Shangri-La
Synopsis
In a post-apocalyptic society, much of earthquake-riddled Japan has been left to ruin, resulting in an abundance of greenery. Governments manage much of the world's emissions, resulting in a massive class divide and economic disparity. The Japanese government launches "Project Atlas," a utopian city that will replace Tokyo but can only fit a certain amount of people. This limitation means that some people will have to live outside the city in jungles, as refugees. However, with any flawed plan comes those who are willing to challenge it. These include Kuniko Houjou, an heir to a renegade town; Mikuni, a mysterious and powerful child kept in a secret temple; Kunihito Kusanagi, a soldier for the high-tech and exclusive monopoly Atlas; Karin Ishida, a genius economics whiz with her hand in markets across the world; and the villainous Ryouko Naruse, leading Atlas in its domination of this future world. Can this group of rebels, forming a movement known as "Metal-Age," band together to demonstrate that inclusion and teamwork prevail over cruel segregation? [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed, with praise for unique characters and visual appeal, but criticism for a convoluted plot and uninteresting main character. The series struggles with pacing and integrating mystical elements, leading to a generally mediocre experience. Many viewers feel the anime had potential but ultimately missed the mark due to its numerous flaws.
Strengths
- Unique characters, especially the codgerly otaku and Momoko, provide comic relief.
- Visually appealing with drastic color palette differences accentuating segregation.
- Interesting concepts such as carbon economy and post-apocalyptic setting.
Weaknesses
- Tangled plot with overflowing ideas makes the storyline difficult to comprehend.
- Main character is uninteresting and unlikeable.
- Poorly integrated mystical elements feel out of place.
- Inconsistent character development and motivations.
- Pacing issues with slow start and rushed ending.