Donten ni Warau (Laughing Under the Clouds)

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Alternative Titles

Synonyms: Cloudy Laugh

Japanese: 曇天に笑う

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Information

Type: TV

Episodes: 12

Status: Finished Airing

Aired: Oct 4, 2014 to Dec 20, 2014

Premiered: Fall 2014

Broadcast: Unknown

Producers: VAP, Nippon Television Network

Licensors: Funimation

Studios: Doga Kobo

Source: Manga

Genres: Action, Supernatural

Theme: Historical

Demographic: Shoujo

Duration: 23 min. per ep.

Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

Score: 7.49¹ (scored by 44,880 users)

¹ indicates a weighted score.

Ranked: #1711²

² based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.

Popularity: #1557

Members: 120,222

Favorites: 738

External Links

Official Site, AnimeDB, AnimeNewsNetwork, Wikipedia

Streaming Platforms

Crunchyroll

Funimation

7.49

Ranked #1711Popularity #1557Members 120,222

Fall 2014TVDoga Kobo

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Episodes: /12

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Synopsis

In the 11th year of the Meiji Era, the end of the samurai shogunate and the prohibition of swords has left Japan with lasting scars. Displeased by these recent changes, many former samurai plot against the new government, inciting a wave of bloodshed. To counter this movement, the government constructs a colossal prison in the middle of Lake Biwa.

Unofficially assigned to help the police arrest criminals, Tenka Kumou also serves as a ferryman to the Lake Biwa prison with the help of his two younger siblings: the ambitious Soramaru and the enthusiastic Chuutarou. Together with the former Fuma ninja Shirasu Kinjou, the Kumou brothers live a frugal and joyful life mostly dedicated to studying and training.

However, behind this relatively uneventful daily routine, the specter of the "Orochi" curse is starting to spread its shadow over the city of Oumi. According to legend, every three hundred years, Orochi reincarnates in a human vessel—and it is believed that this is the harbinger of an imminent catastrophe. As various groups clash in search of Orochi's vessel, some aim to seal the curse, while others have darker plans in motion.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

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Background

Donten ni Warau was released on Blu-ray and DVD as Laughing Under the Clouds by Funimation Entertainment on August 23, 2016.

Episode Videos

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Related Anime

Adaptation:	Donten ni Warau
Side story:	Donten ni Warau Gaiden: Ketsubetsu, Yamainu no Chikai
Other:	Ippun de Wakaru Eiga "Donten ni Warau" Kaisetsu Yokoku

Satou, Rina
Japanese

More staff

Staff

Haraguchi, Hiroshi

Director

Enomoto, Takahiro

Sound Director

Takahashi, Yuuya

Script, Series Composition

Galneryus

Theme Song Composition, Theme Song Lyrics, Theme Song Performance, Theme Song Arrangement

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Opening Theme

	1: "Biran no Kaze (毘藍ノ風)" by Ryuuji Aoki (eps 2-6)
	2: "Ryuuten no Hi (流転ノ陽)" by Ryuuji Aoki (eps 8-11)

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Ending Theme

"ATTITUDE TO LIFE" by Galneryus

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Reviews

Dec 21, 2014

Magpies

Recommended

SPOILER FREE! This review is going to be split into two parts: subjective and objective (or the difference between my heart and my mind).

We'll start with OBJECTIVE. The art is aesthetically pleasing and the character designs are unique enough that you don't mix up anyone. It pulls off both serious and cutesy expressions very well, but that's standard for shoujo. It also showed me a male outfit that made me go "WTF" in the same way I look at the suits in Kill la Kill.

The animation is mediocre at best. The fights are nice towards the end but the beginning is pretty lazily done (a ... sound effect and a flash). I said before the interspersed serious and cutesy art is nice, but they really don't transition well animation wise. There are some parts which are jarring and completely take you out of the story.

Character wise, the three brothers and shirasu (and their relationship) were well developed, considering this is a 12 episode series. Some people might find the third brother, Chuutaro, to be a bit annoying but it doesn't detract too much overall. Everyone else is pretty one note in terms of personality. It's really just from the size of the cast and the amount of backstory that had to be crammed into this. Despite the fact that they all love to blab about their pasts, it ends up feeling like you missed out on a lot of characters.

When it comes to story, Donten suffers most from its clumsy exposition. The first episode starts off introducing the characters, the setting, and all that jazz in a pretty standard way. But then it drags on and on into the next episodes because it needs to introduce so many other characters and establish their connection to the main plot, most which is dropped on you like a brick in the form of an episode long flashback. The romance is also mediocre, considering it's between a tsundere chick and a hopelessly devoted dude, though fans of reincarnated lovers probably will like it.

Set up aside, however, the execution of the second half of the series is excellent. The action is gripping, the plot twists leave you stunned, and the pay off is emotionally satisfying (or crippling, depending on your tastes). There are a couple, not so much plot points, but character motivations, that are unresolved at the end.

With that said, SUBJECTIVELY, I adore this anime. I love all of the character designs so much. The girls are pretty and the boys are hot, and that's enough for me. None of the characters were unnecessary or unlikeable and the story put them all to good use. I loved all the plot twists even the one I saw coming because it's timed so well. Every episode left me itching to watch another one and I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried. I also love the romance as cliched as it is, and I ship two other couples. I would totally watch this again, painful exposition and all!

tl:dr Don't judge this one until you get to the end.

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Jan 5, 2015

Charliegone

Mixed Feelings

Like I usually do, I go to my favorite anime website every season and watch the 1st episode of each anime. If I'm somewhat into it, I usually stick around; and this one caught my attention.

Story
Basically it's your typical good vs evil anime with the good guys primarily focusing on the 3 brothers, while the 1st two older brothers are far more interesting, the third and youngest...well honestly could've done without him. Didn't really do much or affect much of the story except for maybe like 5 or 10 minutes of the story in ALL of the series. Really. Like your typical good vs evil ...

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Jan 25, 2015

Stark700

Recommended

Donten ni Warau (Laughing Under the Clouds) is a rare breed. I say this for its ability to tell a story guided by events of the past with a greater focus for the future. Taking place in the present time with a trio of brothers, they have the duty of ferrying convicted criminals as result of high levels of crime rate. That’s the least of their concern though as we find out a malevolent legend known as the ‘Orochi’ that lurks from the past. Should we even call it a legend? It’s known that every 300 years, the Orochi will reincarnate to bring forth destruction. ... Brace yourself for a story of the fantasy coming ages.

The series is based off of the manga the same name written by Karakara-Kemuri with two other prequels taking place some separate centuries before its current timeline. Regardless, the show initially establishes its premise and the first introductory episodes makes it well known for our main characters to focus on the Kamoh family. The three brothers are Tenka, Soramaru, and Chutaro. Although their personalities contrast with one another, it’s easy to see how close they are. It’s fairly important to notice how their relationships are crafted as later events have great influences on their roles.

Background story reveals much about the series’ past and also the present conditions of the timeline. It’s a series where you will feel the spirit of the story infusing elements of its themes and characters. From the beginning, the show easily tells itself with the characters’ duties of ferrying convicted felons to a prison known as the Gokumonjo, a stronghold located around Lake Biwa. We are shown exactly what goes on inside the prison as well as how the brothers delivers their duties. The show transits between scenarios to show their daily lives and duties as the primary introduction. What I find the initial introduction of the series to be attractive is its honesty especially in regards with the relationship with the brothers. Some of the scenes may be a bit silly at times but never loses its grip to focus on how close the brothers really are. As such, it’s a sincere story as will be reflected by later events that changes everyone’s lives forever. And if “Orichi” is part of that vocabulary, then it makes the experience that much more galvanizing.

The most important element of the show is easily the characters. A great deal of time is used to give them depth whether it’s the mature Tenka, a youthful Soramaru, or the childish Chutaro. All three of them possesses different personalities that gives the audience a stark insight on their characters. To say the least though, it’s easy to tell that the show focuses on Soramaru the most with his roles. As the second eldest of the family, Soramaru is apparently entrusted with a pair of family swords that he practices with each day. And through that practice, we can see him as a potentially great warrior in development. There’s a bit of inferiority complex shown throughout the series as we see him desperately trying to catch up to his older brother Tenka in skill. Meanwhile, we also have the young Chutaro who worships his older brother Tenka like an idol. Foremost, Tenka is a mysterious character who holds his duties as sacred and to always be a guardian for his younger brothers. However, the show shifts to a different scenario where he himself becomes endangered by a mysterious power. The way the show handles itself is quite riveting when you see how quickly the mood can change.

Other characters also play prominent roles as part of the story whether it’s the Fuuma family such as Shirasu and his brother. If we look at it carefully, family plays key roles in this show to create a sense of respect and nobility. However, just be aware of plot twists such as those involving Shirasu’s roles later on in the series. And while not romantic love isn’t explicit, the show isn’t shy to turn heads away from it either. From a personal narrative format, Hirai and Botan has a connection that is told creatively through flashbacks and even an episode dedicated for the duo. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the show is built on connections either based on reputation, family bonds, or love. It’s where the series truly shines with its powerful emotions.

As a supernatural fantasy, expect the unexpected with elements that breaks the law of nature. The most prominent example is the Orichi, a powerful deity that has potential to destroy the world. Others include the important role of Botan, a familiar with gifted abilities. Other spirits and beings that exists in the series are common folklore creatures such as shikigami. While not showing much originality, the series showcases almost every one of their potentials. Action scenes are well coordinated with a solid foundation of the fantasy genre. I also find some of the mystery mixed with the fantasy elements to be suspenseful when plot twists play a role for its larger story plot. A show that decorates itself with creative characters and detailed story is a rare breed and this anime is no stranger to that.

Artwork on most parts is delicate and decorated enough to create bring this fantasy story to life. I give the praise for some of the more sincere scenarios that are especially concentrated with high degree of visual focus. This applies to serene flashback scenes as well as moments of emotional drama. Another noticeable factor are the character designs that may be pleasing to the ladies. Most of the male characters have some bishonen traits. To be fitting for the more dark side of the show, the Orichi is designed to truly look malevolent with monstrous attributes. Last but not least is the setting with high volumes of natural features such as the landscapes and more noticeable, Lake Biwa.

I can’t say the soundtrack is a powerhouse because most of the time, it just seems to be there. However, two noticeable traits for the soundtrack are the character voice expressions to convey their feelings. This is expressively shown later on when the brothers goes through hard times in their lives. The other trait is the OP and ED song with great details and decorative coordination. OST is on par for most parts but artwork outshines this department. I do give praise to some of the soundtrack for the action though as it almost gives some episodes a cinematic feeling especially for pivotal scenes.

To put it simply, this show is a resonant saga with events from the past infused with storytelling of the present. And with a colorful cast of characters, it’s a presence to be remembered for their roles. All sort of feelings are bought out throughout the story that are not just told but shown to make the audience feel as if they are there themselves. Despite some predictable outcomes, the story remains honest with its premise with engaging dialogues and balanced comedy. This show is an underdog that registers every worth of time that should be invested into.

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Poll: Donten ni Warau Episode 12 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Dec 19, 2014	97 replies	by DancingTheBa »» May 22, 7:34 AM
Is it worth watching? Deskachan - Dec 16, 2014	12 replies	by Barry_Allen_14 »» Feb 9, 12:47 AM
Poll: Donten ni Warau Episode 11 Discussion Stark700 - Dec 12, 2014	46 replies	by Reapermask »» Jul 1, 2021 12:02 PM
Poll: Donten ni Warau Episode 10 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Dec 5, 2014	87 replies	by Reapermask »» Jul 1, 2021 11:05 AM
Poll: Donten ni Warau Episode 9 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Nov 28, 2014	80 replies	by Reapermask »» Jul 1, 2021 6:10 AM

Donten ni Warau

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Donten ni Warau

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