Watch Knights of Sidonia

Knights of Sidonia is a science fiction anime series created by Polygon Pictures and based on the manga series of the same name by Tsutomu Nihei. It premiered on Netflix in 2014 and ran for two seasons, with a total of 24 episodes. The story is set in the distant future when humanity has fled Earth after it was destroyed by gigantic alien creatures known as Gauna. The survivors live in massive space colonies that drift through the cosmos in search of a new home. The main character, Nagate Tanikaze, is a young man who grew up in the lower decks of one of these colonies, Sidonia. Nagate is a skilled pilot, but he has never flown a real spacecraft until one day, he is recruited by the Sidonia's military to become a Guardian, a group of pilots who defend the city from Gauna attacks.

As one of the few people who can use an ancient and powerful mecha called a Tsugumori, Nagate soon finds himself at the center of a conflict that could determine the fate of humanity. Along with his fellow pilots, including the talented and headstrong Izana Shinatose, Nagate must fight to protect Sidonia and its people from the Gauna while uncovering the mysteries of their origin and the true nature of the war they are fighting.

One of the most distinctive features of Knights of Sidonia is its animation style. The show is entirely made using computer-generated imagery, which gives it a unique look that is both futuristic and somewhat unsettling. The characters move in a fluid, almost weightless way that emphasizes the fact that they are living in a zero-gravity environment. The backgrounds are often bleak and desolate, with vast expanses of black space punctuated by the occasional asteroid or interstellar cloud.

The show's soundtrack, composed by Noriyuki Asakura, is a perfect match for the visuals. The music is often sparse and eerie, using electronic sounds and rumbling bass to create a sense of tension and unease. During action scenes, the music becomes more bombastic, with pounding drums and soaring orchestral instruments that add to the excitement and drama.

In terms of its characters, Knights of Sidonia has a large and diverse cast. Nagate is the classic hero figure, with a strong sense of justice and an unwavering dedication to protecting his friends and his city. Izana is his opposite, a non-binary character who struggles with their identity and their feelings for Nagate. Other notable characters include Captain Kobayashi, the enigmatic leader of the Guardians, and Shizuka Hoshijiro, a young girl who develops a close bond with Nagate.

The relationships between the characters are a significant part of what makes Knights of Sidonia so engaging. There are romantic entanglements, rivalries, and uneasy alliances that create a web of complex interpersonal dynamics. The show is also unafraid to explore darker themes, such as the toll of war on the human psyche and the ethical dilemmas faced by those who must make life-or-death decisions.

Overall, Knights of Sidonia is an exciting and thought-provoking anime series that offers a fresh take on the mecha genre. Its distinctive animation style, haunting soundtrack, and engaging characters make it a must-watch for fans of science fiction and anime alike. With its blend of action, drama, and mystery, it is a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.