The Great Pretender anime is something I’ve recently picked up on a whim after scouring for new shows for winter 2024 and seeing its sequel. Impressed by the initial visuals and trailer, I decided to give it a whirl, and what a good whirl it was.
WIT studio animated it, the giant behind AoT season 1, Vinland Saga season 1, and Spy x Family, which is to say, this is a visual spectacle for the eyes. With musical pieces composed by Yutaka Yamada, who worked on titles like Tokyo Ghoul and Vinland Saga, the sound design and compositions are also absolutely brilliant.
What Is It Even About?
The Great Pretender focuses on the story of a young man named Edamura Makoto, a small-time con man from Japan. Ironically, his life takes a very quick turn after being outsmarted by Laurent, another con man. Edamura is now part of a high-stakes lifestyle full of danger, excitement, and thrilling heists. Or should I say cons?
We are taken on a worldwide journey focusing on different complicated jobs centered on some of the worst society has to offer. From mafia Don’s to human traffickers to art tycoons, you will see the human psyche on full display. Our anti-heroes are in it for monetary gain and moral victories; they follow their code and ruleset as they take revenge for the little guy.
Releases and Pacing
The show has four mini-arcs, all interwoven with each other, and each covers a unique and often funny situation each time. (This may be where this anime faded into the background, as it is a Netflix release guaranteeing terrible pacing.)
I had the fortune of discovering it years after its original release and watching it in its entirety, which allowed it to leave a strong impact. It took me around three days to complete this show, as it can get overwhelming to watch in one sitting due to the density of the story.
Emotional Beats
If you are a fan of the found family trope, boy, does this anime have what you need. People damaged by life find consolation and comfort in one another as they navigate the landscape of awkward human emotions.
For a comedy shounen, this show deals with some heavy themes very maturely. Coping with family trauma, abandonment, loss, relationships, and growing apart over time. You will find no shortage of relatable moments and emotions that will pull on your heartstrings.
Action and Adrenaline
Don’t fool yourself into thinking this is just a sob fest and tear-jerker, though. This anime contains fantastic action sequences, thrilling chases, plane races, and more. With WIT Studio pulling out all the stops (unlike some studios), the flow of movement, the color selection, and fluidity are all top-notch. Guns, martial arts, and mind games all have their place here. The only difference from the norm is you care about these characters.
Music
The opening will have you bopping and vibing as it gives off a similar jazz vibe to the opening of cult classic Cowboy Bebop. The rest of the soundtrack follows the same jazz, blues, and pop notes, creating a unique musical experience. The only fitting ending is the song The Great Pretender sung by the one and only Freddie Mercury, truly completing this ensemble.
Certain Issues
Of course, no story is perfect, and that holds for this one as well; some areas could be improved, mostly with character development and certain decisions made late and at the end of the show. But that’s a personal gripe of mine, and it could very well not hold for you. The minor issues don’t impact the overall quality of the show or its enjoyment. I have gripes with only one scene at the end that some might even miss if they aren’t observing.
Conclusion
To summarize, Great Pretender is an exciting anime with a good plot and great characters. If you need a deep story, fantastic animation, and gorgeous sound design, this one is for you. Standing at 23 episodes is the correct length for a good watch party with friends. And if you do enjoy it and want more, you are in luck as it is getting a unique title, titled GREAT PRETENDER: Razbliuto, coming out on February 23rd, 2024.
You can watch the Great Pretender anime on Netflix.
