The Most Philosophical Anime Ever Made?

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

A little detail I like, as the show progresses, Vincent's designs starts to look more defined and mature.

[@Simili84]

yes! at first he's always depicted with his eyes closed, as the show progress towards its climax his eyes open

[@ronnydanger1337]

😎👍

[@Gunsight-One]

Subtle but profound effect. Vincent goes from a sleeping God to a fully actualized one in the span of the series.

[@dimitriiambrosina9020]

​@@Simili84 I'm glad I wasn't the only one. When I saw Vincent in the OP I thought that was someone else. But after episode 2 when he fell and opened his eyes I felt a deep understanding on what's happening. Also his eyes being bright green also made it visually more impactful.

[@DelmiraVesna]

Vince opens up, becomes more aware and more comfortable with himself. It's such a beautiful way to depict someone's character evolution.

[@christopher4287]

As a teenager I was utterly enthralled by this anime. Even though I couldn’t fully grasp it. I was spellbound by its existential mysteries. So I collected all the DVDs. I may need to dust them off now. BTW: I would definitely like part 2 please!

[@youngmo77]

Well I was a full blow adult and struggled to grasp the depth of this animé. Here I am in my mid 40's, having indulged more then once on the entire series, and still needs more viewings to further my understanding. 🙏🏽

[@beastguyson]

It's really not that deep and that is the issue...

[@Braptist]

The intro of this anime gave me a feeling of nostalgia for something i have not experienced before. It's magical and this anime is exactly the style i like.

[@kaythefirst2195]

Monoral - Kiri

[@DelmiraVesna]

Same with me! I think it's the music and the edit. It's like a time capsule of late 90s-early 2000s.

[@StarSpliter]

I remember binge watching this anime like 5 years ago. At like 3 am the opening genuinely made me feel high and goofy as it sounds. So... soothing? Not quite sure how to explain it.

[@justsomeguywithoutprofile7684]

Same bro Same

[@OneWithinn]

Idk, I really couldn't get into it

[@martiuscastle]

Not only the most philosophical, but the one with the most cinematography in it. I love how the main's eyes open when he is being true to himself. And Pino, what a journey.

[@BlackCroLong]

Ergo Proxy is an masterpiece. I have the collectors edition with two booklets explaining the philosophical influences

[@onesimonhaca1752]

That's awesome, where did you get them?

[@Christian-hu4iv]

Where did u get?

[@darth_mooseus]

following.

[@spacenomad4477]

Can you share some photos of the booklets?

[@BlackCroLong]

@@onesimonhaca1752 it's in german. I think there is an italian version too. in Europe there have been the same two booklets internationally in every edition.

[@angelic_stargaze]

I am [not] a simple woman. I see Ergo Proxy and so I click. This story was recommended to me +10 years ago and it will remain as one of my favorites til I die, along with FMA Brotherhood, curiously enough. It’s the type of anime you keep coming back to throughout the years and digesting in different ways as you grow.

[@gertl]

Ergo Proxy is definitely my favorite anime, I would love to see a part 2. I wish there were more anime originals that experimented like this

[@Queggletank]

Sonny Boy is pretty wild too

[@tamzeedrahman3323]

@@Queggletank THIIIISS I JUST FINISHED SONNY BOY I CRIED

[@lolos8720]

i would argue texhnolyze is even better, and i love proxy

[@NeostormXLMAX]

Lots do. But no one pays attention to these things anymore. Like the recent anime “the fire hunter” with similar levels of world building to this but everyone hated it since it was slow same with shinsekainyori originally

[@LucyFerr000]

Y'all ever seen the anime Texhnolyze? It's a slow burn like Ergo Proxy and made me question my existence. lol

[@EzekielGoldbergII]

I'm so happy that you watched this! It's one of the most mind blowing animes of all times and doesn't get half the recognition it deserves.

[@Pandaemoni]

I'd enjoy a Part 2. This was an anime I loved...and that my friends all hatred. I return to it every couple years.

[@DrDolan2000]

Damn; they hated it? Why?

[@DominusNox106]

Same with me. There is another unknown anime that I love. It's not as deep as Ergo Proxy but it is a question asked. It's called Generator Gawl. It's a fun romp and I recommend to everyone.

[@supergobgoblin424]

Get new friends...and bury the older ones

[@amedeodionisi8477]

I always loved it and was lucky enough to have friend that liked it as well, even if they didn't liked it as much as I did xD

[@Triumvirate3]

I loved it and got my siblings to watch it too. I think the impression was deepest on me, but it left a mark on them too

[@arklyshill]

Definitely wanna see part 2. I finished Ergo Proxy a couple of weeks ago and loved its philosophical themes. The intro song "Kiri" by MONORAL had been stuck with me for weeks. I think the song speaks about humans who left the Earth, including Vincent's head-spiraling journey, but probably holds much more than that.

[@Lesandira]

I love Ergo Proxy so much. There was fansub back when it first released that explained all the philosophical and artistic elements in the anime, which was a great help.

[@ArmitageShanksuk]

I had this! Lost it and could never retrace that glorious fansub. It broke down some really useful bits after each eps credits?

[@Proxyy7]

I watched that one as well, but deleted it when I got my box set, which I still regret to this day

[@jase276]

If anyone knows where to find this that'd be great

[@Lacidios]

@@jase276 , I don't know who will read this months later, but the sub group is very likely Shinsen-Subs. They usually had one to several pages of reference breakdowns at the end of each episode. I honestly really appreciated the work they put in to something they weren't paid for, and watching the story while knowing every hidden reference (even ones that only lasted a few frames) is a part of why the anime is my number one. The fansubs are still around if you know where to look for fansubs, in general.

[@Hoppitot]

"oniichan lets play" *editors note: oniichan means brother* god I miss these days

[@midlandredux]

Hmmm . . . I enjoyed Ergo Proxy immensely for the atmosphere, the intense characters, and the visuals. Had no idea there was any philosophy involved, but I'll take your word for it.

[@gsegarra21]

Based take I saw hot investigator cool looking character and lil sis pink vibing and was like sign me up im here

[@myfilthybean511]

Man please do a part 2 of this.. Hearing the full explanation of this gives me goosebumps

[@KLR-rp6pn]

This anime is CRIMINALLY underrated

[@Onigatana]

One of the best anime I've ever watched.

[@atom6799]

i think Kino's Journey in which basically every episode is some sort of philosophical concept unfolded probably has this beat. In each episode, Kino visits a new country, encountering different cultures, customs, and philosophies. The countries she visits are often utopias or dystopias, and Kino's observations and experiences provide insight into the strengths and flaws of each society. Throughout her journey, Kino remains a neutral observer, never taking sides or interfering with the affairs of others, but instead providing a lens through which the audience can view the world. It doesn't really have an overarching story line so you can literally watch any episode and get something out of it.

[@bondrewdthenovel3598]

Kino is perhaps the best example of a good support character. Also she gave the tension relief that the plot needed.

[@At0m5k]

@@bondrewdthenovel3598 You're thinking of Pino, a character in Ergo Proxy. Atom is referring to an entirely different anime altogether called "Kino's Journey"

[@differentbutsimilar7893]

Kino no Tabi is a gem for sure. I also think it has it beat in the GENERAL philosophical department. Kino is an observer, tries to stay a neutral party going to all of these odd places that all seem to exist in their own vaccums. Each one represents a certain philosophy, or set of big picture ideas about what is right for people, what leads to happiness, prosperity, safety, growth... hell, what it is that a society SHOULD pursue in the first place, if not these things. That is a question also posed by some of the locations themselves... the people in them, and the systems they live by. They all have their own angles on the questions regarding what a society is for. But there are also some absolutely fascinating philosophical and ethical conflicts that Kino herself is forced to confront on her journey. Kino is very thoughtful. She contemplates the reasons for everything she does, and the little bit of framing we get through her little interactions cover a lot of philosophical ground across place and time. She will barely remark on it in dialogue, but every reason given is archetypal, basically a summation of a whole thought process that you can piece together when you factor her most opaque phrases against the narratives they emerge amongst. Kino tells you nothing, but shows you everything. Every episode is like a parable told both through the locations, and Kino herself. She makes more moral decisions than she herself realizes at times, has drives she doesn't entirely know about or understand. Kino does not go unchallenged, her very survival is essentially dependent upon who she thinks she is, and where in the world she finds her values and lessons. I also kind of disagree that there isn't a main story. It's just told in that more lackadaisical, in-and-out of focus way. Like Cowboy Bebop. But Kino is also growing and learning who she really is, what she's about, and why she herself chooses the life she does. After each adventure, she emerges with new insights and questions about herself and her existence. You wonder about that the whole time... what does she get out of it? Why is someone so contemplative prone never to linger, as a rule, even!? Why, indeed. The show doesn't really want to tell you outright, but it does seem to want you to ask. And I think it gives you plenty to look to, even if little screentime is ever given to her past. She really does have a story in the way that Spike has a story. And just like Cowboy Bebop, it eschews a traditionally satisfying narrative structure in order to invoke the audience's more intrinsic motivators, tries to get the show inside of your head by forcing you to figure out what you think is going on and what it means for the characters.

[@shira_yone]

I love Kino no Tabi since I am unfortunately not into horror plus what some call "edgy" atmosphere (which most deep philosophical anime tends to be). Max said Ergo Proxy is like meditation, but Kino no Tabi might've fit that description even more with how _seemingly_ relaxing and comforting the aesthetic and overall atmosphere are, while still providing the material for deep contemplation.

[@shanetaylor761]

@@shira_yone I can understand not liking horror but you gotta have a little edge with your shows every once in a while lol.

[@kimi7396]

Your spoiler-free analysis was so well-written that it convinced me to binge all 23 episodes - very good dub by the way. Made me appreciate the rest a LOT more, just wanted to say the format and split between spoiler-free and spoilers was a fantastic decision.

[@ShadowCthulhu]

I watched this subtitled though I have to wonder if they pronounce it as Ergo or Airgo. Great series though

[@JohnDWJ]

I adore this dark twisty anime (lost in time to so many). Such incredible depth and artistry. Thank you for this!

[@astrocatDOTexe]

This anime is a special interest of mine (it’s practically my whole personality). It really means a lot to me, and it genuinely makes me happy that more and more people are trying to give the show a chance. I understand that people cannot get into the show the first time around, and I can understand that the show definitely has it’s flaws. The show’s themes of philosophy really add charm to the show, although it’s unfortunate that those very themes can sometimes push people away (along with the pacing of course). I look forward to the part 2 you make, I love watching people talk about the show!! ♡

[@mojonojo3]

obligatory engagement post

[@kevlarforweeksanddays4086]

Reply to topic about engagement post

[@mattthekiller9129]

Engaging your engaged other

[@cj-hw3pv]

Engaging a group of engaged fellows

[@CorpsesReborn]

Ditto

[@delaverandus]

OEP

[@hollowman9410]

After watching texhnolyze, I will never quit a show due to being slow. There is no show slower than texhnolyze.

[@demonickin0]

Normally, I keep to lurking on social platforms. However, I am so excited for this proposed part 2! Please do so, your work is greatly appreciated and I'm looking forward to watching more!

[@JonathanHollandHolland]

Please, Please, Please make a part 2 of this video. You're really helping me and probably a lot of others understand what Ergo Proxy is truly about. Also, you're really good at it.

[@jaxluczar3262]

Definitely a part 2! I never put it together that Proxy 1 was Ergo's 'father' and Monad his 'mother', so that was interesting. From what I initially understood was that Vincent and Re-L were copies of the proxies that were going to live out the same thing over and over. Despite anything different they did, it would lead to the same path as the original proxies. I also took the anime as a way to potentially show God's suffering because his creations. They hate him despite all he did for them (create them, feed them, shelter them) And how he sets up to wipe them out while making himself forget so he can be among them until the end. And he'd start over, again hoping that his creations love him.

[@DeusGamez]

its more so the fallen angels troupe the proxies fell from grace despite given the grand order by their creator(the original human race) to find salvation for their doomed planet and dying species, you could say Proxy 1 is not god but in fact the Satan figure of the story rebelling against his creators for leaving him behind so he rules over the earth until eventually he just cant stand the sight of the pathetic artificial humans created in the image of his creators whom he grew to despise an vowed to destroy.

[@Griffolion0]

I have never watched an anime with the aesthetic EP has. It's truly a unique gem. There's nothing else like it.

[@serbza]

I searched animes like Ghost In The Shell and Ergo Proxy was in all the lists. I knew I had to watch it. Incredible work as always, keep it up man!

[@MrTheguywithalife]

Yes, give us an Ergo Proxy philosophy analysis video, please.

[@jaybooze5462]

Ergo Proxy and Xenogears are incredible experiences. They're the top of their crafts in my opinion. Please do a part 2.

[@magus3ndr]

Thank you for uploading this. I've watched Ergo Proxy multiple times snd had somehow completely missed some of the basics, such as the original humans returning at the end and how much weight that actually carries, as well as why the uninhabited towns were kept prestine. A part two would be amazing.

[@steadyrow]

what i'm finding is that the things i'm interested in that i consistently put off are usually things that I'm just not ready or in a state to take on. Forcing yourself to approach things you're not meant to approach yet, even if they may be great or even the things you need to approach, distracts from the things you are meant to approach now.

[@tommasomazza9484]

I wished to understand this damn anime for 12 years. Through the episodes I felt like there were many things that I was loosing. Thanks for giving me some of the keys of this puzzle. Hope and wait for a part 2

[@dntas9548]

There is no part 2.

[@tommasomazza9484]

I think so. But it would be interesting. As Max said, there's a lot more to analyse in this anime, especially in the mid and the final parts.

[@anastasiaellison913]

You have no idea how excited I was when I saw this pop up on my feed today. It was hilarious hearing you say Ergo Proxy has been recommended to you with ‘zealotry’ as my friends have been calling me the prophet of Ergo Proxy for years now because of how hard I try to push this anime onto new people 😂 It’s an incredible piece of media that I think you have to be in the right head space to enjoy, but I’m so happy you were able to get into it this time and truly hope you follow up on this!

[@bowwing333]

Haha same here! I lived in the middle of no where Montana and I sorta just picked it up on a bit of a whim and a ...weird but confident kind of feeling...as if as soon as I saw it, it called me. I watched this first volume 30-50 times before the years went by and I managed to get the following ones. My friends would come over and we would watch this first volume over and over having hours long conversations about it and sharing the new things we would discover..little hidden details. It was really something. It really left a big impact on me, so much so, I had always planned to name one of my daughters, if I ever had one, after Re-L.

[@michaeltaylor4492]

Commenting for part two. Excellent work sir!

[@ellocosjchushhxha]

PART 2 is a must, we need it! Your meditation metaphor is exactly what I needed to hear and sometimes other's perspectives can open doors which you couldn't even see before. I watched this show beginning to end but am ignorant to a majority of the concepts that you present. So, for me to get out what the show intended I need your analysis, and then probably a rewatch lol

[@jondergarcia7517]

Max, thank you so much for this. It blows my mind how everytime I listen to someone's thoughts on ergo proxy there is something that totally went over my head in all of my multiple sittings trough the show. It just blows my mind how much this anime has to say and how much of it remains hidden to average people like me until someone like you points it out.

[@benjii_boi]

Ergo Proxy has been a favourite of mine for years. Almost never see anyone talking about it for how much of an absolute gem it is

[@seanmapley7417]

Yep it's an oldie but real fucken good.

[@garvielloken8494]

I love how there is in the opening uncovered scene of Vincent transforming into Ergo, you just don't see it until it's revealed in the anime, but the answer was there all along

[@Esko354]

Given the high standard of analysis you have created,this video BEGS for a sequel. We beg for a sequel

[@gluttonyfang6674]

Basically Earth is gone to shit, space humans created Proxies for recovery by creating cities and peeps inside a "Dome" that shields poison outside and harsh conditions. But the Proxies realized that they'll just die when the recovery is finished, so they became doomers and it made Earth go to a shittier state. One of these is Ergo, who left his dedicated server to an old dude, and proceeds to Vergil'ed himself with the help of another proxy homie Monad, and caused Vincent to pop out. The old dude said "That's a massive L", so he invaded Monad's server and captured her, experimented her, Re-L pops out in one of the attempts, and adopted her, W. Yada yada yada, shit happens left and right, Vincent and Re-L met, Pino was there. They fought, traveled outside the Dome, killed other Proxy, met other Proxy, and now they're back on their original Dome, who is gone to shit. Vincent met his other half Ergo, they proceed to fist each other while the entire city crumbles, Ergo dies of cringe. Monad was back, tries to convince Vincent to join her, but Vincent goes "Nah, -Re-L is hotter- I love humans" so he goes back to Earth and stays there. Monad flew and dies to sunlight because space humans said so, and they are coming back to Earth with their spaceship like the coming of Christ. 10/10

[@SeiichirouUta]

A second part would be amazing. But even if it never happens: This video in itself makes me so happy. Since there was no comment on the recommendations I always worried that Max had already watched it but simply didn't enjoy it. Seeing that this video only touches "surface level" and yet is already longer than many of the newer videos on this channel shows how deep this anime actually goes even in Max's experienced eyes. I myself enjoyed everything about Ergo Proxy: The possibility to learn about different schools of philosophy, the characters (to this day Pino is one of my all-time fav chars), the music (I still listen to it regularely and I got to love Monoral thanks to the opening), the design and - most of all - the slow pace. Every single episode made me sit down and think about it. Some puzzled me. Some scared me. Some made me angry. Some sad. Some made me wonder about myself. I was lucky enough to have watched it back when it got released, so I had enough time to contemplate between each episode. Maybe that's why I got to love this anime so much. In my more than 30 years of watching anime, no other has had such an impact on me. Also the ending track is one of the imo best songs by Radiohead, my favourite band. But that's just the cherry on top. :) Thanks for yet another great video, Max.

[@bracoyote96]

I finished Ergo Proxy today and found this video while looking for more information. I usually don't subscribe to a channel unless I like at least a couple of videos but this one sold be the whole channel already. I discovered a new favourite anime and a cool new KZbin channel today. It's been a good day ^^

[@1rez378]

I can't believe it was around 15 years since I last watched it.

[@peterkim1609]

I'm like an alchemist, when I'm stoned I could LEAD you into GOLD.

[@NilVoidmancer]

I watched this series a total of 5 times already, understood it only on the 3rd watch and thought I was pretty done uncovering things at the 5th watch, but this video proves there's really so, so many ideas put into this anime. Hoping for part 2!

[@BigrookieMER]

I watched it 3 times, and I had no Idea that Proxy one was his father.

[@mikfhan]

YeahI kinda got the impression they were all the same. Id=ergoproxy Ego=VincentLaw Superego=ProxyOne so the final controntation is really just all three integrating like the first two did in the "library" several episodes earlier. The torment of knowing their fate pushing Proxy One into destroying his memory and leaving Romdeau. So much that when Vincent Law has part of his memory restored, Proxy One is still hidden away to reintegrate by the end, maybe hoping the journey gave him new insights. I guess we get a glimpse of that insight as his eyes light up when the original humens descend through the atmosphere. That is when it all became perfectly clear, the malice implanted by the creator. Death of god. Gogo part two! :D

[@Failycia]

Yes, yes!! I wanna see part two! I love this analysis as when I first watched the anime a lot of the details went over my head shamefully. I was familiar with Jung so I understood the shadow concept but I was unable to connect it to anything else and I'm still really confused about Re-l's journey. She was a really jaded character but and at times selfish character but ultimately also desired for truth more than anything else.

[@balbagsaginz]

The best part is the stranded section of the story, we always search for hope, even in our darkest hours.

[@futavadumnezo]

One of my favorite anime together with Psycho-Pass. I'd call the story in Psycho-Pass a piece of art with deep philosophical meaning.

[@AXPena]

I hope you eventually make a part 2. I saw this video back you originally posted it. It inspired me to watch the show and I loved it. I just rewatched your video and it left me wanting more!

[@grahu8458]

I recommend you to play a visual novel called Subarashiki Hibi or Wonderful Everyday. It's pretty long and quite seriously disturbing in its content but also is, arguably, one of the most philosophical stories ever written. It cites many works of literature but the philosophy of Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus stands as the main theme of the game.

[@superioropinion7116]

That would be very interesting.Imagine this would the first VN he ever played

[@invoicequaint]

@@superioropinion7116 he's got higurashi and umineko in his backlog i believe thanks to silent hill f

[@anomitas]

@@invoicequaint umineko??? Absolutely based

[@bernhardvonbarret1729]

Saya no Uta...

[@vaskitheinsane3985]

I am so attached to this anime from my teen years, I got the ost on CD and a bunch of art cells and more. To this day is is still one my all time favs right next to ghost in the shell. This anime helped define my thirst for philosophical content and subject matter. This one is just an absolute work of art, I am always recommending this anime to people who want something more than the standard run of the mill anime. Glad to see someone cover it so well and give it love

[@Mikolaj1334]

Soooooo... Maybe "Cashern Sins" next ;) PS: And, of course, Max. You should do an episode two that looks deeper into this iceberg.

[@triplemmm333]

You made me want to rewatch it whole. My counsciousness and mind might have aged like some fine wine since last time I have seen it.

[@GojiraTX]

I absolutely need a part 2.

[@discojoe3]

Just finished this tonight after binging it over three nights. Loved it. It's that perfect sweet spot of complexity that is stimulating to experience without being so cryptic that it falls apart at the end (hi, Evangelion). Excellent atmosphere and art direction, too. Grimdark and grimy. I'll toss my recommendation onto the pile.

[@cassandralyris4918]

Huh, ironically I never suggested Ergo Proxy because I never finished it because I found it boring too. Which is kind of odd, because I can usually power through that. But, I will take your suggestion and give it another chance. Other esoteric anime you could check out: BoogiePop Phantom Final Fantasy Unlimited Witchblade (yes, really) Finally tackle Paprika, maybe? (I am a Satoshi Kon junkie, I know.) Thanks for another great video, Max! Always a good time.

[@youngmo77]

I would highly recommend pushing the Netflix algorithm to get a more from the creator. Its a absolute masterpiece.

[@agroed]

I'd really love to see a part 2. This show has remained one of my favorites since I first saw it but it gets brought up so rarely. Thanks for finally taking the plunge, Max.

[@skeske3575]

Yooo this is my favorite anime. Never really seen anyone covering it outside of the occasional comment/recommendation. Great video man!

[@soup_samurai32]

Always had issues enjoying the moment to moment of shows like Proxy or Serial experiments lain. Always had more fun ruminating on their themes, with videos like this. Would love to see you put something out on Wolf’s Rain, if you havent yet

[@jaysingh05]

Subscribed to your channel. Saw this anime years ago and was hooked immediately in the very first episode. was reading quite a bit of philosophy at the time and would get excited every time a philosopher was mentioned or a character was introduced with a philosopher’s name. Had forgotten about it more recently but appreciated your video/recap/analysis. That Gregorian score they used was always unforgettable though. Please do make a second video when you get a chance.

[@xenn4985]

Ill put it like this. Philosophical anime are... philisophical. Ergo proxy is deep.

[@Oliverph0enix]

Bro did the honest trailer thing 😂

[@chaoticmindpuzzle9878]

Ergo Proxy was always one of my favourite Animes. But now I feel, I have enough knowlegde to appreciate all the details I have overlooked. I would love to see another Part, even with the spoilers.

[@andrewkawam2603]

2:55 As someone on the Spectrum myself, I totally get that feeling. Almost all of my absolute favourite shows I couldn’t decide how to go forward with until the 3rd or even 4th episodes,but then suddenly all started to come together and amazed me, cases in point being For All Mankind, Dark, Violet Evergarden, and Doctor Who.

[@niezbo]

I remember I've approached EP 2 times. Not because it was too slow, it's because I didn't get it the first time. I felt like I'm missing something. Once I've finished it, I felt accomplishment, but also... a void (or maybe it was something completely different...) After watching this, I think it is a time to visit Rondeau again. Also: I'd totally watch Part 2!

[@Eternal1Winggoddess]

I found this to be a very interesting breakdown. Ergo is one of my favorite animes. I don't know if you did do a part two, but I'll go look for it. A couple other philosophical shows you may find interesting: Wolf's Rain (mysticism and technological apocalypse) (also a short manga with a different ending), Texhnolyze (technological dystopia), Le Portrait de Petite Cossette (modern day haunting)

[@zygfrydvolt1281]

I was waiting for this one. I am glad you we're able to get through it. Now if you only put your sight towards Mushishi everything would be perfect.😅

[@HangerHangar]

I kinda figured Mushishi as being a horror series, so subverted and "chilled" out that it's meant to inspire wonder instead. The people Ginko helps certainly do live a horror movie experience, but he himself is just so familiar with "the rules" that it's more like putting a puzzle together.

[@Lin_Eileen]

@@HangerHangar That's a cool take. I always viewed it as a occult detective experience which encourages reflection. Coming from other occult detective anime stories like Bakemonogatari where the "monsters" are allegorical for mental health issues I kinda naturally took this more metaphorical stance to the supernatural aspects but I believe it can be perceived as more of a subversive horror with real monsters that just aren't very threatening

[@squirlmy]

Mushshishi has not just one, but two amazing theme songs. If you closely read the lyrics of the furst theme song, you'll understand why they changed it. Besides the songs, the totally amazing artwork, and plot of every episode. I wasn't interested in anime at all, until I found this series. Very awesome stuff!

[@khakisohn9710]

Absolutely loved your video on Paranoia Agent, I'm really looking forward to checking this out!

[@nobobonobo]

How did esoteric Gnosticism become so popular in Japanese writing? There aren't missionaries spreading this as far as I know

[@maxderrat]

A seeker of hermetic truth is not bound by culture or geography.

[@nobobonobo]

@@maxderrat logistically speaking tho, who taught them about it? Most of this stuff was written before gnosticism became trendy on the Internet

[@squirlmy]

I think exactly because there were no missionaries. Gnosticism was brutally supressed in Europe, particularly against the Cathars of southern France. And hardly known in the West, until the Nag Hammadi scrolls were found in the 1960s. It's very much in line with Zoroastrianism from Persia. East meets West. I think the Japanese appreciated it precisely because it was violently suppressed and nearly destroyed by medieval European Christianity. In a country dominated by Shintoism and Buddhism, alternative Christian thought is easier to appreciate. It's not "blasphemous".

[@ludonymous526]

My interpretation of this one? It's actually more Buddhist than anything (with a whole lot of philosophy mixed in), because Gnosticism doesn't have many of the edges that makes Buddhism such a compelling and interesting belief system.

[@daegannlongstrider1293]

Love it. Please do a part 2

[@brokenfoxproductions]

I would love to have you philosophize the manga Elfen Lied. I think it's take on The duality of the self and the difference between who other people perceive us to be in who we perceive ourselves to be is very up your alley.

[@____________838]

If he does, I suggest he also reads the manga.

[@franzhaas5597]

This was such a great anime. I knew it was a deep story but I didn't know how deep it went until now. I must watch it again.

[@jacobbelow4136]

Excellent analysis! It’s very much true that sometimes we sometimes have to revisit something to truly appreciate it. Some things I thought to myself “I recognize that there is a lot of artistic merit to this work, it just isn’t for me”, but then went back to revisit after being suggested a whole new way of looking at it…and then thinking to myself “Wow did I miss something amazing that first time around!” It’s largely why I don’t care too much about a movie or show being “spoiled” for me, because even if I know what’s to come, the experience itself can still provide me with enough that allows me to supply my own personal interpretation, and thus give my own meaning! And as a side note,one of my favorite classes in high school was about world religion, as it has helped me to recognize different cultural values and integrate different into my life that enrich it-including proper meditation!

[@asgads]

I wasnt so much impacted by the concepts but really liked re el, vincent and pino. and the supporting cast is also great

[@kubebrick7275]

part two please! Ergo Proxy is one of my absolute favorite anime, I would love to see you explore it more!

[@wellsshady]

Bvsed, so zased.

[@Dzugoslav]

Yes please, bless us with part two.

[@cn2490]

Would love a part 2 for sure. Watching this show gave me a sense of peace that I couldn't explain at the time. Turned out I was also undertaking my own journey into understanding my self and my family, to find meaning and happiness in my daily life routine and beyond that if that is possible. So the characters in Ergo Proxy searching for their reason of existance was something deeply resonated with me as well.

[@gsegarra21]

My favorite episode really till this day has to be the one where they are just stranded in the boat shit and they just live with each other for basically 20mins straight that ep made me realize those types of episodes are my fav where literally nothing could happen action or progression wise but the development of characters or just their interactions can carry it

[@greenonlane4219]

When I watched this it was before streaming services and the guy who translated it also did the background research for every episode to makes sure that the audience knew what was really going on. I love this anime with my whole heart. Thanks max!

[@SirSblop]

the number of videos that I need to come back to at a later date is really growing 😂

[@galento5312]

I've waited for this video for so long and it's finally here! I would love to see a part 2.

[@joseventura7780]

Please! We need part 2 now I understand it! I saw the complete serie so many times. I I never full understand it. Ergoproxy is amazing!!

[@m4uz4o]

I was probably one of the guys in comments asking for this. Thank you

[@ericblanton1580]

Ergo Proxy was beautifully written and animated I was glad to have it as part of my earlier years

[@elleofmusic]

YESSSS DO MORE DO MORE!! Ergo Proxy so damn special. I can understand how you struggled with it at first, it's definitely one of those anime where you have to be immediately into the vibes in order to stick with it long enough for the plot to click. I remember the first time I binged it, I'm pretty sure I couldn't grasp a single thing that was going on until the last couple episodes lmao. I was so hooked though, there was something about it that felt like strolling through an art museum. Moments from each episode were just so iconic, evoked such emotion... Like Pino contracting the virus, falling to her knees with her hands clasped like she'd just received enlightenment. The intimacy of Ergo touching Re-L's lips. The random, unexpected tragedy of the kid just outside the city being killed in an instant. And then those moments became whole episodes. I still think the library one might be the best single episode of anything ever. And since you've enjoyed this show, I gotta recommend you watch Casshern SINS next. It's very similar in style to Ergo Proxy, more than any other anime I've ever seen, and the story has similarities as well, in a way that really makes them compliment each other.

[@balmylagoon]

Yes, PLEASE do a part 2. And 3 if necessary! This was a fantastic deep dive 🖤🤍❤

[@sabojezles]

Great stuff here, part 2 is needed!!!.

[@tdk0bob]

I will be following this seriously because you are A) discussing a series I LOVE B) diving into the themes that make me love it and C) because your making all the same connections I have and explaining them beautifully

[@Andriej69]

My first contact with Ergo Proxy happened in 2008, as it was coming out - just by seeing it advertised in some gaming magazine. Didn't have the means to watch it legally back then, some years have passed and I randomly stumbled upon opening theme video here on YT - I said to myself "oh, I need to check out this one sometime", then few more years passed by, until literally last month, when I finally comitted to watching it. EP turned out to be complete opposite to what I was expecting, and despite the really shitty version with botched english subs, it held me captive to the end. Unfortunately, I failed to do some research on Yung and few other philosophers before my initial watch, so before I start again (with superior quality, eng dubbed version) I need to be schooled a bit 😁I'm so glad that you, imho the best SH-related KZbinr, are providing me with means to do so 👍👍

[@aperson4184]

Hey Max. Any chance of a part 2? I loved this analysis

[@av_8596]

*Alright!* So glad to see a video from you on Ergo Proxy! I love this anime.

[@ohmbasa]

YEEESSSSS!!!! I just literally screamed yes when I saw Ergo Proxy pop up on the screen. I fucking love you man. Thank you for this. 😁

[@shinprior960]

Many years ago I discovered Ergo Proxy thanks to a comment on a KZbin video covering the philosophy of a certain other anime.. It's so satisfying to see this video covering it all these years later.

[@traveltoexplore814]

For me Ergo Proxy wasn't hard at all, to watch. I found it by a mistake a few years 8 years ago, reading something about Icarus, google popuping the cover of this anime. I started to watch being curious, it was my first marathon ever, I watched it sleeping just a few hours here and then. I loved it totally, I felt peace and silence all the time, and it remains my first and only anime that didn't left me empty after it's ending. It was exactly what it needed, nothing more, nothing less. I'm here to comment just because I loved to see that people still talk about it. Keep doing the good work ❤

[@Badguy292]

Literally binge-watched the entire 10 hours of Ergo Proxy thanks to this video, it's a slow burn, but I love it. Thank you.

[@SharkdYGO]

Ergo Proxys OP still gives me chills 'til this day🖤

[@gorz859]

Part 2 please, this blew my mind.

[@amandavargas443]

Part two 🎉 Yesss please Great video, I understood very little of the anime, thank you so much

[@sandeepsidhu99]

Great analysis! Cannot wait for Part 2!

[@qqgoblin]

I watched the final episodes while on a 2day hike at a cool night in a hammock under a starry clear sky during a shooting star shower, the experience was life altering.

[@gsegarra21]

Banger core mem I salute