From the first few episodes one could expect a "Ghost in the shell"-clone, but the series quickly deviates from its initial setting and developes a truly unique world and storytelling, which captured me deeply and thouroghly.

The philosophical aspects and religious allegories are presented very well and are explained, praised, questioned and refused all in the same series in a very tolerant manner. Some usual tropes, which the japanese use when it comes to certain religious beliefs are even reversed and shown from the other side of the coin, which i liked very much and what sets this series apart.

Ergo Proxy has further a great atmosphere (vastly enhanced by the use of colors, the music and the overall art style) and two of the greatest and most likeable characters of all time (in my opinion). (show less)

I always loved dystopia themes surrounded by post apocalyptic world. I like the atmosphere, created in a stories like these. Dark ambience with a stunning urban scenery provides a unique feeling of apathy and alienation. Ergo proxy is interesting anime at many ways, it isn't just a depressive sc-fi anime, it have action and a little romance(but not too much to be pathetic sad). Melanholic music completed the feeling. Story in the anime have a plenty of references in a literature, a philosophy and mythology (you can/should see the explanation after the end of every episode). I like the animation style, characters do look like they are real people, not too flashy (no clowny freaks), just the way I like. And yes, I think that female protagonist, Real Mayer is one of the most beautiful anime female, but I dont like a very much her personality. Ok, so I told that this have a great story, but I was suprised to see a great fillers too (2 or 3 episodes). Those fillers were weird, spooky and beautiful at the same time! I recomend Ergo Proxy to everyone who are open-minded for a little philosophy and sc-fi excitment. (show less)

this story is about finding out who u are and what matters most to you, going to the ends of the earth and back. it's never an easy thing to do, yet some will never the less do so.

on their way lil, vince and pino go through the most weird of experiences, but the price is worth it. not running away from their reality they find new sides of themselves and a new heartbeat which will keep the toghether.

dark as it may be, the animation is superb, even flawless compered to other anyme. it's one of the very few anime with such a permeating atmosphere.

watching this will be quite an endevor, but it must be tackled. ur head might hurt after it for a while, but u will never regret it!

watch it! (show less)

Authors note:
Right so first off, I seen this anime for the first time at about '99? I can't really remember exactly. At that time, I never really took in the story as a whole and thought it to be slightly .. how ot put it.. confusing in some ways. I've seen it 3-4 times since then(Just re-watched it again), and everytime I re-watch it. I get a new appreciation for how well the story is written and portrayed.

In some ways, I wish they made a follow up. Simply because of the way it ended, but truth be told. I'm glad they didn't. I doubt if there was a follow up it'd be anywhere as good(story wise) as the original due to the way it ended(Ergo proxy battle anime? nty... -.-). *shrugs* Just my humble opition.

Review:
So as always, I'll start out with the story. It's a very unique story to say the least. In both concept and construct. For the most part, or at least the top layer of the story is about a few key questions, "Who is Vincent law" and "what is a proxy". However, as the story progresses, it indroduces you to new questions that may or may not be answered in that one episode. Some of the answers can be kind of obscure though, and thus you can end up feeling slightly confused. In truth if you don't say "WTF is going on?!" at least once almost every episode(Minus the first few), You're either much smater than me, seen it before, not paying attention or very quick witted(And props to you if you are. lol).

Dialogue in this is very important, As important as it is in Death note. Some of the conversations and descriptions of what's happening can be rather complex at times. All in all the dialogue is at times very deep and thought provoking, as elessarshope said it's very philosophical and most of the time serious. It can be rather dark at times too, those with and without hope, serious and not are protrayed as you'd expect them to be(See the difference between Vincent, Pino and Re-L to see what I mean).

Animation wise. Well, it's very dark and grungey. It is a cyber punk anime after all. I mean, a dead world isn't supposed to be bright and cheerful, right? But as far as the characters go they are all very unique and very well designed(even despite all the dark colors used).

So to wrap it all up. As a whole, Ergo proxy is an anime that will probably make you sit back and think, even after coming to it's conclusion. So if you don't like thinking or that type of thing makes your head hurt, this isn't for you. (show less)