Berserk (1997) is not your typical fantasy anime. It’s raw, painful, and unforgettable. Based on Kentaro Miura’s legendary manga, this series dives deep into the brutal world of war, ambition, and betrayal—through the eyes of a man carrying a sword too heavy for most to lift, and a past even heavier.
The first time I watched Berserk, I wasn’t prepared. Not for the violence, not for the grief, and especially not for the emotional weight that lingers long after the final scene. This is an anime that marks you.
🛡️ Guts: The Struggler With No Rest
Screenshot taken from the video "", available on YouTube:
The story follows Guts, a mercenary with a monstrous blade and a will forged in blood. He’s not a hero—at least not in the traditional sense. He’s a survivor. A man with no place in the world, constantly searching for meaning and battling enemies both external and internal.
What unfolds is a tale of found brotherhood, rising ambition, and the cruel cost of dreams.
⚔️ A Medieval Nightmare
Screenshot taken from the video "", available on YouTube:
The world of Berserk is bleak: a medieval landscape where power rules and hope is fragile. But that realism is also what makes it so compelling. Every scar tells a story. Every fight leaves a mark—on the characters and on the viewer.
The animation may feel old-school, but the storytelling is razor-sharp. Each quiet moment is loaded with tension. Each friendship feels temporary, like a candle in the wind.
🎵 An Unforgettable Soundscape
Screenshot taken from the video "", available on YouTube:
The soundtrack by Susumu Hirasawa is haunting and timeless. Tracks like "Forces" and "Guts Theme" carry a strange, melancholic beauty that perfectly mirrors the anime’s tone. They make scenes stay with you—not just as visuals, but as feelings.
Even the stillness is powerful in Berserk. Sometimes silence says more than words ever could.
💫 A Tragic, Beautiful Descent
Berserk (1997) doesn’t offer easy answers. It offers pain, struggle, and a brutal truth: that the world is cruel, and surviving it takes more than strength. It takes purpose. If you’re looking for a series that respects your intelligence and challenges your soul, this is the one.