Judgment at the Bar: Death Parade
A review of "Death Parade," covering its story, characters, and music.
In the eerie silence of the afterlife, what truly defines a person— their actions, their intentions, or the emotions they leave behind? 'Death Parade' dares to ask these questions, blending psychological drama with philosophical inquiry.
"Death Parade" is a 2015 psychological thriller anime created by Yuzuru Tachikawa. Set in the enigmatic Quindecim bar, the series takes viewers on a journey through the afterlife, where souls are judged through intense and often disturbing games. These games are overseen by Decim, an emotionless arbiter tasked with determining the fate of the deceased. Will they be reincarnated, or will they fall into the void, condemned for eternity?
As each episode unfolds, "Death Parade" reveals not just the hidden truths of its characters but also profound questions about morality, the value of life, and the nature of human judgment. With its unique concept, compelling narrative, and emotional depth, "Death Parade" stands out as a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, making it a must-watch for fans of philosophical and psychological anime.
The ultimate purpose of these games is to allow Decim to judge the souls of the deceased. Based on their actions and emotions during the game, Decim decides whether they will be reincarnated to live another life or be sent to the void, a place of eternal nothingness. As the series progresses, the rigid system of judgment Decim follows is challenged, leading to deeper questions about the fairness of such a process and the true meaning of humanity.
Main Characters
Decim is the main character and the arbiter of Quindecim. He appears as a calm and emotionless figure, embodying the role of an impartial judge. Decim’s primary duty is to oversee the death games and pass judgment on the souls that arrive at his bar. His appearance is distinctive—white hair, pale skin, and a formal bartender’s uniform, all of which contribute to his cold and distant demeanor.
The Assistant, later revealed to be named Chiyuki, serves as Decim’s partner in Quindecim. She is a human with no memory of her past, who assists Decim in observing the participants of the games. Unlike Decim, Chiyuki is empathetic and often questions the fairness of the judgment process, advocating for understanding the complexities of human emotions and actions.
Nona is the manager of the arbiter system and Decim’s superior. She has a more experienced and pragmatic approach to the judgment process, often providing guidance to Decim. Nona is curious and somewhat rebellious towards the higher powers governing the arbiters, which is reflected in her decision to introduce human emotions into Decim’s design. She is aware of the flaws in the system but believes in Decim’s potential to bring about change.
Ginti is another arbiter, contrasting sharply with Decim. He is more cynical and harsh in his judgments, often displaying disdain for the souls he judges. Ginti’s approach to judgment is much more rigid and unforgiving, highlighting the diversity of perspectives among the arbiters. His interactions with the souls are less empathetic, emphasizing the moral complexities and imperfections of the judgment system.
Themes
Moral Ambiguity: The central theme of "Death Parade" is the exploration of morality and the process of judgment. The show raises difficult questions: Can a person’s worth truly be determined by a single action or moment? Is it fair to judge someone’s entire life based on their behavior under extreme stress?
Life's Fleeting Nature: The anime constantly reminds viewers of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of the choices people make. The games serve as a metaphor for life’s unpredictability and the inevitability of death, pushing characters to confront the consequences of their actions.
Reflection on Death: The anime explores the varied perceptions of death among its characters. Some face their demise with regret, others with anger, and a few with a sense of peace. This range of reactions highlights the deeply personal nature of death, reflecting the individuality of each character's life and choices.
Existence Beyond Death: "Death Parade" offers a different take on the afterlife, where souls go through trials to decide their fate. This idea lets the show explore what happens after death and whether there’s any justice or meaning in the afterlife.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
"Death Parade" really stuck with me because of how it makes you think about life and judgment in a new way. The setting of the bar and the intense games are more than just interesting—they make you question what’s fair and what it means to be human. Watching Decim’s character grow and seeing how each soul’s story unfolds was both moving and thought-provoking. If you enjoy anime that makes you ponder big questions and feel strong emotions, "Death Parade" is definitely worth watching.
If you enjoyed this series, you might also like "Devilman Crybaby," "Parasyte," "Violet Evergarden," "Psycho-Pass," and "Angel Beats." Each of these shows offers its own distinct take on compelling stories and memorable characters.
Here's the opening song from the anime, "Flyers" by BRADIO.