Vinland Saga (2019–2023) User Reviews

Spellbound, by far one of the best shows i have seen..!

[samxxxul · 10/10 · 9 December 2020]

With perseverance hitting on the head the young Thorfinn is hellbent to avenge the death of his father by the mercenary leader Askeladd. Times change and on the other hand, Thorfinn is hand in gloves in the camp of his nemesis. Having passed the test of valour, betrayal and indifference in foreign land, his vengeance takes a backseat but still fueled by the revenge for one's own and for his father.

This is a basic plot to what will unfold to be inked in your memory as some of finest genre experiences you will ever witness.

With only 24 episodes, this anime can be ranked alongside genre masterpieces. For some this might sound like a hybrid; the offspring of a union between 'Attack of the Titan, Cowboy bebop with dash of influences from few war/historical live action series. It is fair enough and the influence can be seen, I also consider Studio Ghibli to be a major force behind the imagination. Regardless, this anime is a standout and the character development for the leads is simply unparalleled. I cannot pick a favourite and can't help to love or hate a character. If I say Askeladd is brilliant, pair him with Thorfinn and other characters like Canute or Einar who are equally amazing. Personally, I loved and hated each character in this one, including the HIGH drunk priest. Vinland Saga boasts of a rich universe, full of striking characters and with supporting stories inclined to history and folklores. The Banter between the Vikings and Christians is hilarious, might piss of the pious. All the merit goes to the creators of the series, since plots involving secondary characters often appear just to plug holes or wrap the story. Here, in addition to being attractive, the subplots perfectly fit the mysterious world of the series. The different regions are captured in all it's glory, the inhabitants go about their business, the war breaks out, we see the childishness and natural naivety. Also, the series critically examines the phenomenon of religion and does not slip into moralizing.

Another element of prominence is the soundtrack, there are series of scores (including the opening) that very well fulfill the role of transmitting various types of emotions to the viewer.

Conclusion: The mix of war, melodrama, small-town comedy, merged into a wide-ranging character drama, can be frustrating when answers form the axiom. However, if you let the world of Vinland Saga take effect, you get the rare chance to explore the enigmatic power the genre, soon to become part of one of the greatest anime in the future. The end of prologue in Season 1 is perfect setup for what's about to happen next and the reason why I can look forward to the next!

Spoiler- Its Going to become Another Classic.....

[mdwaqaruddin-52968 · 10/10 · 17 July 2019]

Infinte Potential. In few years it going to be recognized among Deathnote, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Attack on titan, Stein's Gate, and then VINLAND SAGA...Mark these words..... Rating- 10/10

4 episodes in...

[minihingstar · 10/10 · 28 July 2019]

And can tell... tissues needed here. The anime is as epic as the manga. So far 10/10

Best Ending Ever

[r-aldowaisan · 10/10 · 4 January 2020]

Amazing, wow, i watched this episode like 5 times already, every 3 or 4 days i watch it again, incridabel really. And am 53 old.

this show changed me

[masonchillout · 10/10 · 3 July 2023]

Vinland saga is nothing like any anime, show or even story I've seen before. The animation is amazing, the story telling is incredible and the characters feel so real and life like it adds so much weight to the events unfolding.

Everything about this show is amazing, but the one thing on top is the core message of the story. "You have no enemies." is such a vague statement at first and you don't seem to understand what thors means. As you get through season 1 and then onto 2 you realize what he and the other adults in the story were talking about. Thorfinn is definitely on the way to being one of my favorite MCs ever. If you are still contemplating watching this show don't think twice. It's a masterpiece that holds important lessons that we as people should learn from.

Its like GoT with Vikings!

[vault13-347-485335 · 10/10 · 13 July 2019]

If you loved the first 4 seasons of GOT, trust me, you are in for a treat here! Treason, violence, schemes, twists, shocking deaths, great characters and their individual development over the course of time, its all here! Im a manga reader and this is getting better with every issue! Cant say more without spoilers, i hope the anime will be as good as the manga!

Shingeki now has an Enemy for Anime of The year

[joacoromero_90 · 10/10 · 8 July 2019]

Where i can start ? Wit studio is making something special here even more than Attack of titans you can smell it from the first episode. Character design, Landscapes, Sky , Water Movement , accurate History recreation, Music , pace and mistery it just works wonderfully in each episode to the point i think we might have one of the best TV shows of the recent years . it's hard to express on words but it's just beautiful and unique . Share to your friends , post it on social media so we can see this story reach the end on a High Budget .

i'm in love with Vinland saga and now all i want to do is know more about Vll-Xl Viking Story.

Top 5 Anime Ever Produced in Human History

[henrique1993 · 10/10 · 6 August 2019]

No Anime was ever as immersive as to make me cry on the FIRST half of the VERY FIRST episode. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's got me at the 4th episode, Shingeki no Kyojin got me at the end of the 1st, but Vinland Saga? Hell, it's not just the graphical shock the series environment puts you in, It's the BEAUTIFUL details, the landscapes that are magically followed by a "Ghibli Studio Level" piano, the incredible voice acting coordinated with a full suit of emotions that are required when you approach a Vikings culture and environment as respectfully as they did. 5 episodes out now for Vinland Saga, and the details keep surfacing in an incredibly EPIC way. This anime is just sublime in every aspect you can look at, and I will be dammed if it doesn't end up going down as one of the TOP 5 ANIMES EVER PRODUCED IN HUMAN HISTORY.

For real men

[mpampisld · 10/10 · 12 June 2023]

As all Masterpieces you it's either love it or hate it. There is no in between.

Season 2 delivers lore like never seen before comparable only with the greatest anime titles of all time and is on par with beloved anime like AOT , Code Geass and more overall.

Bare in mind this is not a senseless fights oriented anime but deals with all kind of elements of human nature including war, valor and fame but also deals with the struggles of simple men trying to live a peaceful life amidst the waves of chaos and destruction that tend to appear and disappear as fast as a full circle of human life.

Its season is its own chapter and the hype is real for season 3, I honestly can't wait!

A potential upcoming classic!

[Lillmackish · 10/10 · 6 August 2019]

When we talk about what constitutes a great cinematic universe, opinions always differ. Some like it realistic, whilst others don't. Some like the story fast paced, whilst others don't. Some like the characters being original and grounded in a sense of reality, whilst others prefer the generic, more idealistic, style of character that's more grounded in fantasy. I, for one, prefer a realistic setting with relatable characters that develop in an understandable way given the realistic circumstances. I also like it at a pace that keeps the story interesting, whilst also not rushing it making the story feel underdeveloped and difficult to comprehend.

This anime has got it all. Everything from the historical aspects, to how it establishes its cast, all the way to the wide array of emotions it's managed to surge within me during such a short amount of time, is just phenomenal...and we're only five episodes in. Also, don't even get me started on the animation quality and the splendid use of CGI.

This is how CGI's supposed to be used to make an animated story feel real. This, is amazing.

Making characters feel realistic and relatable, whilst also grounding them in a story that's only been on for 100 minutes, give or take, is amazing. Movies can do this, because they "only" need a crescendo like build up that's more often than not really fast paced, and end it all with a climax built up from the accumulated emotions of the main character. A television series needs to do all of that, and at the same time also keep the viewer interested through a much slower pace.

An amazing example of how Vinland Saga handles character grounding came from episode four of this series. Seeing Thors handling the situation at hand the way he did felt realistic, because of how the series already had developed him as a character. Some might argue his ideals were naive, and I might agree, but that doesn't make his actions feel any less real.

But, forget about Thors and his ideals for a second. Forget the fantastic animation quality of the episode and lets for the love of God forget how unrealistic it actually is to jump ten meters straight.

Let's focus on Askeladd. We'd already seen a glimpse of him during the previous episode, where he shows up and immediately establishes himself as the slippery kind of crook guy that doesn't hesitate to step on any kind of honor to get what he wants. What's truly amazing about this next episode is seeing Askeladd handling Thors and their diametrical ideals confronting one another. The respect Askeladd managed to feel for a man whose view of the world really is his polar opposite, as well as the complex array of emotions he felt during the episode just added another level of layer to his character.

That's grounding a character in a story, and that's doing it in just one episode. That, is superb.

I've seen some compare this to Attack on Titan, and I get it. A main character that's growing through a search for revenge and all that jazz. The series I'd like to compare this to would rather be early Berserk and early Game of Thrones, though. The fact that these two shows were able to build a believable universe with an intriguing plot during such a short period of time with relatable emotions built upon actual realism is what made them true masterpieces.

I'm not saying Vinland Saga will ascend. I'm not even saying it will keep on delivering.

I'm saying it's already a masterpiece.

Masterpiece

[vibhus-17780 · 10/10 · 21 June 2023]

Vinland Saga takes us into the unforgettable journey through violence , vengeance , war , politics , sorrow and pursuit of peace leaving us with a great impact . True strength of this anime lies in the powerful storytelling , with commendable characters and its character arcs . It's not an usual anime series and don't expect more action sequence , it's just pure drama with few good action sequences . Characters and their character development were exceptional , especially Thorfinn from vengeful warrior to seeker of redemption , very well written character , and not only him even the characters with less screen time leaving an impact among us . Dialogues were literally hard hitting and spot on enhances the drama with well composed adrenaline pumping sound track . Anime had some good action sequence , especially battles sequence in season 1 were very well choreographed with raw violence and gore delivering immersive visual experience .

Overall , Vinland Saga is a pure masterpiece with its pure drama , commendable characters , well written dialogues and some immersive visual action sequence . Must watch anime series and kindly don't miss out to watch this .

Vinland Saga

[0U · 19 March 2020]

Story The story is about revenge and the growth of are main character as his views change from a boy to a pure blooded viking. While the show is slow paced the characters and action will hold your interest.

Art The art in the show is really well done since it's made by Wit Studio the same people who do Shingeki no Kyojin and many other damn good looking anime. Unfortunately the only part in the anime that looks bad at times is the sea and for a viking show that's kinda bad but since the rest of the show looks so good i'm willing to overlook the bad cgi water.

Music Hmm music is 50/50 for me while it sounds good like the op is one of my fav this season but the rest of the music doesn't really fit a viking show now it is good just for me doesn't really fit the setting.

Character So far I've really liked the characters they look and act like vikings and i'm enjoying are main character growth.

Enjoyment I love this show so far and i've only heard good things from the manga readers so i'm really looking to see more from the story.

Started really well but became boring

[meetvince · 7/10 · 2 September 2021]

The show starts really well but then tapers off. They killed Thors too soon. What starts out to be a story of thorfinn but loses focus and instead becomes story of Askeladd. Don't know why they had to that. There is no strong storyline behind thorfinn following Askeladd and after all that hype Askeladd dies at the hand of another boring character Canute. Too many filler episodes.

Not great

[mcron-44793 · 5/10 · 10 July 2022]

There may be an interesting story to be told considering the source material, but the anime is not really great. The characters constantly have to tell the audience what they are feeling (this is a shortcoming of many animes tbh), be it spoken word or "inner" monolog. There are lots of exaggerated dumb noises and dumb looks on peoples faces to telegraph that they are surprised. Thorfinn's constant whining gets annoying. Thorkell is portrayed as a complete moron. Sublety at its best. Becomes boring pretty quickly.

This has to be one of the best animated series.

[punitshirodkar · 10/10 · 22 June 2023]

The story teaches the gruesome history of humankind and where it leads eventually if it goes down the road of the most hellishest of hells.

The world we live in right now is also surrounded by misguided notions of power which nobody truly wants, all a human wants is peace and love and to experience it in abundance. But maybe without knowing hell we cannot know heaven, without experiencing torment it seems we won't value euphoria.

Thors realized this as he tried to embark those values on his son who had to go through this journey to understand the value of it. This series is a gift to the world of living.

Arigatou Gosaimasu!

Great series that got even better with the new season

[silberberch · 10/10 · 20 June 2023]

This is just an outstanding anime series like no other. If the first season is more of a typical viking action-adventure, then the second season is a remarkable psychological drama, deconstruction of a typical viking hero and a story of rebirth. There are not enough words to convey the emotional impact of the second season. Such anime series are very rare, especially in our time of fan service, template isekai and other schlock. I'm glad that anime industry is still capable of producing something unconventional and bold, like it used to do back in the days when anime was less mainstream and valued originality over safe mediocrity.

Astonishing

[seriouspark · 10/10 · 24 June 2023]

I found the first season shortly after it finished airing because I heard so it was also made by Wit and having such a good impression about AoT i thought I might give it a try. Let me say that I devoured those episodes, I couldn't move from the chair and I think I saw all of the season in a day and half. It was astonishing, Thors, Thorfinn, Askeladd, Floki, Canute. Such complex and interesting characters, i had to wait 3 years for season 2 but it was such a worthwhile wait.

Season 2 is about redemption, re-discovery, pain, loss, hope, despair, sadness, happiness and a whole other carousel of emotions. The journey is simply incredible, the horrors that mankind can inflict on each other and yet even after we realize them we still end up in this vicious circle. Can a man outrun his past? I don't know, but i can't wait to see Thorfinn's next adventures. The animation, voices, and music are perfect. I just wish Crunchyroll would stop censoring limbs and other gore stuff. Respect the creators work, don't censor them.

Also, both the opening themes do such a fantastic job of expressing the feelings i had for both parts of the season, incredible songs. It might not be as hyped as AOT, jjk or Demon slayer, but the story in Vinland Saga far surpasses them, it is simply a must watch.

The Second best Wit Studio's Product after The first : Attack on Titan

[AdityaDev007 · 9/10 · 7 April 2020]

An EPIC Story with great characters. This masterpiece deserves anime of the year but again if Attack on Titan was not in existence. The animation and overall action scenes are visual treat not more comparable with Violet Evergarden. The problem with this is that Wit Studio missed an important thing that is an epic background score which are important for action scenes not to worry more about it because the scenes will grab you so emotionally that you will not require background music. Characters like Askeladd is not renewable in history it will force you to think about his strong intentions though he is not a antagonist or protagonist, This anime is not for War it is more than it

peak

[mohammedalamritnd · 10/10 · 20 June 2023]

Best 2023 anime best season Writing is peak bleach is good but this has better writing and demon slayer is good but it has no good writing in it like this peak season.

Thorfinn is so good in this season he resembles his father so much because his father said "Thorfinn you have no enemies in this world dont hurt other pople who do no harm to you or your family"

Cyberpunk competes with this peak in 2023 to be honest these two might be tied as the best anime in 2023.

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A MUST WATCH

[elijahmakanzu · 10/10 · 2 February 2023]

Amazing storyline! Thorfinn's story is so proundly intense. From the very beginning I have been swept up in the storytelling. This is one of the few series that got me all the way! Great plot, amazing fights. I've enjoyed every episode of season 1 and 2 (uptill ep4). Intro with song "Survive said the prophet" my absolute favorite !! I can feel all of the emotions of the series in this short intro. I'm so curious to know what will happen in season 2. (SPOILER ALERT) Sad though Askelad couldn't make it to season 2. I really hope Thorfinn may find a purpose and hapiness in his life and that he may be the man his father was.. A TRUE WARRIOR.

(Please don't disappoint us.)

A true warrior.

[Mateo-EGC · 10/10 · 6 January 2023]

For me, Vinland Saga is a masterpiece of animation.

From beginning to end it's amazing, at first you can hate certain characters, but then you can like them and feel something for them. It has a great antagonist, and the main character is not just a character.

It's definitely a true Viking story, there are some real details like the cruelty they possessed. Watching Thorfinn's development I loved, from being a boy to a warrior who has a lot to learn, it makes me love the character that much more, and knowing that he doesn't have the script on his side and that not everything revolves around him makes it more enjoyable.

I love the two openings, as well as the endings. It also has a great soundtrack for the suspense and action moments, as it has great battles that I loved watching for their animation and choreography.

I admit I cried with its ending because I didn't expect it, anime in general is unexpected because anything can happen. I can't wait to see more of this beautiful story, to see more about Thorfinn and to know if he will become a true warrior or not.

A Masterpiece of Epic Proportions: Vinland Saga Season 1 and 2 Review

[djjxrxmy · 10/10 · 13 June 2023]

Vinland Saga, the anime adaptation of Makoto Yukimura's historical manga, has graced our screens with its brilliance, delivering an unparalleled storytelling experience that transcends boundaries. Season 1 and 2 of this saga take viewers on an unforgettable journey through war, revenge, and the pursuit of peace, leaving an indelible mark on the medium of anime.

From the very first episode, Vinland Saga captivates with its stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail. The animation quality is nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing intricate character designs, beautifully choreographed battle sequences, and picturesque landscapes that immerse you in the Viking age. The use of vibrant colors and expert cinematography further elevate the visuals, making every scene visually striking and evocative.

But the true strength of Vinland Saga lies in its masterful storytelling. Season 1 introduces us to Thorfinn, the young and vengeful son of a legendary warrior, as he becomes embroiled in the brutal world of Norse warfare. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of themes, exploring the destructive nature of revenge, the futility of violence, and the search for a peaceful existence. It delves deep into the depths of human emotions, painting a profound and thought-provoking portrayal of characters who are driven by their desires, fears, and hopes.

The character development in Vinland Saga is exceptional, with each individual leaving a lasting impression. Thorfinn's journey from a vengeful warrior to a seeker of redemption is nothing short of remarkable. The series delves into his inner turmoil, exploring the impact of his choices and the consequences he faces. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, with multifaceted characters like Askeladd, Thorkell, and Canute, each contributing to the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and personal growth.

One aspect that sets Vinland Saga apart is its ability to balance action-packed sequences with quieter, introspective moments. The intense battles are awe-inspiring, showcasing the brutal reality of combat while maintaining a sense of realism. However, it is in the quieter moments that the true emotional depth of the series shines through. The contemplative dialogues, nuanced interactions, and poignant monologues breathe life into the characters, leaving us emotionally invested in their struggles and triumphs.

Furthermore, the soundtrack of Vinland Saga deserves special mention. Composed by Yutaka Yamada, the music perfectly complements the epic tone of the series. From haunting melodies to adrenaline-pumping tracks, each piece enhances the atmosphere and heightens the emotional impact of every scene. The opening and ending themes, such as "MUKANJYO" by Survive Said The Prophet and "Torches" by Aimer, capture the essence of the narrative, drawing us further into the world of Vinland Saga.

In conclusion, Vinland Saga Season 1 and 2 stand as a testament to the power of storytelling and animation in the anime medium. With its breathtaking visuals, masterful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a captivating soundtrack, this saga transcends expectations and sets a new standard for excellence. It is a triumph of the medium, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers. Whether you're a fan of historical epics, character-driven narratives, or simply great storytelling, Vinland Saga is an absolute must-watch that will resonate with you long after the credits roll.

Mediocre

[qjvrpyz · 31 May 2021]

This was nothing special. It has a very cliché/generic plot. After a few episodes in, you start seeing that atrocious typical anime behavior from the characters (ex: Naruto running, screaming for no reason, stupid jokes and character designs, etc.) which is cringy.

All the characters are very unlikeable except for Ylva, Leif, most of the peasants, and Canute before he went crazy at the end. Speaking of Canute, his little "character development" happened WAY too fast. He changed completely in the blink of an eye. It wasn't realistic at all.

There were some touching moments. But not enough to bring my rating up. All in all, this show is way too long. It could have cut 30% of its episodes and told the same exact story.

I would not recommend to others.

Season 1 = GREAT. Season 2 = A preachy mess.

[divemabini · 6/10 · 30 May 2023]

You can safely stop watching after season 1 concludes. Though it ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, there's enough closure for you to imagine countless ways the gaps could be filled in. It is tense, brutal, engaging, and nearly perfectly paced. Anti-violence without being overt about it. A well-balanced (fictious) look at the turn of the millennium (the first one).

But the second season? Oh God, the second season...where to begin. For brevity's sake:

• The pacing stinks. It is a slog fest.

• Too much introspective "poor-me" dialogue
• The new characters are just not that interesting
• The anti-war slant becomes so overt it smacks you in the face more often than heads gets chopped off
• The "all females are helpless" slant simply to shine a spotlight the size of a landing beacon on toxic masculinity is WAY overdone and becomes a chore to watch. (When in fact, Danish women had quite a few rights and privileges during this era.)

I've already said too much. But, don't believe me? Watch Season 1. I bet you can't take your eyes off the screen. Then watch season 2. I bet the batteries on your remote go dead from fast forwarding so much.

Wanna waste time, See this anime

[mvgmp · 3/10 · 16 December 2020]

4 Episodes in the anime began to show a nice turn, now that I'm 24 episodes out, this was a total waste of time, the protagonist himself is most immature character in the whole series with absolute no character development. The father of protagonist who has a enlightened mind and is most powerful man dies (which I believed was to give a development to the main character), well this leads to give a immense shock and fill the protagonist with rage, and in the whole series he does nothing but show rage over his fathers death, without even learning anything from him, his father gave him the best words he could and the protagonist ignores all of that the whole series, moreover a trap-waifu who is actually a man and a prince gets a incredible character development in just 1 episode, well the main character is not main in a sense , the anime was supposed to be realistic so no powers and no chakra or quirk or big brain time thing, most of the people are idiots and the anime just gets a lot predictable, they compare this with GOT but wait even GOT had sense and a good interesting turn-overs and moreover this being anime makes is more boring to be same as real world, and yea a lot of blood and murder with no character to oppose the cause, the anime didn't do justice with the main character, and well there is not a hint of goodness in any character, all watching slaves being sold and innocent people being killed, its realistic but a lot boring no-one cares about anything is all just mass murder and power greed.