Attack on Titan

Let me start out by explaining my thought process when I say 9 year olds should be able to watch this… If you look past the heavy violence, Attack on Titan truly is one of the cleanest animes I’ve watched. Alongside the good messages that are embedded within the show, all of the relationships/ crushes are pure. There are absolutely no sexual themes. The “heavy violence” I mentioned would include the titans eating humans. The humans using swords to slash these titans. A large amount of bloodshed… and so on. Honestly… what kid doesn’t find someone using swords to fight off big creatures exciting? If the kid is uncomfortable with blood, death, or fighting… that’s the only time I’d recommend waiting to let them watch this. I honestly doubt a younger kid would be interested at this point but… we do get into darker themes such as oppression once the show reveals the true meaning behind the titans. I almost want to say it gets really political. There are clear sides to every character that we learn about. As season 4 rolls by… that’s when I’d bump up the age rating just a bit. SEASON 4 PART 2 SPOILER… Along with being forced to bear children, Ymir is shown being eaten by her three children in the backstory we are given.

AOT is one of those shows that just gets better with every season. It is one of those shows that you binge in 4 days. It is one of those shows that makes you ask questions, divulge into theories about morals and ethics and makes you reevaluate yourself. It is simply incredible. I am an 18 year old girl and before AOT I watched main stream shows (GOT, Euphoria, Mandalorian, Outer Banks, etc). I enjoy all aspects of TV and wanted to diversify my experience. I was never interested in starting anime but was told to watch AOT by a friend. Best decision I have ever made. The show is incredible. I have not met one person who has watched the whole thing (up to S3) and not held it in high regard. In general I believe most high school age teens can handle the content of the show. The show is violent (there is little plot armor for characters; people die, get eaten, beaten, tortured, shot, crushed etc..) but it is animated, so the violence is by no means more graphic than something like Game of Thrones. Some characters drink wine and smoke but this is not reoccurring. There is quite a bit of cursing, but I cannot recollect characters saying anything worse than sh*t. There is little to no sexual content. Teens have their typical crushes but it is not central to the plot (well as of now). However, there is an instance of human trafficking and an uncomfortable sexual assault moment which can be off putting for less mature audiences. While younger teens can probably handle the show I believe more mature individuals can really appreciate the themes the show portrays. The show tackles issues about morality and racism while raising questions about freedom and perspective. The music and animation is absolutely gorgeous. I am a music nerd and love a good sound track and trust me, this soundtrack is genius. The characters are what make the show; they are flawed which makes them that more realistic and relatable. They are all not over powered, or incredibly smart or have a perfect moral compass. They are normal humans. They grieve, argue, cry, break down and persevere. They are put in difficult situations which prompts various responses. As a result there is no main “bad guy,” just characters struggling to survive and live in their environment. This may make some characters appear as bad role models, which I understand. That is why I recommend more mature audiences; they can appreciate the humanity of these characters without getting influenced by their moral complications. Over time the show becomes less about killing Titans and blooms into something special. It becomes some politically complex historical allegory. It occurs in a natural manner, so the turn of the story makes sense narratively (unlike GOT ending lol). Honestly, it is one of the best pieces of fiction I have ever had the privilege to witness (and will witness based on the manga). Do not let the fact that it is an anime deter you. I know plenty of older parents who love the show. There is an incredible English dub and no typical fan cast which makes it a great first anime. If you enjoy moral dilemmas, epic action, emotionally intense drama, mysteries, war, political corruption and sci-fi, this show is for you.