This is without a doubt the best opening of the season for me, Mrs Green apple while im not a fan of some of their songs absolutely did NOT miss.
The opening fits Frieren's tone and atmosphere so well
Visually it looks beautiful as well.
Prestigious_Cat73962026-01-16 15:37
Not a fan of this opening. Madhouse didn’t try to match the visuals to the song or give them an interesting direction. It also makes it clear that nothing particularly noteworthy will happen this season, and that we’ll have to wait for season 3 or a movie to get to El Dorado.
artnomart2026-01-16 15:56
I unfortunately agree with how it signals that nothing noteworthy will happen.
I think the opening is amazing, but I also feel like it's treading the same ground as the first one without much to say or add.
Nothing much is happening in the opening under the gorgeous presentation and swelling music and that is a shame.
Bazinga80002026-01-16 16:09
Like nothing noteworthy part I literally don't know about so I won't talk about it. But not matching the song to the visuals is kinda an insane statement here I would say
artnomart2026-01-16 16:14
I get what they mean by that. On one hand, the entire visual sequence is matching the emotions of the song, clearly. But what is actually depicted on screen doesn't. Get what I mean?
I think the only part that "matches" is when the montage cuts according to the beats of the song, when the singer "stutters" for the lack of a better term. It captures how all of Frieren's time with the Hero Party was emotional but also short by her perspective and passed her by. Frieren moves at a constant unbroken stride while everything around her, from the environment to the people she's with, changes. She only stops at Himmel's funeral, and only then does she choose to notice the world around her. It's my favorite part of the opening, in fact.
But the opening does it again, with a montage of other characters who Frieren doesn't care about but are apparently important to this cour, and it's super flat. It feels like it's there just to remind you that other characters exist. That montage completely fails to match the song, unfortunately.
Every other scene, I get what they mean. Nothing happens in there to fit the swelling emotions of the song. They don't convey much besides "this is sad and emotional", and I want to believe the song is more than just "this is sad and emotional."
Bazinga80002026-01-16 16:29
I'm gonna be honest I don't agree. First, I really don't think what you are saying was what the guy above meant tbh, and second, the random characters frieren "doesn't care about"... How do you know that. Hell, frieren (as a show) is literally all about showing how multiple different characters and events influence frieren (the character) after she loses himmel and the overall hero party and decides to understand humanity and others better. Whatever things happen in this season, I'm fairly sure will affect her some way or another, especially the characters they try to show there. So I quite disagree, her seeing all this glimpses of the moments she is about to go through with her new party to meet new people 100% fits the chorus and climax of the song.
artnomart2026-01-16 16:34
> the random characters frieren "doesn't care about"... How do you know that.
Because I watched the first season, where she barely acknowledges them. Also, her whole characterization about her struggle to make and maintain connections with people.
I'm sure they're important to the upcoming episodes but the entire opening is hyperfocused on what is important to Frieren. I suppose the only other relevance is that since this is after the whole "she stops to notice the world around her", it's an extension of that, but that's still a bare thread.
> Whatever things happen in this season, I'm fairly sure will affect her some way or another
Will they affect her in the same way that Fern, Stark, and the Hero Party has? Does it really fit the song to have 0.5 seconds dedicated to a character Frieren might see again in the season? I don't think it does.
20 seconds of the opening is dedicated to Frieren catching a single flower pedal in a bed of flowers, representing her solitude in a world full of people. I don't think a blink-and-you-miss it shot of Methode compares in relevance, thematic, emotional, or otherwise.
Hell, if they actually *are* important, then their *lack* of presence would still be jarring, wouldn't it? Methode could be Frieren's new best friend, so why does she appear for only an instant in this emotional opening?
The opening just tied that sequence to the feeling of Frieren not noticing the world passing her by in the same song. One is an actual emotional beat and theme. The other is "oh, yeah, these characters appear."
It didn't turn that idea on its head or spin a new perspective, it's literally just "they had to be here somewhere." It only really fits the song because it's the only fast-paced part of it lol.
Bazinga80002026-01-16 16:55
Like I don't disagree that they will ever be as influencial as the main parties but that's kinda my point. The idea ain't that these people will change frierens life, it's the ACT/IDEA of her changing herself by these people that does. A 10 second time lapse of all the character does do that. That's it.
And like you said, I do think they were also shown there because well They do have to be shown somewhere. But why is that a bad thing. It's still very clearly intentional and works in the moment for the reasons I said.
And also, even if i was wrong for all that I have said, how would a short 10s sequence make the song not match the visuals, when everything else does lol. It's just kinda of a silly statement to me either way. And again I think all of it does match, including the "random characters", so I disagree on everything.
artnomart2026-01-16 17:13
> The idea ain't that these people will change frierens life, it's the ACT/IDEA of her changing herself by these people that does
The opening doesn't convey that idea at all. She never even appears in the same scenes as them. She is disconnected from them, even more so than when she was disconnected from the people actually around her.
> how would a short 10s sequence make the song not match the visuals,
Mostly because the visuals themselves don't convey much. I praise the chorus not just because of "things happening" but also because "things happening" is the point of the sequences and matches the song that couldn't be replicated with another song.
But most other scenes can easily be replicated with any other slow ballad song, so does it really *match* the song, or is it simply unobtrusive?
It's sad when Frieren feels alone, and the song is sad, but could I use any other sad song for the same effect? Probably. Is that because the song is generic, or is it because the visuals themselves are?
Bazinga80002026-01-16 17:20
Honestly, calling the visuals generic is now something I very much agree much more on lol. And yes, that does still mean it matches the song, that was the whole premise of me replying the op of this post. Just because either the song or visuals are generic, and that you could put another song on it, doesn't mean it doesn't match, hell, it means the exact opposite! It means that you are indeed matching the "generic" feeling of sadness.
Also about the opening not conveying that idea, if you notice the cut before the "random characters" is a zoom on a close of frieren looking straight front mesmerized by something, and then, after the time lapse of characters ends, it cuts back to frieren smiling. I think its pretty clear what it's trying to convey here.
Super_Building_77242026-01-16 16:46
Doesn’t it fail to match the tempo, in your opinion? Personally, I think that not only does nothing of note happen in this opening that wasn’t already present in the first two, but the direction also lacks anything special that would make retreading the same ground interesting. The new ED is much more interesting in that regard, but I know I’m on Reddit and I’m probably going to get downvoted to hell for not liking an opening like the OP of this post, lol.
Bazinga80002026-01-16 17:01
It's funny because I'm actually on the complete side of the aile lol. I actually much prefer the op to the ed (which means I'm in the minority!), even though the ed is technically way more animated, as for me I think the op does have the better directing and respective idea/message. Not to say I disagree on the comment on it being kinda the same message as previous seasons, but I think those did it much worse than this one, especially when this one is almost entirely focused on it.
Oh also about the tempo, no, I think in terms of tempo this is by far the op frieren has had that matched the tempo the most lol.
SonicAlarm2026-01-16 15:37
Beautiful. It's Frieren Friday finally!
Dog_in_human_costume2026-01-16 15:39
The backgrounds on season 1 could be set as wallpapers in my phone.
Now all I see are dark mountains in the distance
nirvash5302026-01-16 15:43
Blue, yellow, purple, and red petals on her hand representing our main 4 party members. Sein is absolutely absent in this OP tho big sad.
Like the flashes of flashbacks in this OP. They went by so damn fast which is probably similar to how Frieren experiences it.
Sensitive_Ad60752026-01-16 15:44
not at Mrs. Green Apple landing OPs for Apothecary Diaries and Frieren! How did they do it? Are they handpicked? Bid themselves? or something? These anime are huge HUGE!
same with Lilas/Yoasobi tho.
ExpiringMilknCheese2026-01-16 15:46
i think its quite easy for Mrs Green Apple, they are the most popular band in Japan.
Either they get asked, or they ask and automatically get it.
Kirosh22026-01-16 20:44
Yeah, having a popular group/singer doing opening/ending is just "free" promotion for the series.
All the fans will be interested in it. So more people are made aware of it, that feeds a content loop for popularity.
Just like how the right art trend, the right meme that explode in popularity can just boost a series.
(Like that Frieren Looking Up Meme/drawing challenge we got recently. It's silly, but people liked it, and took it on a trip.)
Xlegace2026-01-16 15:50
Mrs. Green Apple blew up super hard in the past few years.
Like it's not a exaggeration to say they're at the top right now even over King Gnu and Official Hige Dandism.
Hexenmommies012026-01-16 16:07
I still think those two are bigger, because their hits are more spread out outside of anime.
ataaraxia2026-01-16 17:16
All 3 bands are amazing with slightly different target audiences. But those 2 bands are nowhere as big as MGA as of now in terms of popularity, exposure, and demand.
DFR_osty2026-01-17 10:50
I feel HIGEDAN more popular with liveaction jdrama fans than anime otakus, but what about King Gnu and MGA?
usagi11242026-01-16 19:24
Nah if you follow Japan Billboard you can see MGA is the most popular band in the recent 2-3 years.
AlphaOmega13562026-01-16 16:26
I swear, i first heard these guys in Fire force way way back and i was like “oh new band. Cool! I will be watching out for them”.
Fast forward to earlier this year. On the jp billboards they took like 7 of the top 10 spots. I was genuinely so shocked! They really popped off! Very happy for them.
ataaraxia2026-01-16 17:15
If I recall correctly from an interview, Madhouse basically asked Ohmori Motoki to make the opening and they'll take whatever he makes (with some minimal parameters probably). Him being a fan of Frieren helps alot in this case as you can actually feel the song along with the visuals.
I could be wrong but if my memory serves me well.
TLDR MGA was asked to make the opening.
ThatCreepyBaer2026-01-16 19:59
They are incredibly popular in Japan, like ludicrously so. They probably either just asked because of that or can ask anyone and they'll likely say yes lol.
Ebo872026-01-17 02:11
Well for starters both shows have similar production committees, lead by Toho and with NTV on there too, so I guess Yorushika OP for Apothecary Season 3? I mean they've been passing off artists to each other so far, why stop now, right?
Definitely someone at Toho who's a fan of them, but also at least their lead vocalist is a Frieren fan (posted on twitter almost two years ago how he binge read the manga, also like a day before the reveal that they were doing the OP dude was posing as Himmel on twitter... not even being subtle about it, lol), so you can see how that would all connect and make this collaboration happen.
notanfan2026-01-16 15:44
holy peak
Xlegace2026-01-16 15:45
Spotify recommended this song to me a few days ago and I thought "damn this song reminds me of Frieren"
Imagine my delight when I found out soon after it's actually the S2 OP.
Haru will always be my favorite Frieren OP, but this is a close second.
bongmitzfah2026-01-16 15:50
Nothing will beat inferno for best apple song but this one is still a banger
And here's us trying to [recreate that](https://old.reddit.com/r/place/comments/15a1jah/im_one_of_the_developers_for_the_overlay_used_to/)
warjoke2026-01-17 02:21
Why are there shadow figures all of a sudden?!
Cold_Recording54852026-01-17 20:31
NAGARETEKU
healingdude2026-01-16 22:16
I'm pretty partial to Lilac but I have to agree that Inferno is a generational banger.
Shinkopeshon2026-01-16 23:14
Kusushiki exist though
M4DM1ND2026-01-16 23:45
Yeah this is great but Inferno is an all timer for me. Regardless of my opinion on Fire Force.
Myst9632026-01-16 15:51
I completely forgot that we were getting a 2nd season so soon fuck yessss. Taking suggestions for a good recap vid to watch
Hexenmommies012026-01-16 15:52
I just realized, I got JJK, Frieren, and Fate for 3 consecutive days every week. My eyes are gonna be so blessed, it's been a while since this last happened. Something to look forward to after work at the tail end of the week.
the-big-dingo2026-01-16 15:53
What time est will it be on crunchyroll
Time_Fracture2026-01-16 16:04
It's up now.
the-big-dingo2026-01-16 16:05
<3
Roketsu862026-01-16 15:53
Bruh, I don't think I've ever gotten misty eyed at an OP before. The first minute with her party was beautiful.
Toge_Inumaki0122026-01-16 19:21
It's the closest the we can get of their mere 10 year adventure
Edit: I just realized after rewatching this beautiful OP a few more times. The quick cuts of Himmel party's adventure represents Frieren perspective of it like it was just that damn quick for her?? No im not crying !
ClemFire2026-01-17 15:18
That had me crying too
Prof_Acorn2026-01-16 21:10
Same. The friggin OP makes me cry, dang it.
Love how it tells the story of her finding connection, losing connection, being alone, then finding it again. And they did such a wonderful job with the use of color to do so, and timing it all with the beats from the music.
Edit: Again with the next rewatch. Tears. Right at the part when the warm summer colors burst forth with the flowers. The notion that endings aren't always the end. Oof.
nekoken042026-01-16 23:29
My wife just came in and asked me why my eyes were red.
HanshinFan2026-01-17 05:26
Glad I wasn't the only one. They fuckin smashed this one out the ballpark
MembershipNo20772026-01-17 07:44
This one definitely gives me the same vibes as the [Ousama Ranking 2nd OP](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dWZAH5w8jkQ&list=RDdWZAH5w8jkQ&start_radio=1&pp=ygUST3VzYW1hIHJhbmtpbmcgb3AyoAcB). That one also got me some feels.
DietrichDoesDamage2026-01-16 15:55
3/3 on the openings
Galactus17012026-01-16 15:56
Welcome back my queen!
ZandeR6782026-01-16 15:56
Visually, it's the most stunning opening of the season. What a perfectly apt choice. Not a fan of having to relive Himmel's death at the start of every episode though haha.
kayprel2026-01-16 15:57
Everything is perfect about it. I love Frieren just so much!!
ramen_up_my_nut2026-01-16 15:58
[deleted]
sonosabi2026-01-16 16:53
I’m just curious, but why do Western communities like Reddit so often push comparisons like “anime A is better than anime B,” even across different fandoms? Don’t they think that’s disrespectful to fans of Work B? Don’t people on either side feel embarrassed or at least uncomfortable?
Mutant_Fool2026-01-16 15:58
This is one of my favorites from Mrs. Green Apple. Kusushiki grew on me slowly but this song is already a banger.
_dsmith232026-01-16 16:01
To me, Frieren being left all alone is symbolized by that single flower petal. And when she starts meeting new companions and the flower field slowly expands, that moment is genuinely incredible.
Time_Fracture2026-01-16 16:03
Again, beautiful visual and song that complements it well. Although song-wise I personally still prefer Sentenced To Be A Hero OP this season.
Storyboarded and directed by **Tomoya Kitagawa**, the director.
Full song has been released. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2bgYqKlmGJkD5ugrOyK4bI) | [Official Music Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjeiIal1ZR0)
(Personal note: I think this is the first time I've seen you posting OP/ED instead of key visuals and PVs. At least since I joined this sub.)
artnomart2026-01-16 16:05
I am conflicted on the opening.
On one hand, absolutely gorgeous, and I've been listening to the song since the band put it online.
On the other hand, not only is anything happening in the opening, but it's a retread of the same core idea with nothing new added to it. Fewer scenes stick out to me in that regard, even though I love some like the small montage of Frieren walking with the party to Himmel's funeral.
But that's about it. Frieren lived long, knew the party, they're gone, now she has Fern and Stark; that's what the first season was about and the opening is reiterating on that with nothing really new at all. We don't see the characters in a more interesting light or even what makes them interesting, frankly.
The expedited montage of other characters feels so glossed over, felt obligatory like it's a standard opening, but this isn't a standard opening so it sticks out poorly.
I'm sure I'm missing some form of symbolism in the flower imagery because I'm not a flower guy, but besides possible ideas of mourning and rebirth, I don't expect that to enhance the opening further.
The opening is really good at making you feel what it wants you to feel, but what it wants you to feel isn't much at all, and that's a shame. I think the first two OPs are much better, and the EDs also do a better job at that vibe-based feeling because the animation is more experimental.
Hm. Yeah, I actually kind of don't like the opening, I guess lol.
KenBoy222026-01-16 19:16
long story short, "I like the song but not the visuals" just say that bruh 😂
artnomart2026-01-16 20:32
I literally said I like the visuals too.
Ideally, they'd create something greater than the sum of their parts. But they're two *separately* good things that only come together for a few seconds.
drennAU2026-01-17 10:03
I felt that this op both song and visuals blended better than the previous ones. The visuals themselves were more structured.
At the start the song was slower, frieren was alone, then it picked up with the journey of her old party. The flashes of her journey happened quick, to potray how short it felt to her. Then the climax where the colours became warmer and brighter, showing how she has changed to appreciate her time with her companions more.
liberdelta2026-01-16 23:29
Imo too many people confuse a great song with a great opening.
what_that_thaaang_do2026-01-17 00:23
It is a great opening though
Kori4r22026-01-17 13:52
>I'm sure I'm missing some form of symbolism in the flower imagery because I'm not a flower guy, but besides possible ideas of mourning and rebirth, I don't expect that to enhance the opening further.
Other comments have pointed this out, but the flower petals represent her party members and the way she interacts with them matter. She first notices a petal falling after himmel's funeral and the desolate white background turns into a flower field to show how that changes her, we then see her being handed more flower petals, and she not only hugs them close to her chest, but her face also begins to show more emotion. The entire opening is an analogy to her character arc.
tyler9809082026-01-16 16:08
This anime always makes me feel cozy I can’t explain it
sunbofu_xbw2026-01-16 16:16
This song is such a Frieren song, if that makes sense.
KoaKumaGirls2026-01-16 16:24
frieren is the most lovely show ever and its just so hard to live in a world with such beauty because theres not enough of it.
Macs_Riffs2026-01-16 16:27
So stoked for this! Frieren is probably my favorite anime ever. It hit me at the exact time in my life when I was processing a lot of grief. Not often I can say a show helped me heal, but this one sure did.
michhoffman2026-01-16 16:49
The visual story telling is amazing. It perfectly captures Frieren's journey from lone cold elf to mage of the hero's party to mage of her current party as she gradually warms up to happiness by the end.
The song is pretty nice as well.
Delicious_Reply_52222026-01-16 17:12
Wow I think I like this even more than the first one
GamerX_1202026-01-16 17:31
OOH I FORGOT IT WAS AIRING TODAY.... I will have to watch it tomorrow first thing i wake since rn i am too tired rn and i would 100% sleep mid way if i watch it now.
ataaraxia2026-01-16 17:32
As much as I am a huge Mrs GREEN APPLE fan who fell in love with them with Lilac, this is by far their best **anime opening** out of their top 4 (the 3 being Inferno, Lilac, Kusushiki).
The amazing visuals alongside the lyrics and composition of the entire song really conveys the weight of Frieren's experiences and memories. During the ending, when 「帰りたい場所がある」played and showed Fern and Stark looking back at her, followed by that faint yet comforting smile, I lost it.
This is by far one of the most beautiful anime openings made in my past 11 years of watching, both visually and musically.
Kudos to Madhouse and Mrs GREEN APPLE!
*FYI, a total of 34+ people were credited for lulu. , including*
Not the biggest fan of the song, I'd probably prefer it with 50% less falsetto.
ThatCreepyBaer2026-01-16 20:00
Funny cause I thought it was only alright until the falsetto really set in.
LowraAwry2026-01-16 20:24
I too think it was only alright until that. The falsetto didn't make it better for me, though. Same in the full track, the last chorus or bridge or whichever part with the prolonged falsetto crescendoing lost me.
warjoke2026-01-17 02:22
Is it an inherent style of Mrs Green Apple or is this just for this track? Sorry, I'm just discovering this band just recently
ataaraxia2026-01-17 06:00
Ohmori Motoki's range is pretty high but uses falsetto's quite often, but i must say for lulu. he used it the most so far!
SwimmingFantastic5642026-01-16 18:44
Banger song and banger visuals
Not sure yet if it beats JJK but it's definitely up there for one of my favourites this season
oldchangeling2026-01-16 19:11
Well, I'll be skipping this OP. Disappointing.
272b2026-01-17 04:06
Same.
Sensitive_Country1902026-01-16 19:32
It's simpler but this op is up there with my favourites like Ranking of Kings op 2 and Orb op. Been listening to the full song on repeat too since it came out. This man's falsetto is just heavenly.
DarkLanternZBT2026-01-16 21:32
Starts: Aw, a little cozy vibe.
Mid: The match cuts of Frieren flashing through her life are so good.
End: /openly sobbing and curled up on the couch
NoLoveWeebWeb2026-01-16 22:05
The falsetto is horrible lol otherwise it's alright
Heliomega22026-01-16 22:17
Oh no it's cute
Rotorscope2026-01-16 23:21
This is the best Frieren OP so far, it's so majestic.
Mysterious-Rate-32532026-01-17 01:53
I don’t like this opening especially after the first two bangers we got. All the openings, endings and even every single sound track from Frieren has been a banger so far. This is just a decent song. May be it will be grow on me just like their apothecary diaries opening. But even that song still good wasn’t as good as its season 1 either.
Overseer_Zaar2026-01-17 03:45
I like elf’s too
272b2026-01-17 03:58
Both "Yuusha" and "Haru" from S1 were amazing, but this? This is by far the weakest Frieren OP. Sure the visuals are nice, but the song itself is boring af. It sounds less like a Frieren song and more like the same kind of generic slop this music artist usually makes. I didn't like their stuff in Apothecary Diaries S2 and I don't like it here. High-profile series like Frieren and Apothecary Diaries deserve better than this.
They should've gotten either YOASOBI or Yorushika back instead getting a run-of-the-mill artist like Mrs. GREEN APPLE to do the S2 OP.
Independent_Turn_3242026-01-17 12:28
Calling MGA "run-of-the-mill artist" is such an absurd statement lol. They’re one of the biggest bands in Japan right now and consistently place in the Top 10 of Billboard Japan, with many of those songs not even being anime openings.
They also won the 67th Japan Record Awards last year (and for 3 years straight aswell).
272b2026-01-17 16:37
Popular doesn't always equal good. If it did, then a generic power fantasy slop like Solo Leveling wouldn't have won in so many categories of Crunchyroll awards.
Besides, their popularity means nothing to me if their actual content is boring and soulless like this one and Apothecary Diaries S2 OP2.
Independent_Turn_3242026-01-17 18:49
What I’m trying to say is that a lot of people in Japan love the band. **Music taste obviously varies**, but straight-up calling them *“run-of-the-mill”* just because you don’t like the song is kinda absurd when a lot of people clearly enjoy it.
I mean, I can see why you’d call it soulless if you don’t really understand the song, but MGA is literally known for emotional and relatable lyrics. Just look at songs like “[Que Sera Sera](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy-QS27q7lA&list=RDJy-QS27q7lA&start_radio=1)”, “[Ao to Natsu](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m34DPnRUfMU&list=RDm34DPnRUfMU&start_radio=1)” and "[Boku no Koto](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xefpHEg5UIA&list=RDxefpHEg5UIA&start_radio=1)" Their songs being relatable esp about youth, and everyday struggles is the reason why it is popular in Japan in the first place. Honestly, it feels like you probably haven’t even read the full lyrics.
Still, I understand if you didn't like it. but you’re kinda in the minority when most people actually like it.
FetchFrosh2026-01-17 19:22
> but straight-up calling them “run-of-the-mill” just because you don’t like the song is kinda absurd when a lot of people clearly enjoy it.
Something can be run-of-the-mill and popular.
usagi11242026-01-20 13:30
Have you listened to the full song and read the lyrics? Imo MGA's greatest charm is in their lyrics and it's a shame the English translation in their official MV doesn't do it any justice. :(
WorldlinessWild63532026-01-17 07:05
I can't help but notice that at 1:25, the flower crowns don't turn as their heads do
TheOneAboveGod2026-01-17 08:31
nNow this is a Frieren OP. Yuusha was a decent song but it sucked as a Frieren OP.
GamingSuit762026-01-17 09:52
I am not crying, U ARE
DarknessInferno72026-01-17 11:54
Not a fan of the vocals for this one, but the imagery is still beautiful.
I think it's less that this is a bad or even lacking OP, and just speaks to how brilliant the first OP was.
Cosmoflight2026-01-17 18:20
Oh yeah someone recommended this to me. I gotta check it out
migstrove2026-01-18 07:40
Obviously I'm in the minority here but I really dislike the song. For me it's difficult to make out much of a melody and the falsetto sounds bad too. It's strange because the same band did the Fire Force OP, which was great.
Pokemon_No_Life2026-01-18 11:20
Glad to see Mrs Green Apple getting more openings, I loved Inferno from Fire Force
Meatwadsan2026-01-21 06:54
All of the symbolism throughout the OP was beautiful
FastenedCarrot2026-01-23 03:28
I don't like the song, the visuals are nice though.
Commentaires
The opening fits Frieren's tone and atmosphere so well
Visually it looks beautiful as well.
I think the opening is amazing, but I also feel like it's treading the same ground as the first one without much to say or add.
Nothing much is happening in the opening under the gorgeous presentation and swelling music and that is a shame.
I think the only part that "matches" is when the montage cuts according to the beats of the song, when the singer "stutters" for the lack of a better term. It captures how all of Frieren's time with the Hero Party was emotional but also short by her perspective and passed her by. Frieren moves at a constant unbroken stride while everything around her, from the environment to the people she's with, changes. She only stops at Himmel's funeral, and only then does she choose to notice the world around her. It's my favorite part of the opening, in fact.
But the opening does it again, with a montage of other characters who Frieren doesn't care about but are apparently important to this cour, and it's super flat. It feels like it's there just to remind you that other characters exist. That montage completely fails to match the song, unfortunately.
Every other scene, I get what they mean. Nothing happens in there to fit the swelling emotions of the song. They don't convey much besides "this is sad and emotional", and I want to believe the song is more than just "this is sad and emotional."
Because I watched the first season, where she barely acknowledges them. Also, her whole characterization about her struggle to make and maintain connections with people.
I'm sure they're important to the upcoming episodes but the entire opening is hyperfocused on what is important to Frieren. I suppose the only other relevance is that since this is after the whole "she stops to notice the world around her", it's an extension of that, but that's still a bare thread.
> Whatever things happen in this season, I'm fairly sure will affect her some way or another
Will they affect her in the same way that Fern, Stark, and the Hero Party has? Does it really fit the song to have 0.5 seconds dedicated to a character Frieren might see again in the season? I don't think it does.
20 seconds of the opening is dedicated to Frieren catching a single flower pedal in a bed of flowers, representing her solitude in a world full of people. I don't think a blink-and-you-miss it shot of Methode compares in relevance, thematic, emotional, or otherwise.
Hell, if they actually *are* important, then their *lack* of presence would still be jarring, wouldn't it? Methode could be Frieren's new best friend, so why does she appear for only an instant in this emotional opening?
The opening just tied that sequence to the feeling of Frieren not noticing the world passing her by in the same song. One is an actual emotional beat and theme. The other is "oh, yeah, these characters appear."
It didn't turn that idea on its head or spin a new perspective, it's literally just "they had to be here somewhere." It only really fits the song because it's the only fast-paced part of it lol.
And like you said, I do think they were also shown there because well They do have to be shown somewhere. But why is that a bad thing. It's still very clearly intentional and works in the moment for the reasons I said.
And also, even if i was wrong for all that I have said, how would a short 10s sequence make the song not match the visuals, when everything else does lol. It's just kinda of a silly statement to me either way. And again I think all of it does match, including the "random characters", so I disagree on everything.
The opening doesn't convey that idea at all. She never even appears in the same scenes as them. She is disconnected from them, even more so than when she was disconnected from the people actually around her.
> how would a short 10s sequence make the song not match the visuals,
Mostly because the visuals themselves don't convey much. I praise the chorus not just because of "things happening" but also because "things happening" is the point of the sequences and matches the song that couldn't be replicated with another song.
But most other scenes can easily be replicated with any other slow ballad song, so does it really *match* the song, or is it simply unobtrusive?
It's sad when Frieren feels alone, and the song is sad, but could I use any other sad song for the same effect? Probably. Is that because the song is generic, or is it because the visuals themselves are?
Also about the opening not conveying that idea, if you notice the cut before the "random characters" is a zoom on a close of frieren looking straight front mesmerized by something, and then, after the time lapse of characters ends, it cuts back to frieren smiling. I think its pretty clear what it's trying to convey here.
Oh also about the tempo, no, I think in terms of tempo this is by far the op frieren has had that matched the tempo the most lol.
Now all I see are dark mountains in the distance
Like the flashes of flashbacks in this OP. They went by so damn fast which is probably similar to how Frieren experiences it.
same with Lilas/Yoasobi tho.
Either they get asked, or they ask and automatically get it.
All the fans will be interested in it. So more people are made aware of it, that feeds a content loop for popularity.
Just like how the right art trend, the right meme that explode in popularity can just boost a series.
(Like that Frieren Looking Up Meme/drawing challenge we got recently. It's silly, but people liked it, and took it on a trip.)
Like it's not a exaggeration to say they're at the top right now even over King Gnu and Official Hige Dandism.
Fast forward to earlier this year. On the jp billboards they took like 7 of the top 10 spots. I was genuinely so shocked! They really popped off! Very happy for them.
I could be wrong but if my memory serves me well.
TLDR MGA was asked to make the opening.
Definitely someone at Toho who's a fan of them, but also at least their lead vocalist is a Frieren fan (posted on twitter almost two years ago how he binge read the manga, also like a day before the reveal that they were doing the OP dude was posing as Himmel on twitter... not even being subtle about it, lol), so you can see how that would all connect and make this collaboration happen.
Imagine my delight when I found out soon after it's actually the S2 OP.
Haru will always be my favorite Frieren OP, but this is a close second.
You have alterted the horde
Edit: I just realized after rewatching this beautiful OP a few more times. The quick cuts of Himmel party's adventure represents Frieren perspective of it like it was just that damn quick for her?? No im not crying !
Love how it tells the story of her finding connection, losing connection, being alone, then finding it again. And they did such a wonderful job with the use of color to do so, and timing it all with the beats from the music.
Edit: Again with the next rewatch. Tears. Right at the part when the warm summer colors burst forth with the flowers. The notion that endings aren't always the end. Oof.
Storyboarded and directed by **Tomoya Kitagawa**, the director.
Full song has been released. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2bgYqKlmGJkD5ugrOyK4bI) | [Official Music Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjeiIal1ZR0)
(Personal note: I think this is the first time I've seen you posting OP/ED instead of key visuals and PVs. At least since I joined this sub.)
On one hand, absolutely gorgeous, and I've been listening to the song since the band put it online.
On the other hand, not only is anything happening in the opening, but it's a retread of the same core idea with nothing new added to it. Fewer scenes stick out to me in that regard, even though I love some like the small montage of Frieren walking with the party to Himmel's funeral.
But that's about it. Frieren lived long, knew the party, they're gone, now she has Fern and Stark; that's what the first season was about and the opening is reiterating on that with nothing really new at all. We don't see the characters in a more interesting light or even what makes them interesting, frankly.
The expedited montage of other characters feels so glossed over, felt obligatory like it's a standard opening, but this isn't a standard opening so it sticks out poorly.
I'm sure I'm missing some form of symbolism in the flower imagery because I'm not a flower guy, but besides possible ideas of mourning and rebirth, I don't expect that to enhance the opening further.
The opening is really good at making you feel what it wants you to feel, but what it wants you to feel isn't much at all, and that's a shame. I think the first two OPs are much better, and the EDs also do a better job at that vibe-based feeling because the animation is more experimental.
Hm. Yeah, I actually kind of don't like the opening, I guess lol.
Ideally, they'd create something greater than the sum of their parts. But they're two *separately* good things that only come together for a few seconds.
At the start the song was slower, frieren was alone, then it picked up with the journey of her old party. The flashes of her journey happened quick, to potray how short it felt to her. Then the climax where the colours became warmer and brighter, showing how she has changed to appreciate her time with her companions more.
Other comments have pointed this out, but the flower petals represent her party members and the way she interacts with them matter. She first notices a petal falling after himmel's funeral and the desolate white background turns into a flower field to show how that changes her, we then see her being handed more flower petals, and she not only hugs them close to her chest, but her face also begins to show more emotion. The entire opening is an analogy to her character arc.
The song is pretty nice as well.
The amazing visuals alongside the lyrics and composition of the entire song really conveys the weight of Frieren's experiences and memories. During the ending, when 「帰りたい場所がある」played and showed Fern and Stark looking back at her, followed by that faint yet comforting smile, I lost it.
This is by far one of the most beautiful anime openings made in my past 11 years of watching, both visually and musically.
Kudos to Madhouse and Mrs GREEN APPLE!
*FYI, a total of 34+ people were credited for lulu. , including*
* *8 background vocalists*
* *3 drums*
* *12 Violin/Viola*
* *2 Cellos*
* *4 Brass*
Not sure yet if it beats JJK but it's definitely up there for one of my favourites this season
Mid: The match cuts of Frieren flashing through her life are so good.
End: /openly sobbing and curled up on the couch
They should've gotten either YOASOBI or Yorushika back instead getting a run-of-the-mill artist like Mrs. GREEN APPLE to do the S2 OP.
They also won the 67th Japan Record Awards last year (and for 3 years straight aswell).
Besides, their popularity means nothing to me if their actual content is boring and soulless like this one and Apothecary Diaries S2 OP2.
I mean, I can see why you’d call it soulless if you don’t really understand the song, but MGA is literally known for emotional and relatable lyrics. Just look at songs like “[Que Sera Sera](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy-QS27q7lA&list=RDJy-QS27q7lA&start_radio=1)”, “[Ao to Natsu](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m34DPnRUfMU&list=RDm34DPnRUfMU&start_radio=1)” and "[Boku no Koto](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xefpHEg5UIA&list=RDxefpHEg5UIA&start_radio=1)" Their songs being relatable esp about youth, and everyday struggles is the reason why it is popular in Japan in the first place. Honestly, it feels like you probably haven’t even read the full lyrics.
Still, I understand if you didn't like it. but you’re kinda in the minority when most people actually like it.
Something can be run-of-the-mill and popular.
I think it's less that this is a bad or even lacking OP, and just speaks to how brilliant the first OP was.