Jul 11, 2011
Although this anime is still airing, I can already say that it is by far the best show of the summer 2011 season. Behind the seemingly juvenile premise of breasts and samurai, there lies an intricate and allegorical plot that reevaluates modern social structure and criticizes conventional power distribution.
STORY (10/10)
The backdrop of this story might seem confusing upon first inspection, but after deeper thought and contemplation, we realize that the setting closely mirrors that of the irrational world of today. This cornerstone of artistic achievement starts out with an explanation of the setting and the circumstances surrounding the characters. Through this introduction, we learn that
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the tale begins in an alternate reality where breast size is a determining factor of wealth and popularity. The Manyuu Clan utilizes a secret scroll for producing large breasts and is able to rise through the ranks of the shogunate and monopolize power in the nation.
By using breasts as a symbol of prominence, Manyuu Hikenchou is able to satirize society's overarching preoccupation with physical attractiveness. The anime presents an extreme angle of this idea where breasts, an icon of beauty, hold superiority over other traits such as intelligence and character.
In addition, the breasts also represent power, as seen through the dominance of the well-endowed Manyuu Clan. Here, director Hiraku Kaneko delivers some of the more thought provoking themes of the series regarding government and its relationship with the common man. In Manyuu Hikenchou, breasts are indicative of power, and yet, every woman has a pair of breasts. Indeed, the anime is suggesting that the government has a limited amount of control over its subjects and that the real strength lies in the collective power of the people.
The innate greed of humanity, however, prevents such a utopian democracy in this show. The devious Manyuu Clan conducts "tit hunts" in an effort to purge large breasted females from the surrounding area, metaphorically stripping the power and livelihoods of the citizens in an effort to ruthlessly aggrandize strength. By doing so, the Manyuu Clan is able to maintain an iron grasp on society, as seen through how they violently punish dissenters and runaways.
ART (10/10)
The art in this anime is a fusion of shounen and ecchi styles. This masterpiece effortlessly blends the two into all scenes. Now, I know that many of you will be put off by the excessive amounts of fanservice in this show, but keep in mind that these ecchi shots are only a vehicle for presenting the plot. They create a lighthearted tone that ironically clashes with the serious and dark subject matter, promoting further introspection.
The use of censorship has a dual purpose in Manyuu Hikenchou. At its most basic level, the ever present censor criticizes how most series are required to mask many objects, limiting our freedom of expression. In addition, the censor covers up a large potion of the screen, confusing the viewer and keeping us guessing and anticipating the events of the story. It creates suspense while at the same time showing how reality itself might also be censored. It suggests that under the surface of a gilded society, there lurks dark secrets.
SOUND (8/10)
This is the one portion of the show that, although still good, is lacking. The opening and ending songs are conventional Japanese pop that have a catchy and uplifting beat. The uniformity of the songs might portray the widespread conformity of modern society.
OVERALL (10/10)
Manyuu Hikenchou provides a deep and compelling plot that is a deconstruction of the popular fanservice show. While successfully suspending viewer disbelief throughout the entirety of the episodes, the anime is able to immerse the audience into a twisted world so cruel that it is strikingly similar to our own. It presents mature themes and manages to entertain the viewer at the same time.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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