KJ Proulx It's not very often that a television series finishes over a decade ago and I actually feel the need to review it. Gurren Lagann seemed like a series that would entertain me enough to pass some time, but upon reflection, it's a show that provides a little more than just that. I could get hate for this statement, but this show reminded me of my childhood memories of watching the show Beyblade, not what that show has become today, but the original trilogy of seasons. Action-based Anime can feel a little drawn out and while I can't say this show doesn't feel a little drawn out at times, it's definitely worth your time as an Anime fan. If you enjoy good Anime and haven't had the chance to check this one out, here's why it warrants a recommendation from me.The core plot is quite simple. In a future where Earth is run by a Spiral King known as Lordgenome, this story follows Simon and his group of misfits and outcasts who wish to travel to the surface. They have been surviving as diggers in an underground village and wish to see what the rest of the world has to offer. Once reaching the surface, they soon learn that they must combine their robotic suits and armours to form something great enough to take down the overlords of Earth. That premise alone is what hooked me into wanting to get through the series, but the underlying emotional core that this series possesses is what truly made it a much more impactful experience.Yes, you receive the obvious nods at female objectification when it comes to displaying how certain women look, which is present in nearly every popular Anime, but the fact that those comedic aspects are almost used in a way to serve the male characters and add layers to characters that you thought were a little under-written, was a very pleasant surprise. This particular aspect of the show may be viewed differently by others, but the look and specific shots towards the character of Yoko had me either laughing or downright saddened. Although she may not be the best character in the show, she has quite a few moments to shine and upon looking back, I remember quite a few sequences involving her character.Simon is the central character here and without ruining the progression of the show for those who have yet to witness it, Gurren Lagann does a fantastic job at jumping through time and exploring most of this character's life. Every character has progression in some shape or form, but Simon's character started off quite annoying to me throughout the first few episodes of the show, but by the conclusion of the series, his character had evolved into someone I genuinely shared about and the final few episodes of this show gave me goosebumps.That being said, Gurren Lagann isn't without its prolonged conclusion and needless action. I love exciting aspects of any television series or movie, whether it's in live-action, American Animation or Anime, action always impresses me when it has a great story to back it up. Gurren Lagann definitely demonstrates that from start to finish, but the show almost evolves into an over-the-top robot boxing match in space by the end of the series and while it was entertaining to watch, I found myself wishing for a little more of a grounded conclusion (no pun intended) when looking back to where the show first began.Gurren Lagann seems to have been a pretty popular show when it first aired, so I'm not sure that too many hardcore Anime fans haven't had the chance to see it yet, but take this from someone who has become a casual fan of the medium when I say this is well worth a watch. Some of the action is dragged out a little too long in my opinion, and there are certain characters that leave the show a little too early (even though there is a solid payoff), and aside from the final few of episodes, I feel as though the true heart of backstory was slightly lost. I absolutely loved the first half of this show and I was very entertained by the latter half, enough to say that this show borders on being great as a whole. Gurren Lagann is well worth your time.

fchevret I just watched it for the 3rd time. I cried, I laughed . But more than anything I really enjoyed it another time and that never happened before. Watching animes since 40 years I've seen many cool stuff but this one is over the top. Animation, character development , story, crazyness and feelings. Dudes in Robots having strong and humans feelings, this is what TTGL is about.Hm. I don't even know how to describe this. Go and see it, best anime . Ever.

ryansnyder-40733 I watched the entire series of Gurren Lagann in one day. It was my first experience with anime, and I loved every moment of this. The way the characters and their relationships develop make you love them. The way the story, plot and fights roll out, the show draws you in and makes you want more. The show itself is a beautiful metaphor for the human spirit, showing us that no matter how many people we lose, and how highly the odds are stacked against us, humans will keep fighting as long as they can, never giving up, slowly pushing forward little by little like a drill. The series also provides humor and romance, and the romance is well integrated. It doesn't get in your face and a lot of it is left for you to try and guess how certain characters feel about others based on their actions, words and expressions. The romance is subliminal and not in-your-face, like many shows that put romance in because they feel like it is needed. I highly recommend watching this show if you are a fan of humor, action, adventure and romance, but be warned, as there is still sorrow, tragedy and a great deal of sadness. But all these things combine together near-perfectly to form an awesome show, one that leaves you with a better outlook on humanity.

xmicah1 I'd like to make a few things clear before I say what i'm about to say about this anime. And that's: "I didn't want to like it." I'm serious, when I saw all the hype surrounding it and claims of "THE best anime", I felt antagonistic of the whole idea. I never believed it, I mean THE best? There's no way... But then I watched it...Now again, another thing, I don't usually cry. Like, at all. Not a bit. Nor do I scream in excitement, which is why I didn't very much like watching Football with my uncles growing up. But man does Gurren Lagann rip me out of that state of mind. Never before have I seen such a perfect blend, just the right amount of episodes, just the right amount of characters, just the right amount of plot progression, and topped off with a PERFECT amount of action and romance to give me an experience I wouldn't believe. Bawling at some parts and jumping up and chanting "FIGHT THE POWER!!" at others, this is definitely the anime to watch, and absolutely the best anime ever. With an ending so satisfying and bittersweet giving you the proper closure you needed for letting go of such a perfect experience. If you haven't watched it do so now. It's Dub is just as good as the original, a rare case indeed, so get out there and become part of the Dai-Gurren Brigade!!