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I think it says a lot when the Witch that is used to embody Sayaka's fall from grace is the Witch with a self righteous nature. A being embodying the chase of an unhealthy ideal being made into the target of Sayaka's destructive rage is...Well, it's lowkey amazing when you piece it all together.

it also hurts a lot if you can think of the arc as almost a story of true depression leading to a suicide... this scene is basically the equivalent of seeing a character legit self harm herself

When Sayaka is hacking and slashing at decapitated Elsa Maria her arm is broken horribly, its so badly broken she used it as a flail, her collar bone is broken on the other side which is why it just hangs there while she uses her other arm as a flail

I really feel so bad for sayaka. All she wanted to do was to help the person she loved. But in the end it backfired in her face.

I think the Elsa Maria scene gets even better when you put it next to Rebellion scene. In Rebellion when Sayaka summons Octavia to fight Homulily the scene uses the same scenery and style as Elsa Maria. The same shadows and the same background. With one exception. Sayaka's outline is light blue, where in the show the outline is dark blue. It symbolises that where in the show Sayaka was at her lowest, here she is at her highest. Another detail in that scene is that in order to summon Octavia Sayaka stabs herself. I have seen an interpratation that since Octavia is the Lovesick witch Sayaka her to literally experience the pain she felt when she couldnt confess. However i propose the interpratation that Sayaka stabbing herself against Elsa Maria background is that in that fight Sayaka Miki died and instead Octavia von Sekendorf was born.

I loved how everyone inside of the labyrinth (Where Sayaka went crazy flailing her arm around) was a silhouette. The witch herself Elsa Maria(?), I don’t know much about her except from what I’ve seen. I feel so bad for Sayaka.

Sayaka was my favorite character, so imagine my despair when she has her psychotic break down. And then imagine my devastation when I learned that this will happen to sayaka no matter what happened

i was kinda interested in how sayaka's decision to completely remove incoming pain relates to her whole arc. this *is* the scene where she says "i cant feel the pain anymore" or something to that effect. she might have even said she doesnt feel *anything* anymore, but i cant remember honestly.

Great video 😄 I find Sayaka so interesting; I never equated the crumbling of Elsa Maria's labyrinth to her literal world crumbling. I always saw it as a sign of how much she's changed. She was virturous and self sacrificing to a fault but now, she has become brutal. To see her decapitate Elsa, and keep attacking her body is disturbing, but especially when you consider the parallel to Mami. She was decapitated, and Charlotte kept attacking (well eating) her body. Sayaka has now become as brutal and ruthless of the "monsters" she's sworn to defeat.

Love your Madoka videos and I'm so glad someone is still making great in depth videos about this great anime!!! But I wish someone would take a closer look on Kyoko, as a character and her role to play in the anime, as she is often pushed aside and over looked. She's my favourite character so I'm just longing to see some attention towards her 😅

Iirc, as far as the intent of the artists, I believe it’s been pretty much confirmed that the artists on the show intended a lot of symbolism. I was reading an essay about the series where they reference an interview where Urobuchi is asked about the passage of Faust that appears early in the show (episode 2?) and he confirms that the artists themselves added it. I’m paraphrasing because I can’t recall the precise quote but it does seem to confirm that the magica quartet did give a lot of artistic liberty to the artists and that they added a ton of visual symbolism that matched the story and characters which was okayed by the quartet.

I cannot express how much of an impact Madoka Magica has had on my life. The emotional trauma and philosophical ideas presented in this little show has hit home way too close and hard for comfort. When I spent hours crying over these characters I wondered to myself "why?" Up until watching the show I thought of myself as a sociopath. Being my emotions were heavily subdued but after digging down and trying to feel like why this show broke me made me realize I'm the opposite of a sociopath, I'm a complete empath. I shut my emotions off as a self defence mechanism. Watching videos like this help me uncover and realize why this show opened up trauma wounds the way it did. I love this show unconditionally

I love how Elsa Maria’s labyrinth looks like a shadow puppet show🥰 it gives the entire fight a strong sense of detachment, just like sayaka is feeling in that moment.

I want to point out the line you opened the video with, Sayaka's "I don't feel any pain anymore" line (which I've also seen translated as "I don't even feel pain anymore" and, my personal favorite, "I don't feel anything anymore"). That line is just... I think this scene is the saddest scene in any anime, as far me personally and what I've watched, primarily off the back of that line. (Edit: misspellings)

I think Sayaka also realized she was going to die when Kyubey said she did not have any inborn talent & should ask Madoka (who up until then was talentless) to form a contract to fight Kyoko

After watching Rebellion, Sayaka feels like the most sane chatacter.

Hi! love your breakdown but I think one critical key you're missing is that the witches' labyrinths are meant to be depictions of the girl's mental state as they become a witch. This is not a huge detail but I think it adds another nuance to it when you're discussing certain scenes. What may seem unnecessary or eccentric in a labyrinth is actually meant to give insight into the nature of the witch herself, so in terms of the scene where Sayaka is fighting the church witch, yes I assume the artists purposely chose that witch to be her final battle, but in that same note I don't think the colors, shadows, and overall art style depicted are meant to be reminiscent of what's happening in the show because that specific witch's labyrinth would have looked the same even if they fought her in the beginning when everything was sunshine and daisy's. Additionally, Sayaka's fighting style in that scene is reminiscent of what's going on with her but you are also missing the fact that at that moment she is turning off her physical pain through her soul gem, which Kyubey confirmed does limit their physical abilities and reaction times, so hacking and slashing is basically all she can do.

I don't know if you've seen the movie rendition of this scene, but I love it even more than the series for the music alone. Yuki Kajiura did a great job creating some fresh tracks for the first two films, and this moment in particular is a great example. Instead of just playing Decretum, it's a slow, operatic rendition of the song just DRIPPING with tragedy. It was composed specifically for this scene so it rises and falls with it even more seamlessly. I highly recommend checking it out if you haven't already!

I'm so happy that Madoka Magica is getting attention again it's one of my favorite anime. It's a perfectly imperfect masterpiece that really makes you feel emotions you never thought you'f feel before. Sayaka and Madoka are my 2 faves in the seriously but everyone is just super well written. This video was really good and helped me realize somethings I looked over in the series!

Will never get over how amazing Urobutcher's writing is. His work on this and Fate/Zero makes me never want to wish for anything ever again.

I've always loved the I don't feel any pain any more scene.

Another great discussion! One of the parts that stuck out the most to me is the part where the witches and familiars were described as paper-like and 2d, very shallow descriptions of their former selves. I had never thought about that in that sense, and its a great description. Also loved how that contrasts to Elsa Maria's design, and the comparison it brings to Sayaka here. How empty and how little there is to it, almost like there is nothing left of *themself* there anymore. Not really something I've thought about, so I appreciate the light brought upon it. Not sure why KZfaq isn't giving me notifications which is why I'm always watching these late lmao, but I'm glad to watch them now!

You wanna do a video on why Saiyaka’s witch form looks the way it does and perhaps theorize what type of girl past magical girl were, the wishes they might’ve made, and what kind of life they were living based on their witch forms.

I watched this anime for the first time January last year and then again in July of last year. It quickly became a favorite of mine because I enjoyed all the symbolism that the creator put into the animation. Sayaka’s downfall was tragic as all she wanted was to help the one she loved who didn’t love her back. At first I thought she was just loud and annoying, but towards episode six I felt sorry for her and then when she became a witch it was very tragic to watch.

Let's go! For real though, time has made me warm up to the tragedy that is Sayaka. Mami is still the best/most important, but Sayaka doesn't deserve all the problems.

I'd like to point out how Elsa Maria was a lot like sayaka. "I wish for your happiness"

I'm so glad you continue to talk about madoka magica, it's one of my favorites :D

Just wanted to say I love your Madoka Magica videos! Surprisingly, not many channels have analyzed this series and yours are definitely the best analysis videos I've seen. Great work as always!

This was a really interesting analysis video, but I think the point you made on how Sayaka's bloody repetition is most notable. A lot of the interpretation you made I think definitely rings home at the centerpiece of her character arc.

Please cover Sayaka’s actual death scene too! Or maybe Kyoko’s death! Both scenes are really good

Interesting video, and it also highlights pretty nicely the moment where Sayaka goes from trying to be a hero of justice, to not even caring about her own well-being... and subsequent descent into madness. All in all, a nice complement to the Sayaka profile. Unrelated note but was that some Death End Re:quest OST in the background ?

I've always thought this scene was worth a detailed careful analysis. It is so well constructed! Thanks for providing it!

this was my fav scene, shes my 2nd fav char (kyoko bein 1st) & it's so interesting to see her in each timeline, espc in rebellion

I really appreciate your in-depth and well-written analysis videos about Madoka Magica. I only recently finished the show and three movies after it and it ended up becoming one of my, if not, my favorite anime because of how good it was. I honestly wasn't expecting anyone to talk about an anime from over a decade ago.

Thankyou!! Madoka is my favourite anime of all time so I glad to see someone enjoy it as much as me

Well, I definitely need to rewatch Madoka Magica, there's definitely things that I missed. Thank you for all these videos, you've given me things to look out for when I do rewatch it!

The fact the Elsa Maria's most likely magical girl was Sasara Minagi who wanted to be a knight and save people just hits it home even more. The was killing the witch whose path she was almost exactly following

Great breakdown! It's one of my favourite scenes, too.

Great video!! Thank you

Another great video!

In the audio commentaries, the VAs would joke about how the tv series should really be called Puella Magi Sayaka Magica.

your madoka videos are the best

Your madoka magica videos are great dude thanks for the solid content

I literally JUST rewatched this. Thanks 😁

YAY ANOTHER MADOKA MAGICA VIDEOS TO WATCH

I can't believe I haven't seen any of these PMMM videos before. It's easily my favorite series of all time. Subscribed.

I loved how you mentioned how by casting both Sayaka and Elsa Maria in shadow she didn't look much different from the witch she was fighting. Similarly, given the scene's focus on Sayaka, I feel like the scene's black and white dominated color palette is meant to reflect how overly simplistic and extreme Sayaka's sense of justice had become by that point.

Amazing video!!! I love this scene and I love Sayaka's arc!

Love your madoka videos

Nice video!

Best scene was episode 10, when Madoka asks to not become a witch. Gut punch every watch.

I like this! The point you made especially about the Witch and Liberty/Freedom! {(Being as that, I was sucked into the game of Magia Record, a few years ago) We know that Witches were once Magical Girls.. So, I always -upon rewatching Madoka- I try to deduce; If I knew the Original Magical Girl, and where and when I would’ve met her, in the Game. Based on facts we know are responsible for the appearance of a Witch, Etc. Etc. From; Labyrinth designs, Witch design/“Nature”/Weapon, Their Wish, Familiars, reasons for being turned/Falling to Despair, Etc. Etc. There are Channels/Social Media Pages that dedicate time to trying to ascertain the Identities of the Witches, in reference to which Magia Record Character it could be.. [that do hard work, research and a lot more effort than I ever do, lol. I just kind of guess, as I’m watching collect details and kind of think about it] Most, decipher The Witch you were discussing, as a religious type. Coming at it from the angle you offered, opens of way more possibilities to who I think it possibly could be. Anyways it was just a really cool concept ! And an idea I, myself have never considered and I’m sure others probably didn’t, as well!

it's so sad but works so well as we see though her downfall and it mirrors her depression so well.

That is one of the scenes that made sayaka my favorite character

I see zombieland saga and soul eater posters in the background, you have very good taste in anime

I could listen to what you have to say about these topics all day!

Trauma is also dizzying, so overwhelming that even beauty becomes ugly.

i was JUST thinking about this scene and her character in general, sayaka is one of those characters that become more and more interesting as you rewatch the show theyre from. i liked the video! always nice to hear people discussing madoka magica

Sayaka is my favorite character in the series.

Sayaka, my poor, poor girl! 😢

Can you do a separated video about Madoka, I think she needs her own video.

Knighthood and justice. R.I.P Miki-san❤

The witch in this scene, Elsa Maria, is one whose nature is self-righteousness. Her barrier is one in which everything is black-and-white. I think it's definitely not a coincidence for her to be an opponent to Sayaka at her lowest point: Elsa Maria is Sayaka's dark mirror.

Sayaka is my favorite :blue_heart:

Great video! Have you seen madoka magica rebellion (movie sequel to the anime series) yet? its a masterpiece imo and i'd love to see you talk about it.

I hope that one I can become a successful writer. Thank you for this video

You didnt mention that the blood from the witch could be symbolism for sayaka’s viciousness and brutality. She’s lost her humanity at this point and thats reflected in her style of fighting here.

I see that zombie land saga poster in the back, that’s pretty sick

MADOKA TIME ANYTIME YEY

Can you please make more steins gate videos

Totally unrelated but where did you get that trigun poster on your wall from?

Tbh. I wish steven universe future did this for steven. Because steven showing trama aswell as becoming corrupted felt very unearned.. Meanwhile sayaka miki becoming a witch felt more earned. She actually went crazy, and it makes more sense.

I think this scene shows her humanity- not her sanity.

These are so fun to watch. Y’all excited about the new movie??? I feel like Madoka Magica is somehow niche but popular. Not enough people talk about it I swear

IIRC, arent Mami's guns specifically a model thats single fire? It would explain her firing once and then throwing them away. I remember reading it on one of the wikis but I dont remember which one.

Can you talk about Kaitou Joker?

Why have I heard this background song before???.. is it from Madoka?

Ah. The Fight Between Sayaka And Elsa Maria. Personally I Disagree With You. The Best Scene In Madoka Magica For Me, Is The Scene Where Sayaka Becomes A Witch. The Tear Landing On Her Soul Gem Is A Very Touching Scene, She’s Accepting That She Can’t Come Back From This, While Also Blaming Herself. Then The Flashes Of Sayaka’s Life, She’s Reflecting On What She’s Become, Then The Soul Gem Cracks And Breaks Revealing The Grief Seed, While Releasing Energy And Said Energy Blowing Kyoko Away With It’s Sheer Force.

3:42 Monica?!?🤔🤨🧐🤣😂😭

8:49 everything up to now has been cutesy or flashy attacks in a way that accentuates the glory of magical girls” uhhh episode 3 entirely…? Did you see the episode where Sayaka and Kyoko fight on the bridge and Madoka throws Sayaka’s soul g and the explanation Kyubey gave? Episode 3 and on are anything BUT cutesy and glorifying of the magical girls. The introduction of Kyoko even shows us a magical girl thats borderline bad n fucked up even.

Ms Miki is best girl Zero argument. Wifu has mad Virgo energy, she's he blue character in both colorization and the nature of her tragic story. But most of all she is the be careful what you wish for point of view person for the show in my opinion. She really thought she was doing something for someone she liked, but from the perspective of a child. And these girls are children, they have next to no life experience and thus make mistakes because of that surety that comes with early teens arrogance. I enjoyed seeing her get some semblance of peace in Side Story season two episode one. Sayaka finally got to be the hero she wanted to be.

What do you think the message of the show it is?

1:18 tell me you're from na without telling me you're from na

is this anime considered psychological horror?

Honestly glad I didn't watch these scenes in English, it sounds so unnerving

Decretum playing*

I think someone like sayaka would choose to take her own live over becoming a witch as her time near the end simply by shattering her soul gem, or throwing it into the ocean. If picking the holier than thou attitude at least stick to it til the end and not undo your noble deeds by becoming a witch. However if she finally sees herself and the world as flawed/"stupid" raining death and misery with renewed power may be satisfying, but still won't meld with her character traits. Can't wait for movie 4 and games still doing madoka collabs, great show.

Me everytime I have a crush

If only it weren't the dub

I’ve never seen the English dub of madoka and holy fuck is it bad wow that’s so sad

Using the dub lol

UHHHGGG WHY IS IT DUB STOP ITTTTT USHSNAISM