Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Marvel's Spider-Man Secret Lair promotional image

    Get a Look At the Secret Lair x Marvel’s Spider-Man Superdrop

    09/08/2025
    Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions gameplay still

    Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions Is All About Adventure (with Friends)

    09/08/2025
    Chord in Persona 5 The Phantom X

    Now Is The Perfect Time To Jump Back In ‘Persona 5: The Phantom X’

    09/05/2025
    Cosmic Spider-Man card details

    [EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW] The Spider-Man Set Gets A 5-Color Legendary Spider

    09/02/2025
    Lee Corso from College Football GameDay in EA Sports games

    EA Sports Always Understood Lee Corso’s Legacy

    09/01/2025
  • Indie Games
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Apple TV+
But Why Tho?
Home » Anime » REVIEW: ‘The Heike Story,’ Episode 11

REVIEW: ‘The Heike Story,’ Episode 11

Charles HartfordBy Charles Hartford11/24/20213 Mins Read
The Heike Story Episode 11
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

The Heike Story Episode 11

Content Warning: The Heike Story Episode 11 contains a scene depicting suicide.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

The Heike Story is an adventure/drama anime inspired by a 12th-century epic story produced by Science SARU. With the Genji forces catching up to the Heike Clan at sea, a pitched battle ensues on the water. With both forces fighting bravely, who will the fates favor this day? And should the Heike’s forces fail, what will that mean for the Emperor, Biwa, and Tokuko?

From the first time Biwa covered her eye and gazed upon Shigemori, the tragedy of The Heike Story was revealed to us watching as clearly as it was to Biwa. However, what I was not prepared for was the form that the final defeat of the Heike would take. There is a calmness throughout the clan’s final moments that feels unnatural. Where I expected the struggle to last until the final gasp of breath, instead, it is far more peaceful than that. That The Heike Story Episode 11 sees the Heike off gently into that good night leaves me with a mixture of emotions I don’t know how to express properly.

Anyone familiar with Japanese culture can guess what fate awaits many of the Hieke’s final members, though to the extent that some take these final actions surprised me. Nevertheless, the quiet acceptance of the final choices many of the clan make would feel dignified if the actions taken weren’t so fundamentally wrong to me.

As one would expect, the zenith of The Heike Story Episode 11‘s tragedy comes with Biwa’s playing of her namesake instrument one last time as she sings of the event. This final implementation of this series’ highlight of recurring visual/musical elements works to emphasize the moment’s weight. The tragic sadness and peaceful acceptance of the moment create the feeling that the viewer is sitting with Biwa as she relays the story of the Heike to them. It gives the moment a more personal quality. You aren’t just learning of the tragedy. You are learning of it from someone who witnessed it. Someone who, over time, has become a familiar figure, making the pain of the moment not just belonging to those who suffered, but also to Biwa, who bears it going forward as she tells others, including the viewer, of the Heike Clan’s fall.

Even though the opening half of The Heike Story Episode 11 depicts an epic sea clash involving thousands of soldiers, the series continues to focus on the drama and turmoil of its participants rather than blood and action. I am immensely thankful that the series adhered to its focus on these things. The gravity of the entire episode ties together with the pain and struggle culminating throughout the back half of the series perfectly.

When all is said and done, The Heike Story Episode 11 delivers an emotional ending to its tale. While the final moments of the Hieke are painful to watch, it leaves the viewer with a lot to think about and many feelings to sort out.

The Heike Story Episode 11 is streaming on Funimation.

The Heike Story Episode 11
  • 9/10
    Rating - 9/10
9/10

TL;DR

The Heike Story Episode 11 delivers an emotional ending to its tale. While the final moments of the Hieke are painful to watch, it leaves the viewer with a lot to think about and many feelings to sort out.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleMariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues 12/3 Apple TV+
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City’ Is Here to Serve Fans
Charles Hartford
  • X (Twitter)

Lifelong geek who enjoys comics, video games, movies, reading and board games . Over the past year I’ve taken a more active interest in artistic pursuits including digital painting, and now writing. I look forward to growing as a writer and bettering my craft in my time here!

Related Posts

DanDaDan Season 2 Episode 11
8.5

REVIEW: ‘DanDaDan’ Season 2 Episode 11 – “Hey, It’s a Kaiju”

09/11/2025
Sakamoto Days Episode 20
6.5

REVIEW: ‘Sakamoto Days’ Episode 20 — “Mutual Fans”

09/08/2025
Tougen Anki Episode 9 still from Netflix
4.0

REVIEW: ‘Tougen Anki’ Episode 9 — “Momotaro Spirit”

09/06/2025
My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 10 promotional image from Crunchyroll
10.0

REVIEW: ‘My Dress-Up Darling’ Season 2 Episode 10 — “So We’re Gonna Do It All Right Now?”

09/06/2025
Arknights Rise From Ember Rosmontis

REVIEW: ‘Arknights: Rise From Ember’ Is Phenomenal But Drags On Too Long

09/06/2025
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Episode 1
7.5

REVIEW: ‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity’ Episode 1 – “Rintaro and Kaoruko”

09/05/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
The Long Walk (2025) film review promotional image
9.5
Film

REVIEW: ‘The Long Walk’ Is The Most Heartfelt And Heartbreaking Stephen King Adaptation

By Kate Sánchez09/11/2025Updated:09/11/2025

The Long Walk is a brutal watch. Equally heartfelt and heartbreaking, it’s one of the best adaptations of Stephen King’s work.

EA Sports FC Icons Match promotional image from Nexon News

2025 Icons Match Returns With Football Legends Bridging The Pitch And Video Games

By Kate Sánchez09/03/2025Updated:09/03/2025

NEXON has announced the return of the ‘2025 Icons Match,’ a live event that brings a full roster of legendary players to the pitch.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

DanDaDan Season 2 Episode 11
8.5
Anime

REVIEW: ‘DanDaDan’ Season 2 Episode 11 – “Hey, It’s a Kaiju”

By Allyson Johnson09/11/2025

The ragtag group faces down the mysterious kaiju in the thrilling and beautifully animated DanDaDan Season 2 Episode 11.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here