Gunslinger Girl: Masterpiece Forgotten to Time

"The girl has a mechanical body. However, she is still an adolescent child." (text above the title)

Out of 2003 anime, what were the most powerful, impactful ones? Was it Fullmetal Alchemist, because of its deep themes and strong message? Or perhaps Chrono Crusade for its tragic ending? These are all valid answers, but I would like to add one more to them: Gunslinger Girl

Gunslinger Girl is not a "cute girls with guns" show, as the poster adjacent would have you believe. Instead, it is one of the most tragic but powerful shows which happens to have cute girls as main characters. One could liken it to be the predecessor of Puella Magi Madoka Magica. However unlike the aforementioned anime, it did not gain as much popularity and remains forgotten to time.

"It's a shame they have to be cyborgs." - Alfonso

The basic premise of Gunslinger Girl is that there is a secret government organization in Italy named the Social Welfare Agency which rescues girls on the verge of death (from accidents or disease), replacing their bodies with cyborg technology and wiping their traumatic memories away. While this may sound like a good thing, the girls are also brainwashed and taught how to kill by people known as Handlers, who are responsible for their performance and welfare. Furthermore because of the brainwashing, the girls' lifespans are cut short, setting the tone of the show a sad and sombre one.

The story focuses on the day to day lives of the girls. Each episode will usually feature them going on some kind of mission to assassinate an enemy of the government such as corrupt officials, terrorists, rival political party leaders, and so on. There is no overarching story- each episode does not build on each other and eventually reach a climax. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The focus of the show is not on its story, but rather its characters.

"Guise sees Henrietta as his little sister, and Jean sees Rico as his work dog. Which makes me... what does he want me to be?" - Triela

The characters are all unique. Each girl is distinct, having an episode dedicated to their characterization and backstory. They have their own way of coping with the despair of being a cyborg. Likewise, each Handler is unique- they have different views on the girls. Are the girls like family? Or are the girls just professional partners? Are they less-than-human cyborgs? These result in different relationships ranging from heartwarming to distant to downright abusive. The result of these various relationships are explored in the show- do the girls function better or do they break down? It is these kinds of questions that are the focus of Gunslinger Girl. The only complaint about the characters is that the episodic villains are generic and undeveloped- but this is due to the show prioritizing the development of the main cast.

The most recognizable theme in Gunslinger Girl is the moral gray. We are made to detest the Social Welfare Agency. They have brainwashed young girls into being obedient, training them to become assassins, and those who try to expose this evil organization are killed. On the other hand, we know that some of the girls appreciate their second chance at life (and one free of traumatic memories) and that there are Handlers who treat the girls as lovingly as their own sister. We are left unsure whether what the Social Welfare Agency does is truly evil.

The second theme, which is more subtle and building, like a layer beneath the moral gray and tragedy, is the hope in the tragic circumstances the girls try to create. We are told that because of the brainwashing, the girls will live short lives. But the girls make the best of it- reading, drinking tea, stargazing. Outside of missions they try to be happy, normal girls. Hope may not even be the best way to describe this theme- there is no hope for the girls in the sense that there's no way to reverse what has been done for them. Some describe this theme as spiritual. In the final episode, the girls witness a meteor shower, which truly encapsulates this theme, and it makes the viewer realize that this is what Gunslinger Girl is really about. The viewers are aware of its presence and how compelling it is, but it can't be quite be put into words. The only way to know it is to watch it.

Despite being an older anime, the animation of the show is nothing to look down on. The fight scenes are fluid and dynamic, for example the fight with Henrietta in the first episode, even though action is not the focus of the show. Even the guns used are shown in great detail. While there are only a few fight scenes in Gunslinger Girl, their scarcity makes them all the more worthwhile. The character designs are also intelligently done; the girls are not overly cute to the point where that is the appeal of the show or it becomes distracting. This is easily contrasted with the cuter designs of season 2, which can only make you say "thank God they didn't do this in the first season". The colors of the show are dull, which help portray the dark world the girls live in and the morally gray theme of the show. There is no slacking or lack of thought when it comes to Gunslinger Girl's animation.

The music is excellent. If you hadn't told me, I'd guess that some of the tracks were from the Classical period. The tracks are orchestral, sometimes utilizing choir to add more emotion to the piece- ranging from divine to tragic to sinister. Primarily, the soundtrack is sombre (see the main theme "TEMA I"), fitting with the tone of the show. The music was one of the first things that stood out to me as I watched the show, as each scene it accompanies it makes twice as impactful. For example "Etereo" in Episode 1 and 9,  "TEMA V" in Episode 11 and a certain Classical period piece in episode 13 (busted a nut hearing this).

I would highly recommend this if you're looking for a character orientated show with strong themes, great animation and a powerful soundtrack. Or if you're just looking to feel depressed. Those who are looking for a fast paced, action packed story or just a "cute girl anime", this isn't for you.

9/10

-GaryMuffuginOak