User reviews

Rest in peace Kentaro Miura.today we lost a great mangaka who created the words greatest manga in human history.

Guts: He died doing what he wanted , no matter what, right? I Bet He Was Happy.

Berserk is by far the best anime that I have ever seen. Nothing even comes close to capturing the interest of the viewer and holding it tightly throughout the ten hour duration of this masterpiece. Firstly, I must admit that it has its flaws, such as a few points of lazy animation, as in some of the battle scenes, as well as the somewhat disappointing ending, which leaves the viewer thirsting for more without the promise of any follow-up. Yet the fact of the matter is, and I speak for myself, that the positive aspects of Berserk outweigh the bad so drastically one cant help but overlook them in terms of the entire film. The frequent sub-par visuals mean nothing in comparison to the amazing plot depth and beautiful character development marbled throughout the film.

In summary, Berserk is a ten hour mini-series that consists of 25 20+ minute episodes detailing the life of a rogue swordsman named Guts. Guts, in short, is simply the most intriguing fictional character ever constructed. Guts, first of all, is one of the finest examples of an individual driven entirely by self preservation and improvement. Throughout the series Guts grows stronger and more deadly before our eyes, with each thrust of his massive sword. The personal relationships that he develops over time, especially with Griffith and Caska, are totally believable and honest. In particular, the love/hate relationship that Guts has with Caska sucks the viewer into their world and with each episode end leaves you literally thirsting for more. I can honestly say that I had never so anxiously awaited a release as I did with each progressing volume.

The score, other than being entirely redundant, creates an additional emotional appeal that quite literally leaves a mark in your mind. The opening theme song, although an acquired taste, becomes somewhat of a necessity to mark the beginning of each additional episode that will bring you deeper into the world of Guts and the Band of the Hawk. In no time at all you find yourself singing along with it as if it were a top forty tune. The climactic theme played every 3 episodes or so, is absolutely haunting, leading one to wonder how it came to be included in an anime.

Berserk is a definite must-see for all fans of anime. For those who dislike anime or are indifferent to it, the mediocre visuals may tarnish your opinion of it, yet the rock solid plot and character depth with leave you amazed.

Rating: Animation Quality: 7/10 Character Development: 10/10 Plot Line: 10/10 Overall Enjoyment: 12/10 (If that's at all possible)

I wan't to start by saying that i cannot recommend Berserk enough. It was the single greatest anime experience of my life. I watched the entire series on my computer over a three day period during which I had school and extracurricular activities to attend. Although I did not have any extra time to spare during the days I stayed up all three nights watching episode after episode unable to break away from the most engrossing anime series created.

I am not going to spoil anything but will tell you that the series features some of the most interesting characters i have ever experienced. Although the animation is rarely top notch and the voice acting isn't always perfect i still found myself captivated by each and every second of the series. If you value plot and don't mind flagrant amounts of violence and some nudity this is definitely and anime series for you. If you have ever liked anime or enjoy more medieval types of live action films even you should give Berserk a try.

P.S. after watching the series you should definitely check out the forums or the manga, it will make you feel a lot better i promise.

Overall 10/10 for an incredible experience, despite some technical flaws. Watch Berserk as soon as you can, you will not regret it!

I am not by any means a huge anime fan, and have only finished a few series before this one (Bebop, Eva, Trigun, Hellsing). However, Berserk changed my entire attitude towards animation. Brilliantly written, insanely intriguing character development, and while some say the ending is too abrupt, I believe that it was one of the most powerful and poignant finishes to a series i've seen. Very few series actually leave the viewer wishing they could find a way to see the next season, and Berserk does so brilliantly. However, this is not for the faint of heart, I would definitely not advise this for children under 13, since it contains graphic everything. Can't find any faults except there is no season after this one, and would suggest it to anyone trying to discover new anime.

This is a good anime if you want to get introduced to the Berserk franchise and I know for sure it was my introduction because while I prefer the manga, I still love the anime quite a bit.

Both subbed and dubbed versions are pretty good though I am neutral on the subbed/dubbed debate personally. But the English dub did pick good voice actors and what captured me on the dubbed version was Marc Diraison voice performance as Guts.

This is a great anime of the one of the longest and still good manga out there written and drawn by the great Kentaro Miura! The anime did his manga a decent amount of justice at least.

Almost everything that could be said, already has been. I just wanted to say thank you Kentaro Muira for all that you brought to this world. Never before has a piece of fiction ever made me feel so many emotion at one time before. Thank you also for taking your time with the series and not rushing to finish. Even though it's possible Berserk might never have a true ending, you still managed to create one of the most amazing stories to ever exist.

Game of Thrones could have learned some integrity and consistency from Berserk, rather than imploding.

Berserk is a 10/10. Watch it. NOW!

I've seen reviews saying that the animation for Berserk isn't very good. I disagree; at times its high-detail is quite remarkable, and the action is very well done. I do admit that in spite of some of the otherwise amazing shots here and there, it does falter in some areas. However, the story and sheer sense of tragedy in the show is rarely seen in animation, Japanese or not.

Berserk is memorable, over the top at times, but always watchable. Its pacing is universally appealing and there's a good sense of tension and unpredictability. this is an anime that can be appreciated as a television show, not just an animation show.

Please give this 90s gem a watch.

I was addicted to this series. It was literally so captivating. Loved watching every episode. The ending is really something that will get you thinking. I'll never forget this show.

A couple hours went by since i finished this Anime, and I am still in shock. Berserk is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the most gripping and powerful pieces of entertainment you will ever watch. The animation, even though it is very old, holds up beautifully and fits the overall theme perfectly. I really like the main-ish song that has become somewhat of a meme and i heard it long before I even thought about watching the Anime. Guts is a wonderful protagonist who doesnt have a super complex backstory, nor does he display some unimaginable intellect. Instead, he is a lost soul searching for the meaning of his life, his only companion being an extremely oversized sword. However, there is something magic about him, something so likeable and the sheer amount of raw emotions that are bottled up in this character, and his thoughts, are undescribable. He is the embodiment of a powerful but emotional man struggling with destiny.

I CANNOT recommend this enough. Please do yourself a favor and watch Berserk. Read the manga afterwards if you liked it, because there is more to the universe than this. I will probably do the same, but i will need to watch some puppy videos for a couple days first.

1) The pilot episode. It ain't shitting around with a slow build up. It begins at a point in the future where the lead character is already somehow betrayed and mutilated by his best friend, and he is on a quest to kill the sucker. The very first episode tells you with a scene from the future how the world became a dark and morbid place, where the people live in fear and demons have crawled in powerful positions of authority, toying sadistically with innocents. It is an extremely powerful plot device to hook you for what is about to follow… or not. The second episode is actually the story told from the start, as we gradually see how the protagonist grows up in the battlefield, gets more powerful, wields bigger swords (I mean, REALLY bigger swords), how he makes allies, friends, lovers, and enemies. You already know how all that will have a bad outcome because of the pilot episode so you are easily interested to see how all that happened.

2) Gore, splatter, nude and sex. This almost goes without needing an explanation. Sex and violence always sell and this anime has buckets of it. Sounds like brain-dead superficial entertainment but unlike most shows Berserk is only using them as attraction and not as definition. Because to be honest, most heavy on action and/or nude series are usually nothing without these elements while Berserk works fine even without them. Plus, it uses a form of violence that is quite appealing to me; hand-to-hand and sword-to-sword battles between frenzied armored warriors. Using magic or lasers to do the same just doesn't look raw enough.

3) Interesting characters. The main three characters are interesting, even if there wasn't a ton of violence and gore in the show. You gradually see them revealing all their inner thoughts to you, their pasts, their goals, their desires and hopes. You see them getting beaten, learning from their mistakes, maturing, being broken by betrayal and coming out more crazy than what they already were. Plus, the aforementioned violence is used to bring out their weak side and hidden thoughts.

4) Political power struggles. The show is not centered on a team of warriors, strolling a generic kingdom and doing stand-alone missions. The world they live in has affected them and is affected back by them, all part of Griffith's goal to leave his mark on the world by getting his own kingdom. Along the way many aristocrats get annoyed by his continual successes and fearing their own agendas to be stolen by him continually try to assassinate him. And he reacts by plotting his own assassinations. All of which happen in secrecy, while the kingdom is at war with its neighbors. So it is not a story about a few brave warriors protecting their good homeland by invading monsters; it is a simple war of political agendas between local kings for whom gets to have all the lands for himself. And not only that; it is also about the internal double crossing the aristocrats do to one another every time one wants to steal the glory from the other.

5) Atheistic take on humanity. Although religion is a topic hardly mentioned directly in anime, over here it is openly trampled as nothing more than a false ideal to hide one's dark desires. It is extremely interesting how the show uses ideals and hopes as means for clergy and ambitious leaders to control their underlings. This was never done before so openly. It even goes as far as claiming how all the demons in the show are in reality people willing to sacrifice everything in order to fulfill their desires, even if it means losing their humanity and killing everyone they love. I really liked how monsters are not treated as generic incarnations of evil or plain misguided mortals; they are shown to be the pure form of ambition liberated by the constraints of morality, emotions and ideals.

6) Psychological symbolisms and imagery. Many parts of the show, usually those involving demons, are full of WTF sceneries, all of which have to do with basic carnal desires and fears. Unlike most shows with demonic dimensions, which are nothing but generic depictions of torture of the damned, here all the monsters and their Eclipse world are directly attributed to their personalities having been given in completely to their desires. The characters are not scared of getting crazy because of them. Heck, they are mostly terrified of becoming like that as well. Not because it is bad or wrong, but because it feels inappropriate for any human being to end up like that. Which is again very interesting as a concept.

Cliffhanger ending. This is a part most hate about the show, as it ends in the most exciting and agonizing way possible. But in reality, that is also a plus of the show as it is almost demanding from you to read the manga just to see what happens next.

The animators had lots of sloppy moments inserted in the show and most of them have to do with lack of animation and repeated footage and not with bad drawings. The drawings are in fact great. The music score is amongst the most blood boiling pieces of grudge rock and orchestrated epic music even made and easily tops even the animation part of the show. The characters have really appropriate voice actors with no stupid pitches in voice. Even the sound effects were successful, as simple as they may have been.

Bottom line, Berserk is fine dark fantasy material, with great action and story and characters. The manga version is of course continuing the story far more than where the anime stops and features far more gore and sex scenes.

OK, time to kill some of the hype here. I'm not doing this solely for the purpose of sabotaging the high ranking, but i think people should have a look at the other side of the coin before potentially going out and buying this series and end up disappointed. I will never understand what it is that makes people so satisfied about berserk, since it gives you next to nothing to work with, but i can live with that. I'm sure there must be others like me out there who would like to be warned before plunging into hours of nonsense.

I gave up on it almost from the start, but kept it going by saying to myself that next episode, it was surely gonna take off! No chance. There are occasional bursts of action here and there, but i think the main reason that they are good is because the rest of the series is for about 90% inactivity - imagine one long tea party of pocket philosophies, completely irrational and sometimes bizarrely rejective behavior(even by Japanese standards), not even hints or traces of some underlying mythologies throughout the story, and just no reason to like the characters at all. The animation isn't something to write home about either, except in very few places. Most episodes are boring all the way through, the characters just drag on and on, talking nonsense with no purpose in life. I cant believe i kept on buying into the argument that "The series really gets better and better the further you get into it". Its just not true.

There also exists a lot of hype about the turn of events berserk takes towards the end (dont worry i wont reveal anything). That was indeed also what kept my curiosity going from the start and eventually got me all the way through. Actually, there isn't really anything you could spoil about the whole series besides telling in details about this, thats the amount of story that we're dealing with here. So if you, like me, have been told great tales about it, i suggest that you kill that thought right away. Its NOT worth watching 20+ episodes for.

And oh yeah...it has taken me about a ½ year to watch this to the end! I just crammed the last 5 eps, and I'm so glad its finally out of my life. What a complete waste of time, its been much more fun to write this review even

I've given this a 2 out of 10 because it has its few good moments - mostly its due to nice battle scenes, even though they are scarce. Besides that, its a real pain. Go watch your granny knitting stockings instead, there's a good chance you might get more exited

The animation for this series is not so good. Others have said it, as well as the fact that it doesn't really matter. In the end it's the story that gets you hooked, with pretty well defined characters and interesting plot twists.

I especially liked how you can definitely find a character to identify with, even if it is not the main character. You start understanding why some things happened a few episodes before and why some of the things will happened next. Unfortunately the story ends with a HUGE twist, without any hope of continuation, which leaves you wanting.

I have watched a few anime series start to end these days, including Hellsing, Tsukihime, Elfen Lied, but I liked Berserk a lot more than any of them. Unfortunately I don't have the patience to read the comics, so I guess this is where the story ends for me. I wish they would do more episodes.

Again, I noticed this series described as horror. There is no horror within, except maybe the last episode, but it is moving something inside for sure. Watch it.

"Berserk (1997): A Timeless Masterpiece Defining Anime Excellence"

In the vast landscape of anime, where diverse genres and styles flourish, few titles manage to achieve the revered status of being considered the best of all time. Among these, Berserk (1997) stands as a crowning jewel, an enduring masterpiece that has etched its place in the hearts of fans and critics alike. This animated series, adapted from Kentaro Miura's manga of the same name, possesses a rare alchemy of storytelling prowess, character depth, and atmospheric brilliance that collectively elevate it to a league of its own.

At the core of Berserk's allure is its narrative tapestry, intricately woven with threads of darkness, betrayal, and redemption. The story follows Guts, a lone mercenary with a tragic past, as he navigates a medieval-inspired world plagued by demonic entities known as Apostles. What sets Berserk apart is its unflinching commitment to exploring the human condition in all its complexities. Themes of friendship, love, and the struggle for purpose are seamlessly intertwined with a narrative that doesn't shy away from the brutality of reality.

Guts himself is a tour de force of character development. From the brooding and seemingly invincible swordsman introduced in the Black Swordsman arc to the vulnerable and haunted individual revealed in the Golden Age arc, Guts undergoes a transformation that is both profound and gut-wrenching. This evolution isn't just a testament to the skillful adaptation but also a triumph of character writing that transcends the boundaries of the medium. The audience is compelled to invest emotionally in Guts' journey, forging a rare connection that lingers long after the final episode concludes.

Animation, often a critical aspect of any anime's success, is executed with a meticulous touch in Berserk. While the visual style may not conform to contemporary standards, the series' dark and gritty aesthetic perfectly complements the narrative's tone. The fluidity of action sequences and the deliberate pacing of key moments contribute to an immersive experience that captivates the viewer. Each frame feels purposeful, enhancing the overall storytelling rather than merely serving as visual embellishments.

A hauntingly beautiful score further elevates the atmosphere of Berserk. Composed by Susumu Hirasawa, the soundtrack weaves a sonic tapestry that mirrors the series' emotional depth. From melancholic melodies underscoring moments of introspection to adrenaline-pumping beats heightening the intensity of battle scenes, the music becomes an integral part of the viewing experience. Hirasawa's work in Berserk is nothing short of a symphony that echoes the very soul of the narrative.

Berserk's influence extends beyond its immediate impact, shaping the trajectory of anime storytelling. It defies traditional genre categorizations, seamlessly blending elements of dark fantasy, horror, and psychological drama. The series' willingness to explore the darker aspects of humanity without compromise has set a benchmark for narrative courage in the anime landscape. Many subsequent anime owe a debt to Berserk's willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventions.

What further cements Berserk's status as the best anime of all time is its ability to resonate with a global audience. Despite originating from a manga that began serialization in the early '90s, the themes explored remain universally relevant. The struggles of the human psyche, the pursuit of identity, and the inexorable march of destiny are themes that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, resonating with viewers across generations.

In conclusion, Berserk (1997) isn't just an anime; it's a paragon of storytelling excellence. Its narrative depth, character development, and atmospheric brilliance set a standard that few anime have managed to surpass. Guts' journey, brought to life through meticulous animation and a haunting soundtrack, stands as a testament to the enduring power of the medium. In the grand tapestry of anime history, Berserk occupies a singular position, eternally engraved as the best anime of all time.

I hope some godlike studio remembers berserk and make a remaster for it

Before watching this show, I was expecting an awesome medieval dark fantasy story filled with sick battles and horses. And for the most part it is, until episode 23. Because after that, this gets very dark and twisted, very quickly. Adapting the Golden Age arc from arguably (not) the greatest manga of all time, written by Kentaro Miura. This is a massive world filled to the brim with likeable characters and epic scenes. Guts is my favorite character from any animanga. This is one of the greatest stories us humans have created as a species. This is the single greatest revenge story of all time. Right now, I'm talking about mostly the manga, but it goes for the anime as well.

I love the atmosphere in this show. Every scene feels like I'm right there. I can almost smell the setting.

The music is amazing (the opening is one of my new favorites) and the visuals are great, despite its more limited animation.

I'm really pleasantly surprised by its slow pace. It really takes its time to develop the characters and spend time with them.

Those last three episodes are absolutely insane.

It's so good.

EDIT: RIP Kentaro Miura...

Dont watch the dubbed version. Get the original japanese with subtitles or you will ruin it.

This was hands down, one of the best animes ever made. And that is despite the fact that it had limited funding and the animation was not the best. The story telling is superb as you follow the lives of a group of mercenaries who rise to every challenge they are hired to do no matter how improbable. It centers on three main characters, a cold and calculating leader (Griffith), his loyal lieutenant (Casca) and the hot blooded warrior (Gutts) who wanted no part of joining them but was indentured to them via a reckless bet. You also get to know a bunch of minor characters who are important to the mercs.

You follow them around for 24 episodes (note that 1st episode is misleading) as the commander tries to build his own army and build his own kingdom. But this is not a happy hero show, its a bit more realistic. There is plenty of satisfying fighting but also awkwardness, tragedy, espionage and luck (both good and bad).

In many ways the story makes a great effort to make the show believable and you wont see any clean cut heroes in this one. Yet you still can understand them even when they do wrong. You will run into some demons and magic here and there but it is not the focus of the story which is why I say the 1st episode is very misleading since it makes you think that its a show about the supernatural.

This show is a lot like Game of Thrones and predates GoT by more than a decade. Like GoT it has supernatural elements but they are not really the focus. The focus is on the characters and their struggle and I argue the characters here are much better.

Dark and gritty, not something for children as it full with bloods and violences. Tons of action and creepy scenes. The hand-drawn animation style suits the best for the horrofic yet entertaining storyline. Great attention to details and love the inclusion of rough sketches quite often. The storyline is straight forward - going on adventure to hunt monsters and collecting artifacts/medallions, while seeking for revenge. Classic rpg esque execution of monsters hunting. A bit of LGBT representations and POC - Some bad some good. Not a fan of the flow as it heavily featured on the past/flashback, theres flashback in the flashback of a flashback which was really ridiculous for me after the strong episode 1 debut.

Great characters design and some were very disturbingly good. Great characters development and skill sets. Marvelous sound scores, giving a very haunted mansion vibe, setting up a very dark adult-horror tone.

Perfect voice castings but not a huge fan of the odd choices in the flow of the animation (as it was being skipped sometimes). Marvelous sound scores/tracks. The songs were totally okay - opening song was catchy and very punk pop rock but for me it doesnt suit the tone of the animation & the ending song was creepy & hauntingly good.

The commentary on the intro was perfect and very relatable to many. Again this is not for kids. Highly recommended.