I have read about a lot of variations regarding the after life, or even about the judgment day. Like how the Egyptians have the weighing of the heart on the scales of Ma’at or the judgement day of the Greeks; so many concepts! But when anyone asks me about which concept interests me the most, I’d say the one from Death Parade. Although fictional and an anime, the way Death Parade potrays judgement of life after death is simply astounding. The method in which this anime explains the two sides to humans and their emotions is fascinating.

So let me show you why it is one of best psychological anime out there. And exactly why you should watch it.

A journey, a parade. A Death Parade.

Death Parade : Bartenders And Judgements

Genre : Drama, Psychological, Thriller.

Episode Count : 12.

Runtime : 25 minutes.

Sub/Dub : Madhouse and Funimation.

Overview

Whenever someone dies, they end up at mysterious bars, which are run by arbiters disguise as bartenders. These people must play ‘Death Games‘ at the cost of their soul. The purpose of this games serve to lead them to their situation and decide their fates. These arbiters decide whether they should send the soul for reincarnation or the void.

The series follows Decim, a bartender at Queendecim bar whose role is judging the soul changes of the dead couples which visit his bar. Until one day, a curious black haired woman visits his bar.

Review

The Death Parade theme song is fairly light-hearted than the series concept, yet, it is enjoyable.

Pros

What I really like about this show is that it explores the changing human emotions. Every judge men explores a unique story, and you get to view each person’s perspective. In some judgments, the result is clear, however, some require a lot of consideration and analysis. The series creates a curiosity in your mind; it creates suspense regarding each and every story. When I first watched it, I finished the entire anime in two days ( please do not question me 👀 ), but it was definitely worth the sleep deprivation!

Another thing I liked about the anime is the portrayal of ‘life after death’ in the form of a bar, complete with games which the creators dubbed as ‘Death Games’. Each game follows the usual games like billiards, darts, etc. but with a small twist. The players must play putting their life on the line, and yes, they aren’t able to decline. The very first episode consists of these games, and this is the very point from where you will start picking up interest for this anime.

Although the series seems to mainly focus on Decim and his everyday players, the story also slowly discovers the existence of the black haired girl, her reason to die and also her influence on Decim and his method of judgement. Death Parade allows you to understand each character’s reasoning and cause, and by the end of the anime, I’m sure either you will end up in tears or with a single ‘woah’ escaping your mouth.

Cons

One aspect of Death Parade which did not amuse me as much, is that some of the characters, although supporting, did not get as much of a screentime. I’d have loved to see more of them, especially Nona; perhaps some plot pertaining to her or any other character. Sometimes, you feel that the story is overly slow paced, however I suggest hanging in there. I did feel like dropping it at some point, but im glad I didn’t. But, maybe that is just my opinion and some of you might enjoy the anime just the way it is.

Unfortunately, I wish this had a Manga, but sadly it has none. However, before checking out Death Parade, you could check out its prequel : Death Billiards. It was a movie made prior to Death Parade, which basically caused the creation of this amazing anime. Also, I have heard rumours that a second season is in the works, so fingers crossed!

Overall, I’d give this anime a 4/5

Questions

1. What are your opinions about Death Parade?

2. Have you watched it? If yes, did you enjoy it, and why? If not, will you consider watching it?

3. Lastly, do you wish to add anything else to this review? Comment below!

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