Moonrise isn’t just a space adventure. It’s a powerful sci-fi drama about war, revenge, and the painful distance between Earth and the Moon.
Set in a future where humanity has expanded beyond its home planet, the series explores what happens when political control turns into oppression and when one young man is forced to choose between hatred and understanding. What begins as a story of revenge slowly becomes something much deeper: a reflection on humanity, freedom, and the cost of conflict.
Moonrise (TV Series 2025)
Series Details
| Title | Moonrise |
|---|---|
| Director | Masashi Koizuka |
| Studio | WIT Studio |
| Release Date | 2025 |
| Runtime | 12 Episodes |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Action, Drama |
| Language | Japanese |
| IMDb Rating | 6.3/10 |
| Review Count | 1,500+ |
| IMDb Link | IMDb Page |
Series Explanation
The story is set in a future where Earth is governed by a powerful global AI system that maintains order and stability. To preserve peace and manage resources, criminals and unwanted individuals are sent to the Moon. Over time, the Moon becomes more than just a prison colony—it turns into a divided society filled with resentment toward Earth.
We follow Jacob “Jack” Shadow, a young man whose peaceful life is shattered when a violent attack linked to lunar rebels destroys everything he cares about. Filled with anger, Jack joins Earth’s military forces and volunteers for a mission to the Moon. His goal is simple: revenge.
But nothing is as simple as it seems.
When Jack arrives on the Moon, he discovers a harsh reality. The people living there aren’t monsters. Many are victims of Earth’s strict systems. Poverty, neglect, and political manipulation have shaped their rebellion. The war between Earth and the Moon isn’t black and white—it’s layered with injustice and misunderstanding.
As battles intensify, Jack meets individuals who challenge his beliefs. Soldiers, rebels, and civilians all carry their own pain. The enemy he once imagined as evil slowly becomes human in his eyes. His anger begins to clash with doubt.
The action sequences are intense and beautifully animated. WIT Studio brings large-scale space battles to life with detailed mechanical designs and emotional character expressions. Explosions, zero-gravity combat, and futuristic weapons make every confrontation feel massive.
But beyond the action, Moonrise focuses on emotion. Jack’s journey is not just about fighting—it’s about confronting his grief and questioning the system he once trusted. The series asks difficult questions: Is revenge ever enough? Can war truly bring peace? And who decides what justice looks like?
By the final episodes, the conflict reaches a breaking point. Jack must decide whether to continue the cycle of destruction or become part of a new path forward. The ending is intense, emotional, and thought-provoking.
Main Cast
| Character | Voice Actor (Japanese) |
|---|---|
| Jacob “Jack” Shadow | Chiaki Kobayashi |
| Lunar Resistance Leader | Yuichi Nakamura |
| Earth Command Officer | Maaya Sakamoto |
| AI System Voice | Kenjiro Tsuda |
My Honest Review
Moonrise feels cinematic from start to finish. The animation quality is high, especially during space combat scenes. WIT Studio once again proves its strength in delivering intense action mixed with emotional storytelling.
What impressed me most was the moral complexity. There are no simple heroes or villains. Every side has reasons for their actions, which makes the conflict feel realistic and heavy.
Jack’s emotional growth is the heart of the series. Watching him struggle between revenge and understanding gives the story real depth. It’s not just about flashy battles—it’s about what war does to people.
If you enjoy serious sci-fi with strong world-building and emotional stakes, Moonrise is worth watching.
Trailer
What the Series Teaches Us
Moonrise teaches us that conflict often grows from misunderstanding and imbalance of power. It reminds us that anger can feel powerful, but understanding takes greater strength. The series also highlights the importance of questioning authority and looking beyond surface-level narratives.
Most of all, it shows that peace is not achieved by destroying the other side—but by recognizing their humanity.
FAQ
Is Moonrise finished?
Yes, the 2025 season concluded with 12 episodes.
Is it heavy or light?
It is more serious and dramatic than comedic.
Is there romance?
Romance is not the main focus; the story centers on war and political conflict.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes, but it is best enjoyed by viewers who like thoughtful sci-fi stories.
Will there be a Season 2?
No official announcement has been made yet.
Add comment