Looking Glass to the Past and Forecasting the Future
- Episodes : 12
- Genre : Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
- Airing Date : October 2017 – December 2017
- Studios : White Fox
Contains Spoilers
Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou (Girls’ Last Tour) Introduction and Story (Spoilers)
Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou or Girls’ Last Tour is set in a post-apocalyptic society. The world has ended and a new era is emerging. The last remnants of humanity are Chito and Yuuri, two gals who are striving day to day to find their way into the light. Without concrete directions in how to deal with something of this magnitude, Chito and Yuuri remain positive, as their wits and resourcefulness eventually guide them towards a newfound hope for this existence.
Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou spotlights the importance of valuable friendships, precious memories, new encounters, and the essence of treasuring the little things. On a grander scale, Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou encompasses the possibility of a failed and dark future for humanity due to the corruption of industrialization, war, and conflict, and the creation of weapons of mass destruction, resulting in mankind’s complete annihilation. After all this expels, we ultimately see our girls, Chito and Yuuri, start from scratch, puzzled and confused about why and how things are the way they appear.
What We Liked About Girls’ Last Tour
Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou brings a very simplistic theme: Chito and Yuuri are presented with a challenge and we join the girls to figure out what the mystery before them is. The girls are also on a path to discovery as a dynamic duo and for humanity. Appearing very young in age, they are bound to make a ton of mistakes and learn a lot along the way. Chito, the bookworm, is serious most of the time, getting things done to ensure they have supplies and shelter. Yuuri is silly, making room for a little fun; but can be a little scary when it comes time to use her weapon. Having said that, what we truly enjoy about Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou is the girls’ genuine gratitude for life and overwhelming curiosity. Furthermore, even though their stock supplies enough for the two of them, they’re always willing to help whomever they meet, such as Kanazawa, Ishii, the Automaton, and the mysterious white blobs.
Discussion Time
As we break down Shoujo Shuumastu Ryokou, we will discuss all that it has to offer, the good, the bad, and everything in between. Traversing through the corroded pipes, demolished buildings and devoid cityscapes, the snow-clad environment displays a certain romanticism, delicacy, and warmth. The color palette utilized in the animation is very dull, but we are able to distinguish exciting features when they occur. Additionally, the serene and calming musical accompaniment reminds us that the girls are not in any kind of hurry to GTFO (lol); that they’ve got a lot of exploring to do. Wrapping it all together, when viewers conclude the 12th episode, we may stop to think about how this all could be a possibility for our day and age. Current media highlights many of what is shown in Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou, war and conflict, constructing larger and more dangerous weapons, and the exhaustion of sustainable resources. However, the time hasn’t arrived for us to migrate to our bomb shelters and stockpiles yet! Keep a cool head because Chito and Yuuri were able to pull through with minimal difficulties.
1. “It’s Not The Destination, It’s The Journey”
Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou is a thrilling anime, utilizing the rare but not unheard of premise of a post-apocalyptic world. The idea of two young girls exploring an unfamiliar setting as part of their crusade and unearthing the truth is one that will draw anyone’s attention. Although information is scant when it comes to where they’re going and what they need to do, Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou is able to expand on the barren wasteland that engulfs them, elaborating on Chito and Yuuri’s characters. We aren’t seeing the “same old, same old,” every episode, but a new adventure every time.
2. Minimal Cast of Characters
With a shining list of six characters, it is easy to track who is who on this epic adventure. Chito and Yuuri are our shining stars and each supporting cast member makes their appearance in episodes 3, 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12. As each episode possesses 2-3 sub arcs, it’s convenient to see how each event is broken down for each story and how the character contributes to that plot.
3. Sound And Art Are Excellent!
The animation for Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou reflects on the time and atmosphere perfectly. The world is emerging, coming into life once more. Thus, it is appropriate to display this with a very neutral and simple setting. Eyes are blurred and our vision slowly becomes clear and it is important to show this revival. Paired with this rebirth is perfectly graceful music, as the soft tones are light on our ears to embody the overall theme and background of the story. Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou is an anime treat that is uncommon for what is airing this season.
4. Philosophical Overtones
In this post-apocalyptic setting, it is unfortunate to witness the lasting effects of war and conflict and how it still remains an issue. Chito and Yuuri also reflect on the problem of low resources, referencing that if resources were so low and limited, then why were weapons created when much-needed efforts could have been allocated elsewhere? With the help from the mysterious white lifeform that Chito and Yuuri picked up on their journey, Nuko and the other entities are able to neutralize every massive weapon available. Whether or not the mysterious white lifeform can be interpreted as a savior of some sort, it is definitely a question that leaves more inconclusiveness.
1. Slow And Steady Doesn’t Win This Race
As we often hear the common phrase that “life’s a marathon, not a sprint”, we can definitely state that this statement does not apply when watching Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou. Pacing for this 12 episode anime is slow. Viewers contemplate at the rate of movement if anything is actually going to happen. Eventually, something does when we reach the last few episodes, but that is surely a long time to wait! However, we can confirm that there are exciting moments from time to time, such as Kanagawa losing all of his cartography documents and Ichii’s unsuccessful flight path, but these moments are dwarfed between Chito and Yuuri’s Kettenkrad travels, driving for supplies and life’s little pleasures.
2. It Is Capable Of So Much More
Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou is a series that shares such an interesting premise, displayed with fantastic sound and art, and thought-provoking content to leave viewers wondering our very own fate. With all of these components, this anime lacked a lot of details, which is its greatest weakness. Scenes and elements result in more inquiry, as viewers are left puzzled with blanks that cannot be filled. Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou could have been outstanding, but fell short on absolute substance.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our review of Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou, it’s important to remember that the most awesome thing about our review segments is that they are subject to personal taste. Essentially, take it or leave it. However, just note that this anime possesses an imaginative, endearing, and adventurous story, definitely one worth giving a try. Having said that, we highly recommend you watch Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou, letting us know if this series matches up to all the hype! Overall, let us know if you agree with one, a few, all, or none of our key points! Feel free to leave your suggestions and comments below! Thanks and enjoy!
Author: Eva B.
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