Noein - The Final Chapter
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What could I possible say about this series that I haven’t already said? I have been gushing over this series for months now. This is about as perfect an anime series as these eyes have seen. Unfortunately, this is the final chapter. I say unfortunately, because for all I care this could continue forever. I wouldn’t see myself ever tiring from it. Nevertheless, this is the finale and it does have a definitive “closed” ending.

As you know from the previous episodes this concerns the fate of a group of teenagers who have discovered multiple plans of existence and universes. There is some sort of intergalactic, multi-dimensional war going on and these kids get sucked up in the turmoil. Noein, who is apparently one of these teenagers from the future, has found a way to converge all the universes and destroy millions of people in the process.

These last few episodes seem to focus on the characters Karasu, Haruka, and Yuu. They have found their way to the mythical land of Shangri-la. It is here that Noien is able to show these kids many possible futures based on their actions. These futures that get shown are all desolate and horrific. It seems that no matter what actions these kids take things will turn out badly. In all of the scenarios their friends suffer horrible fates. And during all these revelations could it be true that one of these kids is actually Noein? Could it be Haruka? I’ve long had my suspicions but now we find out for certain.

This series started off simply enough many moons ago. However through the course of this series more plots and subplots and direction changes occurred then I could have imagined. By the time we got to this point the story became so complex I don’t understand how they could wrap it out. But they did. And it is a truly satisfying ending.
Now most of the action takes place prior to the last episode. In the last episode itself it is mainly dialogue as the main characters figure out their futures. But is boring as that sounds, it really comes off well.

The story is deep and satisfying, but what about the other aspects you say? Well I’ve told you in previous Noein reviews how stunning and beautiful the artwork and cgi is. The voiceovers are flawless, and the animation never suffers so much as a glitch. The soundtrack is all over the place as far as genre, but it works because all music is set to serve specific situations. There is no blanket John Williamsesque score.

Now I’ve given previous Noein installments a 4 and 4 ½ respectively. But much like the final Lord of the Rings Oscar winner, this finale is what brings the series home. This answers all questions and meets all expectations. This is the payoff that makes sitting through the first four installments worth it. There is nothing controversial or lewd in the series. It is good entertainment that anyone from elementary aged school kids to adults will love. I highly recommend. I hereby award the finale five cans out of a possible five.

Added:  Monday, September 24, 2007

Language: eng[ Did you find this review helpful?  Yes  No ]
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