The Most Philosophical Anime Ever Made?

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  • Опубліковано 2 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,4 тис.

  • @TheAutistWhisperer
    @TheAutistWhisperer Рік тому +1233

    A little detail I like, as the show progresses, Vincent's designs starts to look more defined and mature.

    • @Simili84
      @Simili84 Рік тому +132

      yes! at first he's always depicted with his eyes closed, as the show progress towards its climax his eyes open

    • @ronnydanger1337
      @ronnydanger1337 Рік тому +7

      😎👍

    • @Gunsight-One
      @Gunsight-One Рік тому +69

      Subtle but profound effect. Vincent goes from a sleeping God to a fully actualized one in the span of the series.

    • @Drakion11
      @Drakion11 Рік тому +28

      ​@@Simili84 I'm glad I wasn't the only one. When I saw Vincent in the OP I thought that was someone else. But after episode 2 when he fell and opened his eyes I felt a deep understanding on what's happening. Also his eyes being bright green also made it visually more impactful.

    • @DelmiraVesna
      @DelmiraVesna Рік тому +13

      Vince opens up, becomes more aware and more comfortable with himself. It's such a beautiful way to depict someone's character evolution.

  • @christopher4287
    @christopher4287 Рік тому +323

    As a teenager I was utterly enthralled by this anime. Even though I couldn’t fully grasp it. I was spellbound by its existential mysteries. So I collected all the DVDs. I may need to dust them off now. BTW: I would definitely like part 2 please!

    • @youngmo77
      @youngmo77 8 місяців тому +4

      Well I was a full blow adult and struggled to grasp the depth of this animé. Here I am in my mid 40's, having indulged more then once on the entire series, and still needs more viewings to further my understanding. 🙏🏽

    • @beastguyson
      @beastguyson 2 місяці тому

      It's really not that deep and that is the issue...

  • @Braptist
    @Braptist Рік тому +491

    The intro of this anime gave me a feeling of nostalgia for something i have not experienced before. It's magical and this anime is exactly the style i like.

    • @kaythefirst2195
      @kaythefirst2195 Рік тому +17

      Monoral - Kiri

    • @DelmiraVesna
      @DelmiraVesna Рік тому +18

      Same with me! I think it's the music and the edit. It's like a time capsule of late 90s-early 2000s.

    • @StarSpliter
      @StarSpliter Рік тому +7

      I remember binge watching this anime like 5 years ago. At like 3 am the opening genuinely made me feel high and goofy as it sounds. So... soothing? Not quite sure how to explain it.

    • @justsomeguywithoutprofile7684
      @justsomeguywithoutprofile7684 Рік тому +2

      Same bro
      Same

    • @OneWithinn
      @OneWithinn Рік тому

      Idk, I really couldn't get into it

  • @arklyshill
    @arklyshill Рік тому +16

    Definitely wanna see part 2. I finished Ergo Proxy a couple of weeks ago and loved its philosophical themes. The intro song "Kiri" by MONORAL had been stuck with me for weeks. I think the song speaks about humans who left the Earth, including Vincent's head-spiraling journey, but probably holds much more than that.

  • @Pandaemoni
    @Pandaemoni Рік тому +561

    I'd enjoy a Part 2. This was an anime I loved...and that my friends all hatred. I return to it every couple years.

    • @DrDolan2000
      @DrDolan2000 Рік тому +4

      Damn; they hated it? Why?

    • @DominusNox106
      @DominusNox106 Рік тому +16

      Same with me. There is another unknown anime that I love. It's not as deep as Ergo Proxy but it is a question asked. It's called Generator Gawl. It's a fun romp and I recommend to everyone.

    • @supergobgoblin424
      @supergobgoblin424 Рік тому +10

      Get new friends...and bury the older ones

    • @amedeodionisi8477
      @amedeodionisi8477 Рік тому +4

      I always loved it and was lucky enough to have friend that liked it as well, even if they didn't liked it as much as I did xD

    • @Triumvirate3
      @Triumvirate3 Рік тому +1

      I loved it and got my siblings to watch it too. I think the impression was deepest on me, but it left a mark on them too

  • @EzekielGoldbergII
    @EzekielGoldbergII Рік тому +69

    I'm so happy that you watched this! It's one of the most mind blowing animes of all times and doesn't get half the recognition it deserves.

  • @BlackCroLong
    @BlackCroLong Рік тому +389

    Ergo Proxy is an masterpiece. I have the collectors edition with two booklets explaining the philosophical influences

    • @onesimonhaca1752
      @onesimonhaca1752 Рік тому +8

      That's awesome, where did you get them?

    • @Christian-hu4iv
      @Christian-hu4iv Рік тому +1

      Where did u get?

    • @darth_mooseus
      @darth_mooseus Рік тому

      following.

    • @spacenomad4477
      @spacenomad4477 Рік тому +1

      Can you share some photos of the booklets?

    • @BlackCroLong
      @BlackCroLong Рік тому +14

      @@onesimonhaca1752 it's in german. I think there is an italian version too. in Europe there have been the same two booklets internationally in every edition.

  • @martiuscastle
    @martiuscastle 10 місяців тому +94

    Not only the most philosophical, but the one with the most cinematography in it. I love how the main's eyes open when he is being true to himself. And Pino, what a journey.

  • @gertl
    @gertl Рік тому +448

    Ergo Proxy is definitely my favorite anime, I would love to see a part 2. I wish there were more anime originals that experimented like this

    • @Queggletank
      @Queggletank Рік тому +18

      Sonny Boy is pretty wild too

    • @tamzeedrahman3323
      @tamzeedrahman3323 Рік тому +7

      @@Queggletank THIIIISS I JUST FINISHED SONNY BOY I CRIED

    • @lolos8720
      @lolos8720 Рік тому +2

      i would argue texhnolyze is even better, and i love proxy

    • @NeostormXLMAX
      @NeostormXLMAX Рік тому +2

      Lots do. But no one pays attention to these things anymore.
      Like the recent anime “the fire hunter” with similar levels of world building to this but everyone hated it since it was slow same with shinsekainyori originally

    • @LucyFerr000
      @LucyFerr000 Рік тому +2

      Y'all ever seen the anime Texhnolyze?
      It's a slow burn like Ergo Proxy and made me question my existence. lol

  • @astrocatDOTexe
    @astrocatDOTexe Рік тому +24

    This anime is a special interest of mine (it’s practically my whole personality). It really means a lot to me, and it genuinely makes me happy that more and more people are trying to give the show a chance. I understand that people cannot get into the show the first time around, and I can understand that the show definitely has it’s flaws. The show’s themes of philosophy really add charm to the show, although it’s unfortunate that those very themes can sometimes push people away (along with the pacing of course).
    I look forward to the part 2 you make, I love watching people talk about the show!! ♡

  • @Lesandira
    @Lesandira Рік тому +179

    I love Ergo Proxy so much. There was fansub back when it first released that explained all the philosophical and artistic elements in the anime, which was a great help.

    • @ArmitageShanksuk
      @ArmitageShanksuk Рік тому +13

      I had this! Lost it and could never retrace that glorious fansub. It broke down some really useful bits after each eps credits?

    • @Proxyy7
      @Proxyy7 Рік тому

      I watched that one as well, but deleted it when I got my box set, which I still regret to this day

    • @jase276
      @jase276 Рік тому +5

      If anyone knows where to find this that'd be great

    • @Lacidios
      @Lacidios 10 місяців тому

      @@jase276 , I don't know who will read this months later, but the sub group is very likely Shinsen-Subs. They usually had one to several pages of reference breakdowns at the end of each episode. I honestly really appreciated the work they put in to something they weren't paid for, and watching the story while knowing every hidden reference (even ones that only lasted a few frames) is a part of why the anime is my number one. The fansubs are still around if you know where to look for fansubs, in general.

    • @Hoppitot
      @Hoppitot Місяць тому +1

      "oniichan lets play" *editors note: oniichan means brother* god I miss these days

  • @kimi7396
    @kimi7396 Рік тому +23

    Your spoiler-free analysis was so well-written that it convinced me to binge all 23 episodes - very good dub by the way.
    Made me appreciate the rest a LOT more, just wanted to say the format and split between spoiler-free and spoilers was a fantastic decision.

    • @ShadowCthulhu
      @ShadowCthulhu 6 місяців тому

      I watched this subtitled though I have to wonder if they pronounce it as Ergo or Airgo. Great series though

  • @myfilthybean511
    @myfilthybean511 Рік тому +64

    Man please do a part 2 of this..
    Hearing the full explanation of this gives me goosebumps

  • @angelic_stargaze
    @angelic_stargaze 8 місяців тому +13

    I am [not] a simple woman.
    I see Ergo Proxy and so I click.
    This story was recommended to me +10 years ago and it will remain as one of my favorites til I die, along with FMA Brotherhood, curiously enough.
    It’s the type of anime you keep coming back to throughout the years and digesting in different ways as you grow.

  • @JohnDWJ
    @JohnDWJ Рік тому +42

    I adore this dark twisty anime (lost in time to so many).
    Such incredible depth and artistry. Thank you for this!

  • @benjii_boi
    @benjii_boi Рік тому +3

    Ergo Proxy has been a favourite of mine for years. Almost never see anyone talking about it for how much of an absolute gem it is

  • @mojonojo3
    @mojonojo3 Рік тому +839

    obligatory engagement post

  • @JoshRobertsonArt
    @JoshRobertsonArt 4 дні тому

    I saw this anime YEARS ago without this kind of knowledge or understanding. I definitely want to watch it again with this new information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight.

  • @jaxluczar3262
    @jaxluczar3262 Рік тому +47

    Definitely a part 2! I never put it together that Proxy 1 was Ergo's 'father' and Monad his 'mother', so that was interesting. From what I initially understood was that Vincent and Re-L were copies of the proxies that were going to live out the same thing over and over. Despite anything different they did, it would lead to the same path as the original proxies.
    I also took the anime as a way to potentially show God's suffering because his creations. They hate him despite all he did for them (create them, feed them, shelter them) And how he sets up to wipe them out while making himself forget so he can be among them until the end. And he'd start over, again hoping that his creations love him.

    • @DeusGamez
      @DeusGamez Рік тому

      its more so the fallen angels troupe the proxies fell from grace despite given the grand order by their creator(the original human race) to find salvation for their doomed planet and dying species, you could say Proxy 1 is not god but in fact the Satan figure of the story rebelling against his creators for leaving him behind so he rules over the earth until eventually he just cant stand the sight of the pathetic artificial humans created in the image of his creators whom he grew to despise an vowed to destroy.

  • @MilkenGamer42
    @MilkenGamer42 Рік тому +2

    I remember it took me a few tries to get into this show. I feel like the hardest part was just getting past the part before Re-l left the dome.
    I remember being blown away by the ending, and the show just gave off a feeling of profoundness. I consider it to be one of my favorite shows! I really love your take on this, Max!

    • @Senumunu
      @Senumunu Рік тому +1

      yea the way the plot is structured and episodes sometimes losing continuity with each other
      makes it quite hard for the average viewer, who is conditioned by other structures, to remain engaged.

  • @ellocosjchushhxha
    @ellocosjchushhxha Рік тому +9

    PART 2 is a must, we need it! Your meditation metaphor is exactly what I needed to hear and sometimes other's perspectives can open doors which you couldn't even see before. I watched this show beginning to end but am ignorant to a majority of the concepts that you present. So, for me to get out what the show intended I need your analysis, and then probably a rewatch lol

  • @hollowman9410
    @hollowman9410 8 місяців тому +3

    After watching texhnolyze, I will never quit a show due to being slow. There is no show slower than texhnolyze.

  • @demonickin0
    @demonickin0 Рік тому +92

    Normally, I keep to lurking on social platforms.
    However, I am so excited for this proposed part 2! Please do so, your work is greatly appreciated and I'm looking forward to watching more!

  • @dontajones5994
    @dontajones5994 11 місяців тому +1

    6:38 after hearing this part, I immediately thought of the game Scorn, a game which I now feel has heavily taken inspiration from this Anime and other stories with artificial birthing, predetermined roles, collective consciousness, and a near collapsed/dystopian civilization.

  • @jaybooze5462
    @jaybooze5462 Рік тому +31

    Ergo Proxy and Xenogears are incredible experiences. They're the top of their crafts in my opinion. Please do a part 2.

  • @kubebrick7275
    @kubebrick7275 Рік тому +1

    part two please! Ergo Proxy is one of my absolute favorite anime, I would love to see you explore it more!

  • @alfredolopez9642
    @alfredolopez9642 Рік тому +5

    You bet I'd love another video on this magnificent anime. The first time I watched it it was so confusing and mysterious but, at the same time I just knew that this was something really profound, cerebral and special. That is the same feeling that I got the first time I watched Evangelion.
    Great work, Max. 🖤👏🏻

  • @shinprior960
    @shinprior960 Рік тому

    Many years ago I discovered Ergo Proxy thanks to a comment on a UA-cam video covering the philosophy of a certain other anime.. It's so satisfying to see this video covering it all these years later.

  • @Mikolaj1334
    @Mikolaj1334 Рік тому +8

    Soooooo... Maybe "Cashern Sins" next ;)
    PS: And, of course, Max. You should do an episode two that looks deeper into this iceberg.

  • @sandeepsidhu99
    @sandeepsidhu99 Рік тому +1

    Great analysis! Cannot wait for Part 2!

  • @serbza
    @serbza Рік тому +15

    I searched animes like Ghost In The Shell and Ergo Proxy was in all the lists. I knew I had to watch it. Incredible work as always, keep it up man!

  • @franzeusq
    @franzeusq Рік тому +2

    When a request becomes trolling.

  • @atom6799
    @atom6799 Рік тому +142

    i think Kino's Journey in which basically every episode is some sort of philosophical concept unfolded probably has this beat. In each episode, Kino visits a new country, encountering different cultures, customs, and philosophies. The countries she visits are often utopias or dystopias, and Kino's observations and experiences provide insight into the strengths and flaws of each society. Throughout her journey, Kino remains a neutral observer, never taking sides or interfering with the affairs of others, but instead providing a lens through which the audience can view the world. It doesn't really have an overarching story line so you can literally watch any episode and get something out of it.

    • @bondrewdthenovel3598
      @bondrewdthenovel3598 Рік тому +3

      Kino is perhaps the best example of a good support character. Also she gave the tension relief that the plot needed.

    • @At0m5k
      @At0m5k Рік тому +24

      @@bondrewdthenovel3598 You're thinking of Pino, a character in Ergo Proxy. Atom is referring to an entirely different anime altogether called "Kino's Journey"

    • @differentbutsimilar7893
      @differentbutsimilar7893 Рік тому +11

      Kino no Tabi is a gem for sure.
      I also think it has it beat in the GENERAL philosophical department. Kino is an observer, tries to stay a neutral party going to all of these odd places that all seem to exist in their own vaccums. Each one represents a certain philosophy, or set of big picture ideas about what is right for people, what leads to happiness, prosperity, safety, growth... hell, what it is that a society SHOULD pursue in the first place, if not these things. That is a question also posed by some of the locations themselves... the people in them, and the systems they live by. They all have their own angles on the questions regarding what a society is for. But there are also some absolutely fascinating philosophical and ethical conflicts that Kino herself is forced to confront on her journey. Kino is very thoughtful. She contemplates the reasons for everything she does, and the little bit of framing we get through her little interactions cover a lot of philosophical ground across place and time. She will barely remark on it in dialogue, but every reason given is archetypal, basically a summation of a whole thought process that you can piece together when you factor her most opaque phrases against the narratives they emerge amongst. Kino tells you nothing, but shows you everything. Every episode is like a parable told both through the locations, and Kino herself. She makes more moral decisions than she herself realizes at times, has drives she doesn't entirely know about or understand. Kino does not go unchallenged, her very survival is essentially dependent upon who she thinks she is, and where in the world she finds her values and lessons.
      I also kind of disagree that there isn't a main story. It's just told in that more lackadaisical, in-and-out of focus way. Like Cowboy Bebop. But Kino is also growing and learning who she really is, what she's about, and why she herself chooses the life she does. After each adventure, she emerges with new insights and questions about herself and her existence. You wonder about that the whole time... what does she get out of it? Why is someone so contemplative prone never to linger, as a rule, even!? Why, indeed. The show doesn't really want to tell you outright, but it does seem to want you to ask. And I think it gives you plenty to look to, even if little screentime is ever given to her past.
      She really does have a story in the way that Spike has a story. And just like Cowboy Bebop, it eschews a traditionally satisfying narrative structure in order to invoke the audience's more intrinsic motivators, tries to get the show inside of your head by forcing you to figure out what you think is going on and what it means for the characters.

    • @shira_yone
      @shira_yone Рік тому +4

      I love Kino no Tabi since I am unfortunately not into horror plus what some call "edgy" atmosphere (which most deep philosophical anime tends to be). Max said Ergo Proxy is like meditation, but Kino no Tabi might've fit that description even more with how _seemingly_ relaxing and comforting the aesthetic and overall atmosphere are, while still providing the material for deep contemplation.

    • @shanetaylor761
      @shanetaylor761 Рік тому

      @@shira_yone I can understand not liking horror but you gotta have a little edge with your shows every once in a while lol.

  • @1MykHyn
    @1MykHyn Рік тому +1

    Never watched it. Being a huge fan of these cyberpunk/dystopian universes and a scholar myself in esoteric philosophy, I'll be watching this anime for the first time. Yeah, it'll be one of those moments to cherish I'm guessing where people wish they can watch this for the first time all over again. I am very excited and I'm definitely going to savor every single moment of this

  • @cassandralyris4918
    @cassandralyris4918 Рік тому +6

    Huh, ironically I never suggested Ergo Proxy because I never finished it because I found it boring too. Which is kind of odd, because I can usually power through that. But, I will take your suggestion and give it another chance.
    Other esoteric anime you could check out:
    BoogiePop Phantom
    Final Fantasy Unlimited
    Witchblade (yes, really)
    Finally tackle Paprika, maybe? (I am a Satoshi Kon junkie, I know.)
    Thanks for another great video, Max! Always a good time.

  • @Badguy292
    @Badguy292 Рік тому +1

    Literally binge-watched the entire 10 hours of Ergo Proxy thanks to this video, it's a slow burn, but I love it. Thank you.

  • @devinmccrorey4911
    @devinmccrorey4911 Рік тому

    Great video! So glad I came across your channel. And yes I can't wait for part 2.

  • @midlandredux
    @midlandredux 8 місяців тому +3

    Hmmm . . . I enjoyed Ergo Proxy immensely for the atmosphere, the intense characters, and the visuals. Had no idea there was any philosophy involved, but I'll take your word for it.

    • @gsegarra21
      @gsegarra21 6 місяців тому +2

      Based take I saw hot investigator cool looking character and lil sis pink vibing and was like sign me up im here

  • @chadgarcia983
    @chadgarcia983 Рік тому

    I like the "there will come soft rains" episode where an abandoned automated dome continues to function after the all humans are gone. After the proxy is killed by Vincent the cogito virus infects the other machines who stop doing automated functions.

  • @soup_samurai32
    @soup_samurai32 Рік тому +8

    Always had issues enjoying the moment to moment of shows like Proxy or Serial experiments lain. Always had more fun ruminating on their themes, with videos like this. Would love to see you put something out on Wolf’s Rain, if you havent yet

  • @coldboy2628
    @coldboy2628 Рік тому

    The alchemy reference did blow me away, I didn't see that when I watched it. Do a part 2 of ERGO PROXY please!! 🙏

  • @Griffolion0
    @Griffolion0 Рік тому +8

    I have never watched an anime with the aesthetic EP has. It's truly a unique gem. There's nothing else like it.

  • @Kyojinsei
    @Kyojinsei Рік тому

    To have a friend like you again would be amazing. MAX, I thouroughly enjoy your videos and analysis. Thank you for proving im not the only person who found these media's enriching.

  • @KLR-rp6pn
    @KLR-rp6pn Рік тому +31

    This anime is CRIMINALLY underrated

    • @Onigatana
      @Onigatana 3 місяці тому

      One of the best anime I've ever watched.

  • @sadwizard9386
    @sadwizard9386 Рік тому

    Finally, my favourite youtuber unpacking the title that made me interested in Gnostic traditions in the first place... Thank you man, keep it up!
    Also, what I would LOVE to see you cover in the future are the works of Grant Morrison (mainly the Eternals and Serious House on a Serious Earth), imo there is definetely not enough essays covering his occult hypertextuality in regards to the medium he's working in, as well as breacking down his alchemical/Thelemite/gnosic symbolism

  • @Esko354
    @Esko354 Рік тому +9

    Given the high standard of analysis you have created,this video BEGS for a sequel. We beg for a sequel

  • @Tomorrowomari
    @Tomorrowomari Рік тому

    One of my favorite anime deep cuts. Your breakdown was well written very interested in you going even deeper

  • @tommasomazza9484
    @tommasomazza9484 Рік тому +19

    I wished to understand this damn anime for 12 years. Through the episodes I felt like there were many things that I was loosing.
    Thanks for giving me some of the keys of this puzzle.
    Hope and wait for a part 2

    • @dntas9548
      @dntas9548 Місяць тому

      There is no part 2.

    • @tommasomazza9484
      @tommasomazza9484 Місяць тому +1

      I think so. But it would be interesting. As Max said, there's a lot more to analyse in this anime, especially in the mid and the final parts.

  • @GenTristan
    @GenTristan 4 місяці тому +1

    I love this anime so much. I've watched it about 5 or 6 times now. It's almost a yearly tradition for me, now. Every time I watch it I notice new things and get the plot more and more each time. (dub is the way to go for this imo)

  • @steadyrow
    @steadyrow Рік тому +8

    what i'm finding is that the things i'm interested in that i consistently put off are usually things that I'm just not ready or in a state to take on. Forcing yourself to approach things you're not meant to approach yet, even if they may be great or even the things you need to approach, distracts from the things you are meant to approach now.

  • @Dzugoslav
    @Dzugoslav Рік тому +1

    Yes please, bless us with part two.

  • @MrTheguywithalife
    @MrTheguywithalife Рік тому +4

    Yes, give us an Ergo Proxy philosophy analysis video, please.

  • @javierc4967
    @javierc4967 Рік тому

    Please do a part two🙏. There is so much more to this masterpiece of a show that needs to be addressed.

  • @xenn4985
    @xenn4985 8 місяців тому +3

    Ill put it like this. Philosophical anime are... philisophical.
    Ergo proxy is deep.

  • @brewmeup5827
    @brewmeup5827 Рік тому

    This must be the best discection of Ergo Proxy I have seen. Definitely interested in hearing more of your analysis.

  • @JonathanHollandHolland
    @JonathanHollandHolland 10 місяців тому +8

    Please, Please, Please make a part 2 of this video. You're really helping me and probably a lot of others understand what Ergo Proxy is truly about. Also, you're really good at it.

  • @kittykat896
    @kittykat896 Рік тому

    Part 2 please! Not enough people discuss this, my favorite anime, so it'd be much appreciated. Thanx😁

  • @jacobbelow4136
    @jacobbelow4136 Рік тому +10

    Excellent analysis! It’s very much true that sometimes we sometimes have to revisit something to truly appreciate it. Some things I thought to myself “I recognize that there is a lot of artistic merit to this work, it just isn’t for me”, but then went back to revisit after being suggested a whole new way of looking at it…and then thinking to myself “Wow did I miss something amazing that first time around!” It’s largely why I don’t care too much about a movie or show being “spoiled” for me, because even if I know what’s to come, the experience itself can still provide me with enough that allows me to supply my own personal interpretation, and thus give my own meaning!
    And as a side note,one of my favorite classes in high school was about world religion, as it has helped me to recognize different cultural values and integrate different into my life that enrich it-including proper meditation!

  • @chacachaca11
    @chacachaca11 Рік тому

    Bro you have no idea how much I appreciate this video. I’ve always thought this anime was something special and you just blew my freaking mind in helping me understand the story more and why I’m so attracted to it. Please part 2

  • @anastasiaellison913
    @anastasiaellison913 Рік тому +37

    You have no idea how excited I was when I saw this pop up on my feed today. It was hilarious hearing you say Ergo Proxy has been recommended to you with ‘zealotry’ as my friends have been calling me the prophet of Ergo Proxy for years now because of how hard I try to push this anime onto new people 😂
    It’s an incredible piece of media that I think you have to be in the right head space to enjoy, but I’m so happy you were able to get into it this time and truly hope you follow up on this!

    • @bowwing333
      @bowwing333 Рік тому +2

      Haha same here! I lived in the middle of no where Montana and I sorta just picked it up on a bit of a whim and a ...weird but confident kind of feeling...as if as soon as I saw it, it called me. I watched this first volume 30-50 times before the years went by and I managed to get the following ones. My friends would come over and we would watch this first volume over and over having hours long conversations about it and sharing the new things we would discover..little hidden details. It was really something. It really left a big impact on me, so much so, I had always planned to name one of my daughters, if I ever had one, after Re-L.

  • @Landon783
    @Landon783 2 місяці тому

    I had been recommended Ergo Proxy a lot as well. At first, it seemed like the first 3 episodes were needed for foundation of the world to build the story on and the last 3 episodes were where everything was eventually revealed. By the end of my first time through, it felt like this show had a hollow core, basically a waste of hours of my time. However as I thought about it more after the fact, it seemed very strange that such an odd, highly-praised work, with admittedly an epic tier finale, would simply waste so much time. I had surmised that the core wasn't actually hollow, but instead I just wasn't able to see its true depth and relevance.
    I'm glad you're here to help us with discovering that depth. I enjoy many of the similar works in this genre that you listed. So, I appreciate the time you've taken to study this and lay it out for us. Who knows, perhaps your findings will encourage me to go attempt watching it another time to better enjoy these layers you've peeled back for us.

  • @magus3ndr
    @magus3ndr Рік тому +8

    Thank you for uploading this. I've watched Ergo Proxy multiple times snd had somehow completely missed some of the basics, such as the original humans returning at the end and how much weight that actually carries, as well as why the uninhabited towns were kept prestine.
    A part two would be amazing.

  • @origamipapercut4682
    @origamipapercut4682 Рік тому

    Ok, I’ll try this one again. You describe my reaction to trying to start this one, several times, perfectly.

  • @grahu8458
    @grahu8458 Рік тому +30

    I recommend you to play a visual novel called Subarashiki Hibi or Wonderful Everyday. It's pretty long and quite seriously disturbing in its content but also is, arguably, one of the most philosophical stories ever written. It cites many works of literature but the philosophy of Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus stands as the main theme of the game.

    • @superioropinion7116
      @superioropinion7116 Рік тому +2

      That would be very interesting.Imagine this would the first VN he ever played

    • @invoicequaint
      @invoicequaint Рік тому

      @@superioropinion7116 he's got higurashi and umineko in his backlog i believe thanks to silent hill f

    • @anomitas
      @anomitas Рік тому

      @@invoicequaint umineko??? Absolutely based

    • @bernhardvonbarret1729
      @bernhardvonbarret1729 Рік тому

      Saya no Uta...

  • @charlesc2095
    @charlesc2095 Рік тому

    Watched this way back in the mid 2000's as a (digital) arts student taking up art history class at the time and I absolutely loved the multiple references not just to philosophy but great works of art (and artists)

  • @jondergarcia7517
    @jondergarcia7517 Рік тому +7

    Max, thank you so much for this. It blows my mind how everytime I listen to someone's thoughts on ergo proxy there is something that totally went over my head in all of my multiple sittings trough the show. It just blows my mind how much this anime has to say and how much of it remains hidden to average people like me until someone like you points it out.

  • @arivana10
    @arivana10 Рік тому

    I just finished Ergo Proxy and absolutely loved it. So I immediately came here to watch this. I would love to see a part 2 because this anime is one those that I have been thinking about ever since I finished it. It has so many things to pick apart and dive into. Would love to see further explanations especially for Re-L and maybe even the proxies.

  • @1rez378
    @1rez378 Рік тому +4

    I can't believe it was around 15 years since I last watched it.

  • @yanhakuev8262
    @yanhakuev8262 Рік тому

    Great vid, definately would like to see pt. 2. There are not So many media like Ergo Proxy. Unique, mystical and kinda melancholic atmosphere.

  • @zygfrydvolt1281
    @zygfrydvolt1281 Рік тому +4

    I was waiting for this one. I am glad you we're able to get through it.
    Now if you only put your sight towards Mushishi everything would be perfect.😅

    • @HangerHangar
      @HangerHangar Рік тому +1

      I kinda figured Mushishi as being a horror series, so subverted and "chilled" out that it's meant to inspire wonder instead. The people Ginko helps certainly do live a horror movie experience, but he himself is just so familiar with "the rules" that it's more like putting a puzzle together.

    • @Lin_Eileen
      @Lin_Eileen Рік тому

      @@HangerHangar That's a cool take. I always viewed it as a occult detective experience which encourages reflection. Coming from other occult detective anime stories like Bakemonogatari where the "monsters" are allegorical for mental health issues I kinda naturally took this more metaphorical stance to the supernatural aspects but I believe it can be perceived as more of a subversive horror with real monsters that just aren't very threatening

    • @squirlmy
      @squirlmy 6 місяців тому

      Mushshishi has not just one, but two amazing theme songs. If you closely read the lyrics of the furst theme song, you'll understand why they changed it. Besides the songs, the totally amazing artwork, and plot of every episode. I wasn't interested in anime at all, until I found this series. Very awesome stuff!

  • @Gunsight-One
    @Gunsight-One Рік тому

    I've been waiting for this. I love Ergo Proxy, and you know what? It is slow. But man those layers upon layers of intrigue and questions had me absolutely hooked. I also loved the character and art designs in this series. It always looks really good too, if a little dark and dreary in tone. Glad you powered through it Max, because this is most definitely an anime right up your alley.

  • @futavadumnezo
    @futavadumnezo Рік тому +3

    One of my favorite anime together with Psycho-Pass.
    I'd call the story in Psycho-Pass a piece of art with deep philosophical meaning.

  • @unFayemous
    @unFayemous Рік тому

    Ergo proxy and Serial experiments Lain were my favourite animes as a teenager and young adult. Listening to opening tracks still gives me the chills.

  • @SeiichirouUta
    @SeiichirouUta Рік тому +4

    A second part would be amazing. But even if it never happens: This video in itself makes me so happy. Since there was no comment on the recommendations I always worried that Max had already watched it but simply didn't enjoy it. Seeing that this video only touches "surface level" and yet is already longer than many of the newer videos on this channel shows how deep this anime actually goes even in Max's experienced eyes. I myself enjoyed everything about Ergo Proxy: The possibility to learn about different schools of philosophy, the characters (to this day Pino is one of my all-time fav chars), the music (I still listen to it regularely and I got to love Monoral thanks to the opening), the design and - most of all - the slow pace. Every single episode made me sit down and think about it. Some puzzled me. Some scared me. Some made me angry. Some sad. Some made me wonder about myself. I was lucky enough to have watched it back when it got released, so I had enough time to contemplate between each episode. Maybe that's why I got to love this anime so much. In my more than 30 years of watching anime, no other has had such an impact on me.
    Also the ending track is one of the imo best songs by Radiohead, my favourite band. But that's just the cherry on top. :) Thanks for yet another great video, Max.

  • @fredrichman2009
    @fredrichman2009 7 місяців тому

    I get the absolute best recommendations from you. Which I'm thankful for, but it's also frustrating because I need to add another show to my list now lol.

  • @NilVoidmancer
    @NilVoidmancer Рік тому +6

    I watched this series a total of 5 times already, understood it only on the 3rd watch and thought I was pretty done uncovering things at the 5th watch, but this video proves there's really so, so many ideas put into this anime. Hoping for part 2!

    • @BigrookieMER
      @BigrookieMER Рік тому

      I watched it 3 times, and I had no Idea that Proxy one was his father.

    • @mikfhan
      @mikfhan Рік тому +1

      YeahI kinda got the impression they were all the same. Id=ergoproxy Ego=VincentLaw Superego=ProxyOne so the final controntation is really just all three integrating like the first two did in the "library" several episodes earlier. The torment of knowing their fate pushing Proxy One into destroying his memory and leaving Romdeau. So much that when Vincent Law has part of his memory restored, Proxy One is still hidden away to reintegrate by the end, maybe hoping the journey gave him new insights. I guess we get a glimpse of that insight as his eyes light up when the original humens descend through the atmosphere. That is when it all became perfectly clear, the malice implanted by the creator. Death of god. Gogo part two! :D

  • @Nobodyknowsme-q1s
    @Nobodyknowsme-q1s 11 місяців тому

    I honestly love ergo proxy since I’m a lain fan there’s always something captivating to me about old anime like the semi realistic character designs or the shade and color palette but the philosophical aspects of lain and ergo are something I’m here for

  • @nobobonobo
    @nobobonobo Рік тому +4

    How did esoteric Gnosticism become so popular in Japanese writing? There aren't missionaries spreading this as far as I know

    • @maxderrat
      @maxderrat  Рік тому +4

      A seeker of hermetic truth is not bound by culture or geography.

    • @nobobonobo
      @nobobonobo Рік тому +2

      @@maxderrat logistically speaking tho, who taught them about it? Most of this stuff was written before gnosticism became trendy on the Internet

    • @squirlmy
      @squirlmy 6 місяців тому

      I think exactly because there were no missionaries. Gnosticism was brutally supressed in Europe, particularly against the Cathars of southern France. And hardly known in the West, until the Nag Hammadi scrolls were found in the 1960s. It's very much in line with Zoroastrianism from Persia. East meets West. I think the Japanese appreciated it precisely because it was violently suppressed and nearly destroyed by medieval European Christianity. In a country dominated by Shintoism and Buddhism, alternative Christian thought is easier to appreciate. It's not "blasphemous".

    • @ludonymous526
      @ludonymous526 Місяць тому

      My interpretation of this one? It's actually more Buddhist than anything (with a whole lot of philosophy mixed in), because Gnosticism doesn't have many of the edges that makes Buddhism such a compelling and interesting belief system.

  • @Oliverph0enix
    @Oliverph0enix Рік тому +2

    Bro did the honest trailer thing 😂

  • @niezbo
    @niezbo Рік тому +10

    I remember I've approached EP 2 times.
    Not because it was too slow, it's because I didn't get it the first time. I felt like I'm missing something.
    Once I've finished it, I felt accomplishment, but also... a void (or maybe it was something completely different...)
    After watching this, I think it is a time to visit Rondeau again.
    Also: I'd totally watch Part 2!

  • @silentedict4256
    @silentedict4256 Рік тому

    Well written and researched, good work!
    You really expanded my appreciation for the series, its so underrated.
    Id love a part 2 and even more.

  • @wellsshady
    @wellsshady Рік тому +3

    Bvsed, so zased.

  • @totallynotaspy2686
    @totallynotaspy2686 Рік тому

    Another one to check out is Girls Last Tour, both the anime and the manga. The author is very good at making a light, enjoyable atmosphere also weigh heavily on the audience, and adeptly touches on a lot of philosophical ideas. It's very whistling through the graveyard-y. Also the art and paneling are the best I've seen.

  • @GojiraTX
    @GojiraTX Рік тому +4

    I absolutely need a part 2.

  • @illeye
    @illeye 11 місяців тому

    I believe I'm creating my own philosopher's stone. I've been going down this meditating journey for some years now finding peace and what not. I'm a lot happier theses days compared to when I was first starting. I haven't even realized it but my clothes and shoes are red white and black. My new outfits all fit this color scheme. I think I'm achieving higher consciousness. From learning about the 3rd eye and having unexplainable situations happen to me I wonder how much further this path goes...

  • @chaoticmindpuzzle9878
    @chaoticmindpuzzle9878 Рік тому +8

    Ergo Proxy was always one of my favourite Animes. But now I feel, I have enough knowlegde to appreciate all the details I have overlooked. I would love to see another Part, even with the spoilers.

  • @karimusenpai2161
    @karimusenpai2161 8 місяців тому +1

    I have watched this in 2006, Same year of the Death note, Code Geass and all , And I can Assure you it was ahead of It's time !

  • @agroed
    @agroed Рік тому +6

    I'd really love to see a part 2. This show has remained one of my favorites since I first saw it but it gets brought up so rarely. Thanks for finally taking the plunge, Max.

  • @theotakukaiser7892
    @theotakukaiser7892 Рік тому

    Man you made me appreciate the show even more!

  • @brokenfoxproductions
    @brokenfoxproductions Рік тому +4

    I would love to have you philosophize the manga Elfen Lied. I think it's take on The duality of the self and the difference between who other people perceive us to be in who we perceive ourselves to be is very up your alley.

    • @____________838
      @____________838 Рік тому

      If he does, I suggest he also reads the manga.

  • @gluttonyfang6674
    @gluttonyfang6674 10 місяців тому +2

    Basically Earth is gone to shit, space humans created Proxies for recovery by creating cities and peeps inside a "Dome" that shields poison outside and harsh conditions. But the Proxies realized that they'll just die when the recovery is finished, so they became doomers and it made Earth go to a shittier state. One of these is Ergo, who left his dedicated server to an old dude, and proceeds to Vergil'ed himself with the help of another proxy homie Monad, and caused Vincent to pop out. The old dude said "That's a massive L", so he invaded Monad's server and captured her, experimented her, Re-L pops out in one of the attempts, and adopted her, W.
    Yada yada yada, shit happens left and right, Vincent and Re-L met, Pino was there. They fought, traveled outside the Dome, killed other Proxy, met other Proxy, and now they're back on their original Dome, who is gone to shit. Vincent met his other half Ergo, they proceed to fist each other while the entire city crumbles, Ergo dies of cringe. Monad was back, tries to convince Vincent to join her, but Vincent goes "Nah, -Re-L is hotter- I love humans" so he goes back to Earth and stays there. Monad flew and dies to sunlight because space humans said so, and they are coming back to Earth with their spaceship like the coming of Christ.
    10/10

  • @S_Gaiseric
    @S_Gaiseric 7 місяців тому +5

    Texhnolyze ,Texhnolyze , Texhnolyze ,Texhnolyze ,Texhnolyze ,Texhnolyze ,Texhnolyze .... Texhnolyze !

  • @pack_yak
    @pack_yak Рік тому

    fantastic video, was not aware of the parallels to alchemy in the story

  • @michaels8878
    @michaels8878 Місяць тому

    Shinsen Subs was goat back in day. Hung out in the IRC and their subs had alot of research to explain everything.

  • @joewall8210
    @joewall8210 7 місяців тому +2

    Ergo proxy is on my watchlist.

  • @NOTORIOUS404
    @NOTORIOUS404 Рік тому

    1:24 Oh brother, so did I at the time. But to this day I am sure the vast majority of people that did watch it had most of it fly over their heads. I mean, a lot of it flew over my head so I went down the rabbit hole. I promised myself I would come back to it hopefully with a better ability to understand. Nice video, Egro Proxy is indeed more than meets the eye.

  • @echos-myron
    @echos-myron Рік тому +1

    The last 3 episodes are perfect; in my opinion what all sci-fi works should strive to do. As a sci-fi series it’s as good as PKD’s best. I don’t feel like I’m being hyperbolic.
    p.s. I’m rewatching Texnolyze (sp?) there seems to be more there than I realized at first as well.

  • @20th_century_Ghost
    @20th_century_Ghost 3 місяці тому +1

    I still think that humanity's future will be similar to the future of Ergo Proxy.

  • @brendanmesmer8713
    @brendanmesmer8713 Рік тому +1

    Yes please more! This was a great video!

  • @Juanlavidasobreruedas
    @Juanlavidasobreruedas 8 місяців тому +2

    Don't judge the content by the vessel. Despite the dark atmosphere ergo proxy hide a very deep philosophycal argument. And yet another anime with a deep philosophycal argument is teggen toppa gurren lagan. That one is funnier and a bit silly sometimes but hides a big metaphore in the end