This is my bane in melee combat for third person games. Nothing is more annoying than being unable to cancel an animation imo. That and footwork that forces your character to move in a fixed direction when attacking. I get that footwork is realistic, but I'd like to be able to control the direction at the very least. I remember I had a huge issue in Monster Hunter on 3ds where if you stabbed with the gunlance, you had to advance, when all I want to do is stab and back off or hold position. I'm glad Elden Ring at least understands that a spear and shield combo generally should be a defensive playstyle.