2012 – Dystopian Genre
I finally got my wife to watch this with me. This is one of my favorite Anime’s and was glad she enjoyed it too. Based on the novel by Yusuke Kishi and named after Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”, it is a haunting masterpiece that deserves a wider audience.
Set a millennium after 0.3% of humanity developed telekinetic powers, plunging the world into a devastating dark age, “Shin Sekai Yori” follows five children growing up in a seemingly utopian society. However, beneath the surface lies a dark secret: the adults harbor a deep-seated fear of the younger generation’s potential. Will these children become productive members of society, or will they unleash their powers in ways that could destroy everything?
Animation
As a 2012 release, “Shin Sekai Yori” shows its age in some areas. The animation can be stiff at times, with a few questionable character designs and some clunky CG in action sequences. Yet, the overall aesthetic is stunning. The fluidity of character movements is captivating, and the hand-drawn animation truly shines, particularly in the non-CG action scenes.
Music
Drawing its name from Dvořák’s “New World Symphony,” the anime weaves excerpts from this powerful composition throughout its soundtrack. The symphony, along with the main theme, elevates key moments to soaring emotional heights. The ending themes, “Wareta Ringo” (割れたリンゴ) by Saki Watanabe (Risa Taneda) and “Yuki ni Saku Hana” (雪に咲く花) by Maria Akizuki (Kana Hanazawa), further enhance the viewing experience. This is, without a doubt, one of the most exceptional OSTs I’ve ever encountered.
Story
The dystopian world of “Shin Sekai Yori” is both fascinating and disturbing. The society’s fear of “Ogres” or “Karmic Demons” – individuals who lose control of their telekinetic abilities – leads to extreme measures to control and suppress the population. The anime explores the ethical complexities of these actions, raising questions about the true cost of maintaining order.
The pacing can be uneven, but each episode ends on a cliffhanger, propelling the narrative forward. The characters, especially the strong and resourceful protagonist Saki, undergo compelling development, making their journeys all the more engaging.
One of the most intriguing aspects of “Shin Sekai Yori” is the presence of “Monster Rats” – mole-like creatures with a society of their own, created and controlled by humans. Their story parallels humanity’s own struggles for power and control, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
Conclusion
Despite a few visual flaws, “Shin Sekai Yori” is a captivating and thought-provoking anime. Its rich storytelling, powerful music, and exploration of complex themes like social control and the consequences of unchecked power make it a must-watch for fans of dystopian fiction. While an official English translation of the novel remains elusive, the anime stands as a testament to the enduring power of this story.
9/10