Death Parade presents the audience with a myriad of ethical quandaries, from a sheltered nerds inability to accept his step mothers love (he commits suicide) to a seemingly fated couple, one of which literally changed her appearance through plastic surgery due to her insecurities about being inadequate. The show pushes the audience to contemplate; whether or not the subjects should be condemned to eternity in a empty vacuum of suffering, or to reincarnation. The protagonist is an arbiter; Decim, an ’emotionless’ puppet, who starts to question his ability to judge humanity, as he is is not ‘human. Death parade is a stunningly animated piece examining the ethics of the way modern society lives it’s life, all contained in a beautifully animated and wonderfully scored animation.
Death Parade is in my opinion a highly accomplished animation. It is brilliant in regards to the way it deals with our perceptions of specific types of people (stereotypes); for example, we are presented with a brother who provides for and loves his orphaned sister, and a straight edge detective, who’s wife was murdered. Both of which have violently murdered people who have wronged them, and we are forced to consider, are they justified in there actions?
The episode that challenged perceptions (in extension stereotypes); episode 6 ‘cross heart attack’ demonstrates how even someone who is doomed to fit into a stereotype; that of a pampered pop star, a womaniser and someone who pays little attention to those that idolise him. However once faced with one of his fans, and the devotion of a enamoured fan, he is capable of change. He renounces his ways and sacrifices himself for his fan, despite how she could be considered lower then him in society.
As a show Death parade is a perfect analysis of the human psyche, and most importantly our capacity to change, and act compassionately towards us.
Thank you
Robert
Robert Faux 