Girls' Last Tour

Set against the backdrop of a dystopian post-apocalyptic environment, Girls' Last Tour is an anime with a unique approach to the exploration of human survival and emotional development. The anime follows two young girls, Chito and Yuuri, through what appears to be the final days of human civilization.

This 2017 release from Anime Strike is as introspective as it is beautiful, offering its audience a poignant exploration of the human experience set against a backdrop of desolation. Using the familiar tropes of post-apocalyptic fiction, Girls' Last Tour breathes new life into the genre with its powerful but understated storytelling.

The bygone civilization echoes in fragments of the cityscape, ever-present reminders of humanity's past. The setting is bleak, from the dilapidated buildings to the desolate streets and empty automobiles, stark contrasts from the cities once bustling with life. Hidden among these ruins, however, are small glimmers of hope and humanity that keep the characters moving.

Our main characters, Chito and Yuuri, stand out amid this bleak setting. This pair of survivors form the heart of the series. Despite the minimal character ensemble, the richness comes from the depth and complexity of these two girls as they journey through this grim world together. From their differing outlooks and responses to the dire situation they find themselves in, we get an intimate look into their bond in the face of adversity.

Chito is the more intellectual and practical of the duo, using her proficiency in reading and piloting their military Kettenkrad to navigate through the ruins. Conveniently, she is also the more cautious one, ensuring they stay away from undue risks. On the other hand, Yuuri, while not as intellectually endowed as Chito, brings a simplistic wisdom to the pair's dynamic. Her straightforward thinking complements Chito's more complex approach, and her thirst for adventure often leads them into unanticipated situations. This beautiful balance adds to the integrity of their relationship and feeds into the show’s overarching themes of balance and duality.

Herein lies the crux of Girls' Last Tour's power: it is in no hurry to tell its story. Instead, it lingers, exploring the subtleties and intricacies of these girls' experiences in a world that has moved on without them. It is a meditative journey, touching upon heavy themes such as existentialism, loneliness, and purpose, balanced by instances of joy, friendship, and discovery. There's a profound melancholy about the series that is deeply moving but never overwhelming, cushioned by the levity of the girls' optimism, resilience, and innocence.

The anime's style is straightforward yet compelling. It uses simplistic art to tell complex stories. The landscape, though post-apocalyptic, has an airy, otherworldly beauty to it. The muted color palette evokes a sense of tranquility and solitude, juxtaposing nicely against the remnants of a once-thriving civilization. And while the scenery is often stark and austere, it is interspersed with moments of unexpected beauty that resonate deeply with the themes of hope and the fleeting nature of existence.

The music mirrors this ambiance, with an atmospheric score that underscores the tension and tranquility within each episode. The sound design, in harmony with the show's pacing, visual storytelling, and character interactions, plays a huge role in creating an immersive viewing experience.

Girls' Last Tour stands out not for action-packed sequences or intricate plot twists, but for its unflinching depiction of solitude and human connection in a world that has lost almost everything. It's a philosophical journey that encourages audiences to consider the world around them, the relationships that belong to them, and the core of what it truly means to exist.

It's important to note that despite the dark setting, the series manages to avoid falling into despair. Instead, it walks a delicate line between melancholy and hope, showing the characters experiencing small pockets of joy within the harsh reality of their situation.

On the surface, Girls' Last Tour may appear unnerving or even depressing. However, hidden beneath the disarray are profound life lessons about creation, destruction, and the ephemeral beauty of existence itself. An unusual treatment for the post-apocalyptic genre, its unique mix of gritty reality and childlike wonder deliver an immersive and deeply reflective narrative. Girls' Last Tour serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, reminding us that even in the bleakest of times, hope and joy can still persist.