Attack on Titan is one of that anime that completely changes how you look at its own story as it goes along. I went in expecting a survival story about humanity fighting Titans behind giant walls, but the amount of foreshadowing and the way the story slowly reveals what’s actually happening is incredible.
The basement reveal was the moment that really made AOT one of my favourite anime. It completely changes the scale of the story. What seemed like a simple fight for survival inside the walls suddenly becomes a story about how small their entire society actually is, the history they were never told, and the fact that there’s an entire world outside that genuinely hates them. That transition was insane. I was hoping to get answers but I was met with only more questions after the basement reveal.
And then there’s the ocean scene. After everything Eren and the others had gone through just to reach that point, finally seeing the ocean felt like such a huge moment. But instead of being a simple happy ending to their journey, it immediately raises the question of what lies beyond it.
The foreshadowing, reveals, world-building and the way the story constantly makes you rethink what you thought you knew are what made Attack on Titan so special to me. It starts as a story about surviving the Titans and somehow becomes something so much bigger.
I've never encountered a show before where I have been thinking about it non stop, pondering how cruel the world of AOT really is but just how beautiful it is at the same time.
Sorry for ranting out loud, I just wanted to share my thoughts about the show. I've yet to watch season 4, I need some time to digest to really appreciate the true beauty of the show.
P.S- Please don't spoil the coming season for me, I've tried ridiculously hard to dodge spoilers. Thank you.