Now on with the review!
Story 10/10: Not spoiling anything, the story revolves around Nadja, a young orphan who finds out her mother might still be alive and her adventures around the world in the company of the Dandelion troupe, a travelling group of street performers filled with colorful characters. It's a magnificent tale of discovery, wonder and awe. The story starts and keeps a rather cheerful tone until the third act when things get serious. You will get so invested in this after the first half that you will have to see all of it in one sitting. And I'm not saying the first half is bad by any means it's just the tone of the overall plot that differs. Starting with a revelation and a quick departure on an adventure, continuing to explore the joy of travelling around the world and ending with intrigue and emotional conflicts.
Art 9/10: The art is very good for 2004 being colorful and elegant. It's joyful, intense and refined getting you really immersed into the anime. You can definitely see the effort put into this.
Sound 10/10: The sound in this anime is excellent! Starting from the wonderful intro to all the other songs that accompany Nadja's performance with the Dandelion troupe, the themes and the ending, the sound is perfect in this anime. Everything you hear is like an year massage, it just sounds great.
Characters 10/10: Oh the characters. There are allot of colorful characters in this anime and you will enjoy each and every one of them for their role, from the over the top villains to the joyful warm Dandelion members that make Nadja feel like family and the seriousness of the heroes. Nadja herself if very enjoying to watch because you can see her grow and mature throughout her experience around the world and also you really want to cheer for her seeing how she tries her best never to give up and works hard towards her goals. The male lead or leads which are also the love interest are really interesting as well. They are equally determined in their goals and interest for Nadja and feel the need to help her in every way possible. Their ways of achieving their goals is very different and their view of the world is also different but you will find yourself rooting for one or another or both nevertheless. The villains are great as well rating from silly to charming and over the top or to diabolically clever and maleficent. But they are not villains just for the sake of it, they all have their reasons, be them good or bad and they play a big part on how much you will get invested in this anime.
Enjoyment 10/10: If you can't already tell I've really really enjoyed this anime. I consider it a masterpiece, and although subjective as this opinion might be I think everyone who will see it will think of it as either good or excellent if they are being honest. Like I said earlier it becomes so griping that you will skip a night of sleep with having to go to work the next day just to see it to the end.
Overall 10/10: I can't rate this lower than 10. It's just such a great experience which I wish on everyone. This anime will make a permanent mark on you and you will never forget it. Give it a try, disregard the fact that it's a little old or longer than your average 12/24 episodes running shows today and watch it! You will not be disappointed!
