Hirasawa ( Paprika , Millennium Actress ) composed tracks that sound like industrial machinery crying over a funeral. The most famous piece, Guts' Theme , is a minimalist piano melody paired with a synthetic bass drop and ethereal chants. It does not play during battle; it plays during loneliness. It plays as Guts lies in the grass, bleeding and thinking of Griffith.

The film's animation is a mix of traditional and digital techniques, which holds up surprisingly well even today. The character designs are detailed and expressive, with a focus on dark, muted colors that create a haunting atmosphere. The action scenes are well-choreographed and intense, with a focus on practical effects that add to the film's visceral feel.

: Unlike newer adaptations, the '97 series is praised for its hand-drawn art and moody, atmospheric direction that captures the bleakness of the manga.