Death Parade Review (2015) – A Haunting, Existential, and Visually Stunning Dance through Life, Death, and Everything In Between!

We’re diving into the New Year with a bang, and what better way to kick it off than with an Anime show that asks the ultimate question: What happens after we die? Today, we’re taking a closer look at Death Parade (2015), an anime that’s as profound as it is visually mesmerizing. Part thriller, part psychological drama, and part existential crisis, this series takes us on a journey that’s haunting, beautiful, and deeply thought-provoking.

Before we get started, a quick word of caution! Death Parade is not a light-hearted watch. It delves into heavy themes of life, death, morality, and the human condition. Trigger warnings include depictions of death, emotional trauma, abuse, suicide and deeply unsettling psychological scenarios. Please proceed with care and remember to prioritize your well-being.

We are going to be briefer, and vaguer with this one…so as to avoid spoiling as much as possible. This show is really intense and it throws you in quickly! However, please be aware that there will likely be some spoilers in this review, so please read cautiously. Now, let’s step into the shadowy, mysterious world of Death Parade!

The story begins with the two sets of elevator doors opening. A married couple steps out confused, and disoriented. They proceed forward and find themselves in a mysterious bar called Quindecim, with no memory of how they got there! The bartender, Decim (Alex Organ, Tomoaki Maeno), welcomes them with a calm demeanor, “Please have a seat.”

He confirms that they do not remember anything before their arrival, and then informs them that they’ll be participating in a game…one with life-or-death stakes. He provides the rules of the game, and informs them that they cannot leave. The couple is resistant at first, but are persuaded by Decim to participate. From there, the episode unfolds in a way that’s as gripping as it is unsettling, revealing that the bar isn’t just a bar…it’s a judgment hall where souls are evaluated to determine their ultimate fate!

Wrapping it up from here! Each episode introduces a new pair of people, each bringing their own tangled web of memories, regrets, and moral dilemmas. The games they play—seemingly innocent activities like darts or bowling—quickly escalate, revealing their deepest secrets and rawest emotions. We potatoes found ourselves on the edge of our seats, both captivated and unnerved by the intense, often heart-wrenching revelations that unfold. These episodes are as much about the characters’ pasts as they are about their present decisions, creating a tapestry of humanity’s complexities.

Visually, Death Parade is breathtaking! The eerie elegance of Quindecim, with its moody lighting and haunting design, sets the perfect tone for this existential drama. The character animation is equally stunning, capturing every flicker of emotion with precision. And then there’s the opening sequence, paired with surprisingly upbeat music. It’s a strange yet perfect juxtaposition! Dancing on the edge of the abyss, that encapsulates the show’s unique vibe. We potatoes love it!

But this anime isn’t just about its striking visuals; it’s a philosophical deep dive into morality, justice, and the weight of our decisions. It asks questions that are as uncomfortable as they are profound: What makes someone good or bad? Are our actions more important than our intentions? Can anyone truly judge another’s worth? These questions linger long after the credits roll!

While Decim, the stoic arbiter, begins as impartial, his journey becomes a central part of the narrative. His interactions with Chiyuki, a human assistant with a mysterious past, adds depth and humanity to the story. Their dynamic challenges the cold, calculated process of judgment and raises the question: Does empathy have a place in deciding one’s ultimate fate? Watching Decim’s character evolve was one of the most compelling aspects of the series!

We potatoes must admit that this anime knows how to deliver emotional and thought provoking gut punches. The series skillfully balances its darker moments with glimmers of hope and redemption, reminding us that even in the face of despair, humanity has an incredible capacity for resilience and love.

That said, we do have some critiques! While we love the philosophical undertones, we feel that the show can over-complicate things that should be simple. At the same time, we recognize that over-complication is part of the human condition—we love to dig deeper! We are big over thinkers here! But we potatoes don’t care for messaging that makes us forget our scientific roots. Purpose is subjective, and we don’t need a divine narrative to give life meaning. We feel that life itself is a grand, chaotic marvel, and that is enough.

We also feel that the fixation on needing a grand purpose can be unhealthy. We find ourselves a tad frustrated with the strong religious tones to this show. Why is it so hard to let go of archaic constructs like heaven, hell, or existential punishment? For us potatoes, the very fact that we exist is awe-inspiring. The fact that science has explained so much, and will continue to do so is amazing! We don’t need the threat of an afterlife to inspire goodness; being alive and connected to the world around us is reason enough to care and to act with kindness. The show asks us what the meaning of life is…and we potatoes believe that the answer is so simple, the meaning to all of this, for humanity, is no different from the meaning for any other animal. We are here to live. The point is to live. To just be. Being here is enough. You are enough.

Despite our critiques, Death Parade is undeniably impactful! Its short run of 12 episodes packs a remarkable punch, though some storylines feel a bit rushed. A little more time to flesh out the overarching narrative would have elevated the series even further! Still, what it accomplishes in such a brief span is impressive! We highly recommend it!

At its core, Death Parade is a poignant exploration of the fragility of life and the complexity of the human experience. It invites you to sit with its questions and reflect on your own life. It’s a hauntingly beautiful series that lingers long after the screen goes dark.

So, here’s to Death Parade! A series that makes us laugh, cry, and confront the very essence of what it means to be human. If you’re looking for an anime that’s as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant, this is the one for you! Cheers to Decim’s eerie bar, Chiyuki’s compassionate heart, and the wonderfully chaotic mess that is humanity! And most importantly, cheers to you!

We give Death Parade 4 out of 5 Memento Mori Cocktails!

The Death Parade Drinking Game

Take a sip anytime:

1.     Decim asks if the deceased remember anything prior to their arrival

2.     Decim says "I can't answer that question."

3.     Decim says "I'm terribly sorry”

4.     Decim explains the rules of the game

5.     Genti acts like a hot head

6.     Anyone says death or dead

7.     Anyone says "Arbiter"

8.     Anyone says "Full Life"

9.     Anyone takes a drink

10.  Anyone gets on or off an elevator

11.  Anyone wins a game

12.  Anyone loses a game

13.  Anyone says the word "Game"

14.  Anyone presses a big red button

15.  Anyone loses their shit

16.  Anyone regains a memory or has a flashback

17.  The room explodes to create the game area

18.  There's a close-up of a character's eyes

What did you think? Did you like this Anime? Did you hate it? What Anime should we watch? Any and all thoughts are welcome! Let us know here in the comments and always remember to be safe and drink responsibly!