Beastars is not merely a resemblance to Zootopia with animal characters. It holds unique narrative elements and complex themes.
In the realm of animated storytelling, two standout series have captured the hearts of audiences and sparked thoughtful conversations about societal issues – Beastars and Zootopia. Both shows, featuring anthropomorphic animal societies, delve into complex themes of bias, discrimination, and societal tensions, albeit with distinct tones and narrative focuses.
At its core, Beastars is a coming-of-age anime based on the manga by Paru Itagaki. Set in a world where herbivores and carnivores live together in uneasy tension, the story follows Legoshi, a socially anxious gray wolf attending Cherryton Academy. Legoshi's fear isn't only about his capacity for violence, but also about the way others see him and the expectations placed on him because of what he is. As he navigates his internal struggles and societal roles, Beastars explores difficult themes like shame, sexuality, performance, and power. Haru, a character often judged for her sexuality, leans into it as a form of self-protection.
Beastars delves deeper than a simple metaphor of human struggles, exploring morality for characters with instincts to hunt or run. At its core, it's about identity and the quiet battles we fight within ourselves. Itaparu's BEASTARS anime will be available on Netflix in North America starting March 13.
On the other hand, Zootopia, a Disney animated feature film, uses its anthropomorphic setting to depict how prejudice can be overcome through empathy. With a lighter, family-friendly tone, it addresses serious issues like systemic bias and social stereotypes. The narrative follows Judy Hopps, a determined rabbit, and Nick Wilde, a cunning fox, as they work together to uncover societal corruption and challenge prejudice.
Both Beastars and Zootopia share common themes, such as bias and prejudice, societal tensions, and coexistence. However, they approach these themes differently. Beastars focuses on carnivore vs herbivore conflicts, including predatory instincts causing fear and social ostracism, while Zootopia broadens its scope to include varied real-world prejudices.
In summary, Beastars delves deeply into the psyche and social roles shaped by instinctual differences, reflecting on identity and belonging amid societal fears. Zootopia, on the other hand, uses its anthropomorphic setting to depict how prejudice can be overcome through empathy, challenging systemic issues with optimism. Both series offer unique but related perspectives on bias and coexistence.
Meanwhile, in the world of domestic bliss, The Way of the Househusband, another anime, offers lessons for husbands. Tatsu, a former yakuza turned househusband, provides a humorous yet insightful look into the life of a modern-day househusband. The series is currently under review, with critics praising its unique take on a common family dynamic.
However, Beastars isn't without its detractors. Often dismissed as "just a furry anime," it's clear that the series offers much more than meets the eye. With its complex anthropomorphic world and thought-provoking social commentary, Beastars invites viewers to look past the surface, not just in others, but in themselves too.
The critically acclaimed anime, Beastars, explores deep themes beyond mere entertainment, delving into identity, societal roles, and inner battles, making it more than just a "furry anime." On the contrary, movies-and-tv shows like reviews of The Way of the Househusband, another anime, focusing on a househusband's life, offer valuable lessons for viewers, albeit in a different sphere of entertainment.
