Navigating the vast world of isekai anime can be a daunting task, especially after experiencing a few series that fall into predictable patterns. When Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World – first aired, I approached it with considerable skepticism. Having been burned by the isekai genre before, the initial episodes triggered familiar alarm bells. While the writing showed promise, the introduction of the typical mansion setting with anime girl maids almost made me drop the series immediately. However, Re:Zero’s enduring popularity and whispers of its darker, more complex narrative piqued my interest again, especially with a sequel on the horizon. Plus, my wife was eager to watch it. So, a few months ago, I decided to give it another chance and dove back into Re:Zero. If you’re wondering where to watch Re:Zero, and whether it’s worth your time, read on for a retrospective look at this compelling anime.
Re:Zero Maid Characters
My initial hesitation stemmed from a weariness of anime that seemed overly aware of isekai tropes, almost to the point of self-congratulatory winking at the audience. The appearance of the maids solidified this concern. It felt like the show was about to indulge in wish-fulfillment isekai clichés – the kind where a protagonist performs a minor heroic deed and is instantly rewarded with the affections of attractive anime maids. This was a similar issue I encountered with That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, another anime with strong writing that ultimately leaned too heavily into unironic genre tropes despite acknowledging them. Re:Zero, however, largely avoids this pitfall by displaying a surprising, almost brutal, contempt for its main character, Subaru Natsuki.
Re:Zero Character Suffering
Perhaps “contempt” is too harsh a word. The series does care about Subaru, but it refuses to cater to his desires or expectations unless he undergoes genuine growth and confronts his flaws. Things rarely go according to his plans. The woman he idealizes doesn’t readily reciprocate his feelings. The power he gains, Return by Death, is more of a curse than a blessing, pushing him to the brink of despair. This unexpected darkness was something I completely missed in initial discussions around the anime. Re:Zero is genuinely dark and disturbing. The episodes spanning from 14 to 17 are a relentless depiction of Subaru’s repeated failures, descent into madness, and gruesome deaths through torture and violence. The level of horror rivals that of Higurashi or Berserk, genuinely shocking me in a way few anime have managed to do.
This brings me back to the idea of “contempt” for the main character. Again, it’s not cruelty for its own sake. Subaru is a well-developed character with genuine care for those around him, striving to do good. The crucial difference is that Re:Zero refuses to grant him the typical isekai protagonist’s wish fulfillment. This subversion is arguably what sets it apart and contributes to its lasting appeal. Of course, the anime is also genuinely well-written, boasting sharp dialogue and complex characters, even if occasionally character actions feel slightly forced to serve the plot. And despite its deliberate avoidance of many isekai tropes, Re:Zero still includes elements of the genre, like cute anime maids developing feelings for Subaru. It can’t entirely escape its wish-fulfillment roots, I suppose. Ultimately, I’m glad I revisited Re:Zero. I enjoyed it immensely and am now looking forward to watching the new season.
One particular highlight of Re:Zero deserves special mention: the epic battle against the White Whale. Tonally and narratively, this arc feels somewhat detached from the rest of the series. It’s essentially a grand fantasy action sequence, and it is incredibly well-executed. The White Whale fight is some of the most epic, dramatic, and breathtaking anime action I’ve ever witnessed. It evokes the scale of battles from Lord of the Rings, and I was completely captivated. While it might not directly contribute to the core themes or strengths of Re:Zero, it’s an undeniably fun and memorable spectacle. I would love to see more anime incorporate such large-scale fantasy battles.
So, where can you watch Re:Zero? For viewers in English-speaking regions, Re:Zero is readily available on several popular streaming platforms. You can find both seasons of Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World – and the Director’s Cut on Crunchyroll. Funimation also offers Re:Zero for streaming and purchase. Depending on your region, you might also find it on services like Netflix or Hulu. It’s worth checking your local streaming providers to see where to watch Re:Zero in your area and start experiencing this unique isekai anime for yourself. If you’re looking for an isekai that goes beyond typical tropes and delves into darker themes with compelling characters, Re:Zero is definitely worth watching.
