“Arcane” from Netflix is one of productions like Squid Game or Stranger Things. He literally came out of nowhere. Nobody was interested in it, it had no fan base (not counting LOL players) and it absolutely swept the competition. Whether it’s through word of mouth, interest in a Netflix tile, or the desire to see your favorite heroes from the game – sooner or later everyone had to watch it. In my case, a video from Critical Drinker turned out to be final push. Ultimately, if he starts a review with the words “Fuck Yeah!” there must be something to it. And immediately after watching it, I knew that it was unbeatable number one among all the productions watched this year. Arcane is just perfect in every aspect.
The animation is just amazing! All the fights are fluid and wonderfully detailed. Interestingly, the combat animation in Arcane reminds me strongly of the combat animation typical to anime. The fight is not shown exactly to the second. But there is a strong emphasis on key moments and small flavors, which indicates an extraordinary sense of the moment awerness of the animators. Locations and the environment are simply a balm for eyes that are tired of ugliness. Steampunk Arcane is colorful, mechanical, magical and sparkling with fireworks, yet dirty and smelly if the circumstances require it. Just bravo!
The unicorn of entertainment is definitely the soundtrack selection. I do not remember when the background music for the production of a series or film was so perfectly selected and at the same time came from relatively unknown artists. The best productions are characterized by the fact that the film prompts up music artists through the appropriate use of their works. Tarantino was a master at that. And I honestly don’t remember the last time after watching anything I was looking for a song that I liked so much. Until I watched Arcane.
The plot of the series is incredibly well written. The main plot is the story of two sisters who were unlucky to be born and raised in the midst of poverty and brutality. In an environment that is ruthless, regardless of age, and does not recognize weakness. Against the background of the main story, we have many other threads. The danger of progress, the struggle for sovereignty, betrayal, gang fights, investigations, experiments with mutating substances. This series has it all … And amazingly, it makes perfect use of it. Despite the fact that the plot is packed, the creators don’t try to explain what is happening – not even once. As a viewer, our job is simply to sit in front of the screen with our mouths open.
The heroes of the series are a real masterpiece. Every character – from the protagonists, through background characters, to the antagonists – everyone is sketched perfectly. Each of them is an individual person, with their own goals, weaknesses and usually a heavy baggage of experiences. And the most beautiful thing is that as a viewer we understand it all – the script does not try to show us how sad someone is. Each character has enough time to tell their story so that we can understand their motives. Despite the multitude of heroes, no one is a straw puppet and each of them is fascinating in their own way.
And finally, a short word from the author. I’m usually quite reluctant to comment on female characters in entertainment. In this one case, however, I cannot help myself. Today, most of the female characters (especially from Hollywood) are over-the-top and boring. The good times of Ripley and Sarah Connor are gone. At least that’s what I thought before watching Arcane. Now, however, a new character has joined my League of Heroins – by somehow being a feminine, bloody tough warrior. Vi, unlike empty dolls like Rei or other pretend women, actually trained hard. Sometimes she is actually losing. And she actually has to train and try. Shee is a living human who makes mistakes despite best intentions. And in my case, where I am familiar with martial arts – and I understand how much effort and sacrifice can a training be – Vi is a dream come true. Props for someone who had the idea to get a combat animation expert. Vi’s hooks are just delicious.
Netflix and Riot Games have, of course, already announced the next season. I keep my fingers crossed that the writers can keep up the good work. And Arcane gets a well-deserved 11/10 from me and definitely beats all other film and series productions in 2021.
