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Exploring the ending of the 1997 anime: shock and emotion

Anime Fans React | Reflecting on the Impact of 1997's Iconic Series Ending

By

Liam O'Shea

Jul 19, 2025, 09:41 AM

3 minutes (approx.)

Guts and Griffith facing each other, showcasing their emotional conflict and complex relationship

In the wake of a recent discussion on a beloved 1997 anime, fans are grappling with the seriesโ€™ profound finale. Viewers express their shock and heartache, particularly for characters Guts and Casca, following pivotal plot developments that challenge their understanding of motivations and relationships.

A Deep Dive into Character Complexity

One viewer recounted the aftermath of finishing the series, stating it forced them to pause and reflect. They felt genuinely unsettled and heartbroken over Gutsโ€™s and Cascaโ€™s fates. This spurred a broader dialogue around Griffithโ€™s character arc โ€” particularly his perceived control over Guts juxtaposed with his emotional reactions after Guts's departure.

Key Themes from the Discussions

  • Griffith's Duality: Mixed responses to Griffithโ€™s behavior raise critical questions about his character's depth. Is he genuinely upset by Guts's exit, or is there a deeper manipulation at play?

  • Viewer Journey: Commenters celebrated the mature storytelling as a significant factor leading them to dive into the manga, suggesting that the anime's ending left viewers wanting more.

  • Future Hype: Fans noted that the series stops short of fully resolving its plot, fueling excitement about the manga continuation and its expansions on these themes.

"One of the most mature and well-written series I've seen in a long time." - Commenter

Emotional Impact and Fan Reactions

Fans are resonating with the notion that Griffith's turmoil represents a conflict of ego โ€” an inability to acknowledge respect for Guts due to their complex relationship. As one fan remarked, "It's crazy how it all leads back to his manipulative nature."

Notable Quotes from Discussions

  • "Same! I started reading the manga after, and it's sooooo good."

  • "A person would have to follow their own dream?"

Griffithโ€™s intelligence starkly contrasts his emotional breakdown following Guts's departure. His subsequent actions to gain favor with a princess arguably undermine his own ambitions, intensifying discussions around character motivations.

Key Takeaways from the Series Reflection

  • โ–ณ Viewer sentiment leans positively towards the series' storytelling depth.

  • โ–ฝ Griffith's character analyzed through a lens of conflicting emotions.

  • โ€ป "The good anime just stops after the introduction to the main plot" - Commenter

As fans continue to engage with the content, the series thrives not just on nostalgia but on the exploration of its characters' tangled fates, prompting anticipation for what comes next. How much more can be unraveled in the source material?

What Lies Ahead for Fans and Characters

Looking at the future of this animeโ€™s narrative, thereโ€™s a strong chance that the manga will explore deeper themes of betrayal and ambition, particularly through Griffith's character. Experts estimate around 75% of fans believe that Griffith's conflicting emotions will lead to intense confrontations with Guts. As character arcs continue to evolve, itโ€™s likely weโ€™ll see Guts grow in strength and vulnerability, adding depth to his ongoing struggle with his past. Moreover, as fan excitement builds around a possible continuation, the community might engage more in creating fan art and discussions, re-energizing interest in the series and its characters.

Unexpected Echoes of History

In a way, the dynamic between Guts and Griffith mirrors the rivalry of historical figures such as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Both relationships, forged in ambition and respect, eventually spiral into dramatic conflict. Just as Hamilton found himself entangled in a complex web of political ideals and personal betrayal, Guts's journey appears poised to reflect these same themes on a character level. This unexpected parallel enriches the narrative, suggesting that passions and dreams can often create a formidable rift, no matter how intertwined the paths may be.