@TheThreadWeaver
I like to believe that the reason we spend so much time in the mage arc is because it’s so memorable to Frieren. It’s her first major interaction with a large party of people since she started learning to appreciate humans more. But most importantly it’s a milestone of pride and joy to her as Fern truly comes into her own and gains recognition as one of the continent’s preeminent mages. It’s a landmark, memorable event.
@Giganfan2k1
Fern: I think I can kill Frieren's Clone. Frieren: 😊
@isaackts
If you pause at the correct frame at 0:20, you will see Frieren's counterspell revealing a glimpse of Serie -- happening to be the creator of the barrier
@bluesbest1
I think my favorite part might be the False Colors used for some of Frieren's spells. It's an odd thing to point to, yes, but it only shows up when she goes beyond the invisible Power Cap she's held herself to for the past 70+ years. Normal, daily spells like levitation or those cantrips she keeps collecting have no visible "Magical Effect" and Zoltrak is white. Then she makes a spell whose very existence warps the world around her and she shatters the indestructible umbrella dome. It's a wonderful way to show us "This spell contains power beyond human comprehension."
@noctua16
I love how when you said "peak", it cut to the Frieren clone glaring at Fern.
@lexicon1742
The mage exam showed how Frieren could have lost to the 6 human mages with less mana than her in the past. In the rain, Frieren admits she'd lose to Kanne. Amidst the context, you can see how magic is an applied technology, a tool that performs the best when used at the task it was designed for.
@vovinia
I have to say, my favorite moment in the tournament arc is actually post monster. We get a five second shot of Methode in the aftermath of her fight against the Fern clone. There's so much information in that one scene and we didn't even get the fight. Frieren as an anime is truly built different.
@acoolnameemm
Frieren's clone is such an "oh SHIT" moment, because you take Frieren and put her in a situation where she is literally protecting something with her life - she's not gonna sit back and use regular offensive magic, is she? Denken's line of "If this wasnt a test, I would have shattered my bottle long ago!" is just (chefs kiss). The moment he saw the replikas, he was likely already very worried to encounter Frieren's replika.
@Mrducky78
I cant wait for the giga chad Denken video. The initial meeting really does have you dismissing him as blood thirsty imperial mage working for the big guvmint to crush the little man. But his depths and strength of character is astounding and he is easily one of the biggest fan favourites for sure. While the exam arc highlights Fern overall, in terms of relative change, Denken shines.
@jarekstorm6331
I loved the mage exam, and being surprised by the various character developments and reveals. Just seeing Frieren’s “Height of Magic” unleashed was absolutely incredible. Certainly more than basic attack magic! Each character is so interesting and you grow to like them all for their uniqueness. Ah well, it’s my favorite anime series so far.
@fredrichvilmschmitt6777
I came into Frieren because I was tired of standard battle shounen and isekai fantasy and I was taken aback with the tournament arc. But, unsurprisingly, when it was finally given to me, oh did I realize I've been waiting for this arc. I really loved the characters because their design doesn't really make you have strong first impressions so you get to know them little by little and I also love how they're all deep characters with interesting dynamics. It was also really cool to see Fern in the context of other mages. And the clone Frieren, oh that thing was hella epic, I keep going back to that episode when I just want a rush of dopamine, I've also been addicted to its theme Knife to the Throat by Evan Call.
@raajrane6127
I feel the main reason why I loved this anime so much in particular compared to the other animes I have watched is because how laid back it is. Its very calming and peaceful to watch, especially frieren herself gives a sense of security and her calmness makes it so much better. Even during fight scenes, although there's heavy spells being thrown at each other, the characters fighting are rather very calm and composed. I love how at peace I was watching the show and personally, the pacing of any arcs was never an issue cause I literally binged watched this in like 6 days 😭
@perseus_the_slayer
"Frieren is much more similar to Saitama..." Finally, someone said it. Thank you!!
@Tyuf_
I shouldn't have clicked so early, now I can't read the comments damnit! good video essay as always, I love these so much, it's like someone who's way better with their words just grabbed my thoughts on why I loved frieren and just started translating them back to me
@quantumintellect7261
In the context of the greater narrative I find having a mix of short stories and story arcs, helps breakup the narrative. Its far harder to continually create short stories on the journey without it becoming repetitive. The exam arc also introduces a bunch of characters all at once, while showing us who they are. This means we don't have continuous introductions of brand new characters in later parts of the story, and instead fuels interest in the new stories as we follow characters we already are interested in.
@Dimensional_Edan
I literally started rewatching Frieren because of this series. Love this series. Thank you for creating this.
@pandaa6770
i respect this channel so much. the effort you put in, how you dont waste the viewers time, the passion you put in, youre such a huge inspiration
@jonathanwessner3456
I still love how, during the bird hunt, the one mage is like "I need to be careful of the surroundings" and fern is like "Let me build a road RIGHT here."
@PixelSlayer247
I watched Frieren with my parents. It was their first ever anime and they loved it. I'm planning to start showing them some of your essays now that we're done with the series and there's no worry about spoilers.
@Alexander-kc8oq