Great Pretender is a 2020 anime series produced by Wit Studio that follows the story of a group of con artists who come together to pull off some of the most daring heists in history. The show has received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling, well-developed characters, and stunning animation.
Throughout the series, viewers are taken on a wild ride as they follow the team of con artists on their various heists. Each heist is unique and focuses on a particular character, allowing for in-depth character development and exploration. The show’s storytelling is also unique in that it blends elements of drama, comedy, and action to create a truly captivating viewing experience.
While the show has received mostly positive reviews, there has also been some criticism regarding the pacing of the story and the final arc of the series. However, despite these criticisms, Great Pretender remains a standout anime series that is sure to entertain and captivate audiences with its unique blend of storytelling, character development, and stunning animation.
Positive Aspects
Animation
The animation in Great Pretender is nothing short of stunning. The character designs are unique and expressive, and the backgrounds are beautifully detailed. The use of color is particularly noteworthy, with each location and scene having its own distinct palette that adds to the atmosphere of the show. The animation is smooth and fluid, making action scenes and character movements feel dynamic and realistic. Overall, the animation is a true standout aspect of Great Pretender.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Great Pretender is a perfect complement to the show’s stylish visuals and thrilling plot. The opening and ending themes are catchy and memorable, and the background music is expertly crafted to match the tone of each scene. The jazz-inspired score is particularly effective in setting the mood for the heist sequences, adding tension and excitement to each moment.
The sound effects are also well-done, with each action and movement sounding realistic and impactful. The overall sound design of Great Pretender is top-notch.
Plot
The plot of Great Pretender is a masterclass in storytelling. Each heist is intricately planned and executed, with twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed and complex, with their motivations and backstories gradually revealed over the course of the series. The pacing is excellent, with each episode building on the last to create a truly engaging narrative. The themes of morality and redemption are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way, adding depth to the overall story. The plot is definitely one of the strongest aspects of Great Pretender.
Criticism
Pacing
One criticism of The Great Pretender is its pacing. The show moves quickly, with each con job taking only a few episodes to complete. This can make it difficult to fully invest in the characters and their motivations. Some viewers may feel that the show rushes through important plot points and character development, leaving them feeling unsatisfied.
Character Development
Another criticism of The Great Pretender is its character development. While the main characters are well-written and complex, some of the supporting cast can feel underdeveloped. This can make it difficult to fully understand their motivations and actions. Additionally, some viewers may feel that the show relies too heavily on the main characters to carry the story, leaving the supporting cast feeling like afterthoughts.
Originality
While The Great Pretender is a well-crafted show, some viewers may find fault with its lack of originality. The show follows a fairly standard con artist formula, with each episode featuring a new con job and a new mark. While the show does put its own spin on the formula, some viewers may feel that it doesn’t do enough to differentiate itself from similar shows and movies.
Overall, while The Great Pretender is a well-made show with strong writing and memorable characters, it may not be for everyone. Its fast-paced storytelling and focus on the main characters may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied, while its lack of originality may turn off those looking for something more unique. However, for fans of the con artist genre, The Great Pretender is a must-watch.
Character Analysis
Laurent Thierry
Laurent Thierry is the main character of Great Pretender. He is a charismatic and suave con artist who is always one step ahead of his targets. Laurent is a master of disguise and can effortlessly switch between personas to manipulate those around him. He is a complex character with a mysterious past, and his motivations are not always clear. Laurent is voiced by Junichi Suwabe, who does an excellent job of bringing the character to life.
Throughout the series, Laurent is shown to be a caring and compassionate person despite his profession. He takes care of his team and is always looking out for their best interests. However, he is also willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means sacrificing others. This duality makes him a fascinating character to watch.
Makoto Edamura
Makoto Edamura is the other main character of Great Pretender. He is a small-time con artist who gets caught up in Laurent’s schemes. Makoto is initially hesitant to join Laurent’s team, but he eventually becomes an integral part of it. He is a skilled con artist in his own right, but he lacks the experience and sophistication of Laurent.
Makoto is a relatable character who is easy to root for. He is driven by a desire to prove himself and make a name for himself in the world of con artistry. As the series progresses, Makoto grows and develops as a character. He becomes more confident and capable, and he learns to trust his instincts.
Abigail Jones
Abigail Jones is a supporting character in Great Pretender. She is a talented con artist who is recruited by Laurent to join his team. Abigail is a transgender woman, and her gender identity is handled with sensitivity and respect throughout the series.
Abigail is a fascinating character who brings a unique perspective to the team. She is confident and assertive, and she is not afraid to speak her mind. Abigail is also a skilled hacker, and she uses her skills to help the team pull off their cons. She is voiced by Yūki Kaji, who does an excellent job of bringing the character to life.
Comparison
Similarities to Other Anime
Great Pretender shares similarities with other heist anime such as Lupin III and Cowboy Bebop. All three anime feature a team of characters who use their unique skills to pull off elaborate heists. The main characters in Great Pretender, like Lupin and Spike, are also charismatic and charming, making them easy to root for.
Additionally, Great Pretender’s animation style is reminiscent of other anime such as Bungo Stray Dogs and Mob Psycho 100. The use of bright colors and exaggerated facial expressions adds to the show’s comedic tone.
Differences from Other Anime
While Great Pretender shares similarities with other heist anime, it also sets itself apart in several ways. For one, the show’s focus on con artistry rather than traditional heists adds a unique twist to the genre. The show also explores heavier themes such as race and power dynamics, which is not typically seen in other heist anime.
Another difference is the show’s use of multiple heists, each focusing on a different character. This allows for greater character development and a deeper exploration of each character’s motivations and backstory.
Finally, Great Pretender’s use of real-world locations such as Los Angeles and Singapore adds a level of realism to the show that is not typically seen in anime. The attention to detail in the backgrounds and architecture adds to the show’s overall aesthetic and immersion.
Conclusion
Great Pretender is a well-crafted anime with a lot of entertaining moments. The show features a unique storyline that keeps the audience engaged throughout the series. The art, music, and voice performances are all top-notch, which adds to the overall quality of the anime.
One of the strengths of Great Pretender is its character development. The main characters are well-written and have their own unique personalities that make them stand out. The show does an excellent job of exploring their backstories and motivations, which makes the audience care about them more.
While Great Pretender does have its flaws, such as some pacing issues and occasional plot holes, these do not detract from the overall quality of the anime. The show manages to balance humor, drama, and action in a way that is both entertaining and engaging.
Overall, Great Pretender is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good heist story with well-developed characters. The show is a great addition to the anime genre and is definitely worth checking out.
