving forces of the plot, yet their secrets are not immediately revealed. Questions such as “Why are they isolated?”, “Why do Titans exist?”, and “How will this story end?” remain unanswered for a long time. Even after three seasons, I still did not have complete answers. Everything is finally revealed in the final season, Season 4.

The fandom of this series is incredibly vast. Even though I only watched it this year, I came across many videos on social media that show just how deeply fans love this series. Some of them even describe themselves as “fans who are allergic to happiness,” reflecting how emotionally devastating the ending is. Unfortunately, I have to say that this anime has a very unconventional ending. The main character, Eren, ultimately has to die — killed by someone closest to him, Mikasa — to save humanity. His sacrifice is meant to end the cycle of war and hatred, and to erase the power of the Titans from the world.

The sacrifices of other characters, such as Erwin Smith and Hange Zoe, also evoke strong emotions from fans. I personally cried uncontrollably while watching Hange’s final battle against the Titans, where she fought with honor until her death. Beyond that, the fandom has grown even larger due to the exceptional animation quality and strong character development. One of the most beloved characters is Levi Ackerman, who remains extremely popular—especially on platforms like TikTok, where he has millions of hashtags and admirers, particularly among female fans. Hajime Isayama designed Levi as a captain in the Survey Corps with unmatched strength, and his cold demeanor, combined with his firm voice, makes him incredibly captivating. This is just one example of why audiences around the world love this anime series so much.

Unlike Naruto, where I often found myself crying in almost every arc, my emotional experience with Shingeki no Kyojin was very different. In Naruto, I felt that my emotions were easily released. But while watching Shingeki no Kyojin, it felt as though my emotions were locked tightly in a box — slowly building up without release. Then, in the final season, with all the incredible events and plot twists unfolding, I ended up crying for two hours straight and felt emotionally overwhelmed for nearly a week. It was intense. The emotions this series conveys hit deeply and powerfully.

Written by Hajime Isayama, the series was originally intended to be even darker. There are many subtle details and hidden elements that make viewers search for “easter eggs” in each scene. The story is carefully constructed to keep audiences constantly questioning. Millions of viewers have watched it, and it is rare to find anyone who considers it a bad series. The voice acting is also exceptional—deeply moving and able to convey the essence of life and sacrifice that the story portrays.

This is one of those series I wish I could experience again for the first time, without any spoilers. The characters made me feel everything — sadness, anger, happiness, guilt, and most importantly, the struggle between choosing what is good and what is right. In this story, there is no simple choice, as each character presents a different perspective. In my view, the true “villains” are Ymir Fritz and Marley — yet even they are shaped by a cruel system, making their actions feel tragically inevitable. This is what makes the series so admirable.

I went through countless tissues while watching, mourning the deaths of so many characters. The losses often felt unfair, prompting me to reflect on loyalty and on the way the story is told so beautifully. The sharp animation, the color palette that heightens the atmosphere of struggle, and the powerful soundtrack all combine to make this series one of the most impressive works I have ever experienced.