Attack on Titan

                        Shingeki no kyojin

Fans of the adapted manga series of the same name Shingeki no kyojin, or better known in the western world by its less cool google translate ‘Attack on Titan’ received some pretty awesome news recently. The rumour mill was churning out character profiles, fan made trailers, and possible season 2 plots to feed the blood-thirsty masses but what mattered most was the rumour surrounding the live action adaptation.

A few days ago the official teaser trailer for part 1 of the live action Shingeki no kyojin was released and the quiet fans who hold this series so dear came out of the woodwork to share their appreciation, myself included.

~ But what is this Attack on Titan all about? ~

“On that day, mankind received a grim reminder. We lived in fear of the Titans and were disgraced to live in these cages we called walls.”

Don’t be fooled, this is no glossy Ghibli package. Flipping the natural catastrophe tendencies of post-apocalyptic fiction on its head humanity was stunned into submission by the sudden and fatal, sudden appearance of the titular Titans.

Attack on Titan is set 100 years after the fateful day that almost saw the complete destruction of the human race. Humanity now resides in the last remaining human stronghold protected by three walls dividing the population and yet no matter how prevalent the charade of safety is, one breach of the wall and all three sectors of humanity face impending doom.

These Titans, these giants, the behemoths that dominate the skyline with sinister smiles built out of pure evil have allowed humanity to live in peace for one hundred years. Until “mankind received a grim reminder” that the existence of Titans had merely faded into the subconscious of a comfortable life free from fear. When the outer wall, Wall Maria, is breached by a 60-meter class Titan horror and disbelief sweep through the Shiganshina District. With the wall breached smaller titans soon begin their innate belligerence and instinctive passion for eating humans. A hobby we often see in terrifying close-ups, pearly gnashers in full view and imminent death moments away, captivated by the resigned face of the victim.

The story follows Eren Jeager, Eren’s adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman, and childhood friend Armin Arlert. Tied together in this destructive fate the three, driven by Eren’s passionate hatred of the Titans, join the military for training in the hope of joining the Survey Corps. Picture Faramir’s retreat from Osgiliath in Return of the King; a lot of horses, a lot of open space, and a lot of death. Coveted by Eren as the military corps for him his friends are influenced by his desire to take the fight to the Titans and escape the caged walls that reek of insubordination and helplessness.

Season 1 presents the beginning of their journey, their military training, the soldiers that they meet along the way and an awesome season finale that spans three episodes. All set to a perfect score that evokes fear, desperation, and a healthy dose of ‘badassery’ Attack on Titan promises great things in 2016.

Attack on Titan is incredibly addictive, often leaving the viewer teetering between a nervous breakdown and an adrenaline rush at the close of each episode you’ll rattle through the 25 episode series in no time.

Without further ado, for those of you who have sat, eyes transfixed on the unrelenting brutality, Titan‘s shock and awe animation and hauntingly fatalistic soundtrack I present the teaser trailer for the first of two live action adaptations. Set for Japanese release August 1st with part two following September 19th.