Last Exile
Synopsis
In the world of Prester, flight is the dominant mode of transportation, made possible by Claudia Fluid: a liquidized form of the crystals that are produced on the planet. An organization known solely as "the Guild" has absolute authority over the skies, with a monopoly on the engines that make use of this fluid. Moreover, as ecological disasters destabilize the warring countries of Anatoray and Disith, the Guild also arbitrates in the disputes between the two. Caught in the middle of the conflict are Sky Couriers, piloting small, two-person vanships that fly freely through the sky. Last Exile follows the adventures of two teenagers who dream of surpassing their parents: Claus Valca, son of a famous vanship pilot, and Lavie Head, Claus' best friend and navigator. Their job as couriers entails passing through an air current called the Grand Stream that separates the hostile nations, which even standard airships struggle to survive. However, when they take on a high-rated delivery to bring an orphan girl named Alvis Hamilton to the battleship Silvana, they get dragged into a much greater conflict that pits them against the might of the Guild. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Last Exile is visually impressive and immersive steampunk anime. However, the story and characters are inconsistently developed, leading to a mixed reception. While many appreciate the unique world and strong animation, the plot's complexity and rushed ending leave some viewers disappointed.
Strengths
- Excellent animation, blending traditional and CG effectively.
- Detailed world-building with a unique blend of futuristic and antiquated elements.
- Strong and well-developed secondary characters.
- Evocative music and sound design enhances atmosphere.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent character development, especially for main characters.
- Plot pacing can be uneven, with slow starts and rushed endings.
- Story can be convoluted and confusing, with plot holes and unanswered questions.
- Over-reliance on CGI, which can sometimes be obtrusive.