Overall Rating 7.4 out of 10 - Good show with an excellent plot and story
I recommend watching.
Gargantia looks like a very uncharacteristic anime for Gen Urobuchi, unlike his other works its bright and seamlessly upbeat. However, there is more to this show that initially meets the eye, it certainly worth your time.
Story and premise are by far the best thing about this anime. I would not reveal to many details to not spoil all the plot twists ahead. Far into future humans spread across the space and now locked in never-ending fight against squid like beings called Hideauze. Main protagonist got separated from his unit and ended up stranded on a seamlessly mysterious planet of never-ending ocean where people live by salvaging old equipment and technology from seafloor. As show progresses, he adapts to live on that planet but eventually gets to discover more about Hideauze and the planet's past.
Setting is somewhat mixed bag but mostly positive. There is too much of doing with little, leaving in shacks and scrapping by, however there is also plenty of abundance and relax resort-like vibes too, turquoise sea, terracotta-coloured clothes, girls in belly dancing harem outfits, fancy meals and such.
Show presents a dichotomy between a society of universal acceptance and letting go of things, practiced on Gargantia to rigid utilitarianism of Galactic Alliance. Both societies are somewhat lacking in my opinion, so I do not have clear favorite. However not everyone monolithically backs one or another way of life. Different characters have different views on the matter and behave on their own conviction.
Overall characters are well written and their behavior makes sense. Each life by their own believes and cooperates of conflicts with others based on these believes. They are well fleshed out. The way Ledo interacts with society that is so different from Galactic Alliance where he grew up is absolute brilliance. Main heroine, Amy is very nice and likable girl.
As for negatives, then if it did not have so much of leftist defeatism and letting go of things, I would have given it 8. To put it short, I am on Pinion and Flange side on issue of Whale-Squid lair.
There are two OVAs too. First is mostly flashbacks about various characters, its best to watch it only after finishing the main storyline as there will be spoilers in second episode of OVA. Overall, these are OK-ish with second episode is better than the first.
Second OVA is larger and takes place immediately after the main storyline. It expands on the world, Gargantia exist in. Here again second episode is much more interesting than the first one and this time by a lot.
Overall, I can certainly recommend this show. Its punching far above the average.
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