Is Re: Zero worth your time? – A Complete Review

Re: Zero − Starting Life in Another World (Ri:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu) is a Japanese light novel series written by Tappei Nagatsuki and illustrated by Shin’ichirō Ōtsuka.

An anime television series adaptation was announced by Kadokawa in July 2015.

The series is based on the main character Subaru Natsuki, a hikikomori who suddenly finds himself transported to another world on his way home from the convenience store.

1. Quick Review

The protagonist Subaru Natsuki is seen living his everyday life as a modern-day social recluse. His world is turned upside down when he walks out of a convenience store and is dropped into a fantasy world.

Nothing makes sense to the disoriented youngster; however, as soon as he arrives, he is attacked by some thugs. Subaru is defenseless with only a bag of groceries and a now useless cell phone, he is quickly beaten to a pulp.

Then, a mysterious beauty named Emelia, chasing someone who stole her insignia finds Subaru and saves him. As a gesture of gratitude, Subaru offers to help in her search, and later that night, he even finds the location of what Emelia was looking for.

Unknown to the two characters is the fact that a much darker force is following the pair from the shadows. Just minutes after locating the insignia, Subaru and Emelia are brutally murdered.

However, Subaru immediately reawakens to a familiar scene—confronted by the same group of thugs, meeting Satella all over again—the story deepens as history mysteriously repeats itself.

Re: Zero is a very intriguing anime and is very unique in many aspects such as the storyline. The show contains fantastic characters, animation, and even the voice-acting is praise-worthy. Each episode ends with a banger, keeping you hooked and leaving you in anticipation for the next one.

2. Info Card

3. Is It Worth Watching?

Re: Zero is well worth the watch. The story is one of the best things about this anime and the main character’s development is evident as the show progresses.

Re:Zero (Official Trailer)

The complex relationships between the characters are yet another factor that really keeps you hooked to the anime.

The show manages to be funny, romantic, gory and is filled with plot twists, but it balances everything pretty well.

I. Plot

Subaru Natsuki is an ordinary high school student who is lost in an alternate world, where he is rescued by a beautiful, silver-haired girl named Emelia. As a token of thanks, he tries to return the favor by helping her with a task, but the fate she has in store for her is more than Subaru could have ever imagined.

Enemies attack them one after the other and both of them are killed. Subaru then finds out he has the power to rewind death, back to the time he first came to this world. The twist is that only he remembers what happened and the fact that he is re-living events.

Re:Zero is an anime that packs together sorrow, happiness, horror, joy, suffering, and satisfaction into a rocket ship of entertainment. The main character, ripped from his world and having to now start from zero, faces a great deal of adversity throughout the story.

II. Characters

Subaru is the main character of the series. He doesn’t have good social skills and is very awkward. However, we see that his willingness to learn and his determination since episode 1 is what makes him strong.

While Subaru tends to not read the situations he encounters, ultimately leading him to make irrational decisions. He is loyal to those he holds dear, willing to help them, even if that means taking the thorny path.

When Subaru gets sucked into an alternate world, he is rescued by Emilia. She is a silver-haired Half-Elf and a candidate to become the 42nd King of Lugnica. Emilia is good-natured and likes to take care of others, though she herself refuses to admit it.

She is indifferent to her own appearance, leaving Puck to take care of her clothes and hair. Emilia’s appearance is similar to the Witch of Envy, one of the antagonists of the show. As a result of this similarity, she has received a lot of harsh discrimination from others.

Puck is an Artificial Spirit that Emilia was formerly contracted with. He is the current Great Spirit of Fire. He is described as a very happy spirit and stays at Emilia’s side to protect her.

The Witch Cult is the antagonist in the show is an organization that worships the Witch of Envy Satella. It has existed for over 400 years since the times when the witches were active. It is shroud in secrecy and mystery thus little is know of the organizational structure and other details.

They are evil enough that knights are ordered to eliminate them immediately should they appear. Their purpose is rumored to be the resurrection of the Witch of Envy.

III. Setting

The settings and locations are incredible. The city, mansion, forest, and open fields display a great variety of colors. The design and visuals great, especially when there are drawn background characters mixed in with CG background characters.

IV. Theme Songs

The first opening theme is “Redo” by Konomi Suzuki. It’s a really nice song that actually makes you want to watch the opening titles every time it’s on. The first ending theme is “Styx Helix” by Myth & Roid. The song brings out a unique mix of desperation, hope, nostalgia, and melancholia.

The second opening theme song, titled “Paradisus-Paradoxum” has a gothic vibe to it and was performed by Myth & Roid.

The second ending theme, “Stay Alive”, was performed by Rie Takahashi. The second ending is fantastic. It’s kind of a slow and sad sounding song that during intense moments it really brings out emotions even more.

The second season’s first opening theme song was “Realize” by Konomi Suzuki. The lyrics of the song projects onto its listeners an anthem of never giving up, come what may.

The second season’s first ending theme song was “Memento” by Nonoc. The song has a sort of whimsical yet perfect melody with the use of the piano throughout the song.

V. Action Sequences

There is quite a bit of action as in Re: Zero. It can get rather violent, with enough blood on the screen to make those who feel easily squeamish shift uncomfortably in their chairs.

The show goes as far as showcasing the corpses of dead children! If violence on animals is something you cannot stand – even if they are evil and demonic-looking – this show is not your cup of tea.

The action sequences are also really well-animated and detailed, allowing you to see all the details of the ugliness of battle.

4. Grade

5. Final Thoughts

Re: Zero is an emotional rollercoaster with its unpredictable plot. The show is rich with smooth character development. With gorgeous animation and skilfully created artwork, this show is what you could call an isekai masterpiece.