Who? What? Where? These are three questions you'll be asking yourself pretty much the entire time you watch Last Exile. Unless you find a website that lists all of the terms used throughout Last Exile, you'll fall behind pretty quickly. This is due in part to the story that moves about at lightning speeds and the complete lack of background information on everyone and everything other than the two main characters, Claus and Lavi, whose relationship is left as ambiguous in the end as it is in the beginning.

With all of those negatives out the way, let's get on to the positive aspects: everything else. The story is brilliant and original, and never once showed any signs of slowing down. I was hooked from the first episode to the last episode, and it was quite a joyride. Although at many times it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, it was certainly enjoyable.

The immense cast of characters also helps to propel the series beyond all expectations. Each and every character has his or her own completely unique, original appearance and have well fleshed out personalities as well. The only problem I had with them is that, as mentioned before, there's just no information on most of them. The characters aren't the only thing with a lack of background information: the entire world itself is one big enigma, even in the ending. I'd discuss it further, but that would be spoiling a fantastic ending like that.

Fantastic? Didn't I say that it didn't answer anything? Well, yeah, but it was still extremely enjoyable despite the fact that there were some things that could have done better. Last Exile also shows us the importance of having an epilogue in an anime series for shows that have really confusing endings. Unfortunately, the epilogue somehow manages to introduce even MORE questions to our heads that are already raw from the scratching they've gotten throughout the series.

The music and animation in Last Exile are top-notch. A seamless blend of CG and 2D animation, Last Exile is a visual feast for the eyes. Right from the intro in the first episode, I knew it was going to have spectacular animation. The music is amazing as well, from the opening song, the ending song, and everything in between (just don't listen to the full version of the opening song, it sux0rz). Of particular mention is Under the Sky by Hitomi and all of its incarnations throughout the series.