Berserk 10/10

When discussing dark fantasy in the world of anime and manga, one title consistently stands as the ultimate gold standard. The 1997 adaptation of Kentaro Miuras legendary manga, Berserk remains a towering achievement in psychological storytelling and gritty world building. 

The story follows Guts, a fierce and cynical mercenary known as the Black Swordsman, who travels from one bloody battlefield to another. His life changes forever when he crosses paths with Griffith, the charismatic and ambitious leader of the Band of the Hawk mercenary group. What begins as a gritty medieval military drama quickly evolves into a tragic, philosophical exploration of ambition, fate, friendship, and betrayal during the iconic Golden Age arc.

One of the greatest strengths of the 1997 series is its exceptional pacing. Instead of rushing through plot points to get to the next action sequence, the narrative takes its time to build the relationships between the characters. You witness the genuine camaraderie growing among the soldiers, making the ultimate tragic turns of the story feel incredibly earned and emotionally devastating. The contrast between the grounded tactical battles of the early episodes and the terrifying supernatural horrors of the climax creates an unforgettable narrative arc. Especially the complicated relationship between Guts, Griffith, and Casca is at the forefront.

Beyond the brilliant writing, the artwork utilizes detailed, hand-drawn still frames that perfectly mimic the dark, heavily hatched aesthetic of Miuras original manga pages. This technique, combined with a muted color palette, gives the entire world a bleak, weathered feel that matches its harsh themes. But of course you wonder how much better the series would have looked if they had a higher budget. There is a new adaption of the GA arc, but I didn't like the CGI use in that one - but if you prefer a modern style over the 1990s art style, you could give that one a chance.

At its core, Berserk is a psychological study. It forces the audience to contemplate heavy themes, such as whether humanity is governed by a divine destiny or if individuals possess the free will to forge their own paths. The complex dynamic between Guts, who fights simply to survive, and Griffith, who is willing to sacrifice everything to achieve his dream of owning a kingdom, provides a fascinating look into human nature and the corrupting nature of absolute ambition. You can't help but root for both at some point, but then towards the end, things get dark quickly and Griffith/Femto turns into the villain. 

Decades later Berserk remains an essential watch for any fan of mature storytelling. It delivers a raw, uncompromising narrative that mainstream media rarely attempts. Whether you are looking for a complex psychological thriller, a gripping medieval epic, or a masterclass in atmospheric direction, this vintage classic belongs at the top of your watchlist. The manga unfortunately was never finished, since Miuras death.