Garrison Regiment

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Lore & Background

The provided source text does not contain detailed lore regarding the history, culture, or specific operations of a "Garrison Regiment" as seen in the anime or manga. Instead, it describes a film setting where humanity lives behind walls after being decimated by Titans one hundred years ago. The military is split into factions: the Scout Regiment, led by Captain Shikishima, which ventures outside to fight Titans; and the Military Police, represented by Commander Kubal, who seeks to maintain order within the walls. In Part 1, a character named Souda serves as the captain of the Garrison in the village of Monzen before the Colossal Titan breaches the wall. Two years later, the narrative shifts entirely to the Scout Regiment, where Eren and his friends train under Shikishima. The source does not elaborate on the Garrison's specific defensive protocols, equipment, or status beyond Souda's initial appearance and his subsequent role in saving a young Eren from military police.

In Their Own Story

The film's narrative diverges significantly from standard depictions of the Garrison. In Part 1, Souda, identified as the captain of the Garrison, explains to Eren that the military is assembling a scouting regiment after a failed attempt to approach the wall. When the Colossal Titan breaches the wall in Monzen, Titans enter and eat people. Mikasa is separated from Eren during this attack. Two years later, Eren joins the Scout Regiment, not the Garrison, alongside Sasha and Jean. The story focuses on the Scouts' battles with Titans, led by Shikishima. Souda reappears later in Part 2, helping a young Eren survive after his father injects him with an experimental serum and military police burn their home. In the present timeline of Part 2, Souda attempts to persuade Commander Kubal to spare Eren's life but is killed by Kubal's squadron. The source does not describe any major battle or reorganization of a "Garrison Regiment" unit; instead, the conflict centers on the Scout Regiment and Shikishima's coup against the government.

Reader's Guide

The source only mentions Souda as the captain of the Garrison in Monzen and notes that the Scouts are led by Shikishima. The film introduces new characters and changes settings, meaning traditional elements like Hannes, Dot Pixis, or the specific duties described in other adaptations are not supported by this text. The military factions present are the Scout Regiment (Scouts), which fights Titans outside the walls, and the Military Police, led by Kubal, who guard the interior and view Eren as a threat. The source confirms that Souda was part of the Garrison but does not detail his unit's structure or equipment beyond his rank.

Did You Know?

• The film was originally intended to be directed by Tetsuya Nakashima before he left due to creative differences in December 2012.
• A car commercial featuring the Titans, directed by Shinji Higuchi, was broadcast on Nippon TV in January 2014 and reached over 5 million views on YouTube in four days.
• The film's setting was changed from a German-inspired world to an obvious analogue of Japan at the suggestion of author Hajime Isayama.
• Part 1 made $4.8 million in its opening week in Japan, while Part 2 made only $2.7 million.
• In the film, Eren's ability to transform into a Titan is revealed when he emerges from within a Titan that had eaten him.

Narrative Structure and Plot Deviations

The film splits into two parts: Part 1 released on August 1, 2015, and Part 2 (End of the World) on September 19, 2015. The story is set in a Japan-analogue rather than the original German-inspired world. Key deviations include Eren's transformation into a Titan after being eaten by one, and the revelation that Titans are the result of a failed military experiment involving an experimental serum injected by his father. Captain Shikishima leads a coup against a corrupt government, planning to destroy the capital with a bomb to free humanity from fear.

Key Characters and Military Factions

Eren Jaeger joins the Scout Regiment led by Captain Shikishima, alongside Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert. Military Police Commander Kubal opposes Eren, attempting his execution after he transforms into a Titan. Souda serves as the captain of the Garrison in Monzen initially but later aids Eren against military police. The conflict escalates when Shikishima reveals his plan to use Titans to overthrow the government, leading to a final battle where Eren defeats Shikishima's Titan form.

Visual Design and Critical Reception

The film received mixed to somewhat negative reviews. Visual highlights include the practical effects and CGI for the Titans, though the narrative changes alienated some fans of the original manga.

Production History and Release Strategy

Directed by Shinji Higuchi with a script by Yūsuke Watanabe and Tomohiro Machiyama, the film stars Haruma Miura as Eren. It was announced in October 2011 but faced director changes before Higuchi took over. Principal photography began in 2014 for a 2015 release. The film was split into two parts to allow an expansive narrative, with Part 2 subtitled End of the World.