[Anime Review] Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation - There are many moments where I get blindsided and end up crying

A pioneering work in the now-overflowing genre of isekai reincarnation.
It is a story that had a massive influence on the process of this type of narrative becoming established as a genre.

There are truly so many isekai reincarnation stories these days that they might all start to seem the same, but for now, I want to say... you should watch this one.

Since many current isekai reincarnation stories use this tale as a model, the beginning might seem like a fairly standard pattern.
But I want you to keep in mind that even if it isn't the original, it is close to being the original.

The protagonist is an unemployed man in his thirties who had been a shut-in for nearly 20 years due to bullying.
When he is finally kicked out of his house due to friction with his family, he dies trying to save a high school student about to be hit by a truck, and is reincarnated into another world as Rudeus Greyrat.

From the moment of his birth, Rudeus retains the memories and psyche of his previous life, meaning he is essentially starting his life over again while remaining a shut-in middle-aged man on the inside.

Having experienced reincarnation, Rudeus is in a state of having achieved a bit of enlightenment, and he resolves to live his life seriously this time, reflecting on the fact that he didn't live a proper life in his previous one.

This story follows the growth of Rudeus, who is forced to travel away from his family, but it also touches on various themes that exist in our own society, such as different ways families can be (including many dysfunctional families), complexes, people with disabilities, and those who are discriminated against.

And there are moments where you get blindsided and are made to cry.

I think the reason I cry so much is because the backgrounds and emotions of each individual character are depicted with such care.
There aren't really any characters who feel like they couldn't possibly exist; everyone feels somehow real.

As for Rudeus, since I've been watching him since he was a baby, by the second season, he's already like my own child.
Even though he's an old man on the inside.

In this way, although "Mushoku Tensei" is a fantasy with plenty of magic and swordsmanship, I think the core is a human drama ensemble piece.

The animation is also careful and wonderful.
It was made by a production company established specifically to produce "Mushoku Tensei".
(Sorry if that's wrong)

I really love the opening theme for the first cour of the second season.
This cour was a story about Rudeus finding himself again, and it's a wonderful song that feels like it weaves together the him from his previous life and his current one, reminiscent of that journey.

I want you to watch the music video, not just the opening animation.

I cry every time I watch it.

If you found this helpful, please give it a like!

※Since these are my personal impressions, my interpretations might be different or the points I focus on might be off.
If you find yourself thinking, "No! That's not it!", please let me know.

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My evaluation criteria and personal preferences are summarized here.