Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai

In the Kingdom of Yamauchi, people have the ability to transform into three-legged crows known as yatagarasu. While the men plot over daily governance, women compete for the hand of Wakamiya, the crown prince who was selected as the Kinu, the servant to the Mountain God. Four young women arrive at the court to join the competition, including one named Asebi.

While the kind and innocent Asebi sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the other women, the crown prince has to fight for his place in the clan. Despite being born both to a concubine and as a second son, the royal priests still chose Wakamiya to be the Kinu over his older brother. This decision created a rift between the siblings while enraging Wakamiya's stepmother in the process.

When Yukiya, one of the teenage sons of the village chief, is sent to the palace to become Wakamiya's new attendant, the prince is not pleased in the slightest. However, Yukiya's presence at the imperial courts is no mere coincidence.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Wakamiya Main

Irino, Miyu Japanese

Yukiya Main

Tamura, Mutsumi Japanese

Hamayuu Supporting

Nanami, Hiroki Japanese

Sumio Supporting

Takeuchi, Eiji Japanese

Shiratama Supporting

Kugimiya, Rie Japanese

Masuho no Susuki Supporting

Fukuhara, Ayaka Japanese

Natsuka Supporting

Hino, Satoshi Japanese

Asebi Supporting

Honizumi, Rina Japanese

Samomo Supporting

Yorita, Natsu Japanese

Natsumihiko Supporting

Kase, Yasuyuki Japanese

Kyougoku, Yoshiaki Director, Episode Director

Tange, Yuuji Sound Director

Kawatsura, Shinya Episode Director

Kogawa, Yoriyasu Episode Director

Reviews

Nov 27, 2024

MewsicMagic

Recommended

The Raven Does Not Choose It's Master is by far the most impressive hidden gem I've ever seen. An anime that despite it's masterfully produced story, plot and pacing still manages to stay at the bottom of the popularity barrel. That sad treatment is something it certainly doesn't deserve, If I said it was better than everything that released in the same anime seasons as it, I wouldn't take that as objectively true, however it wouldn't be that far off from the truth. The short recommendation at the start is if you enjoy political maze plots, mystery vibes or even just watched something like "The ... Apothecary Diaries" and liked it for the "political" or mystery type parts of it. There is no reason on this earth you shouldn't watch this.


Let's hit things off with the story and plot, the actual setting or even idea isn't especially unique (at least at first glance) it's seems like mostly a pretty standard historical political setup. But the author here doesn't just look at the premise and have it tell you about the show. It's has excellent world building and isn't shy to get really detailed or complex about it either. You can tell the author thought through the details for what they we're writing and their effort shows. It's story and plot are simply put a masterpiece, it goes and builds well beyond it's seemingly "simple" premise offering a deep, interesting, and extremely well thought out story. The perfect and beautiful pacing and setup to the masterfully planned story and plot. You can figure some stuff out ahead of time by paying close attention and using your head a little. In fact I did figure out a couple major plot points a bit before they were revealed and was still impressed by this show. There's certainly some hints to things before they're revealed but if they're anything it's certainly subtle and you're unlikely to notice. The story and plot take center stage the whole way through and they really don't disappoint. I did try to find flaws with this story, believe me I really did, but gave up as there wasn't a point trying harder to find them. Everything I could possibly argue is "bad" with this show really isn't something bad about it, rather it's something I personally felt could've made it a little better if done differently. The story and plot here are truly something special, so much so that I almost feel I don't have the worthiness or intelligence to deserve this story, however it's also a viewers job to accurately review and critique a show they watch so here we are.


Next are the characters, overall they're quite good. the main critique here is really just that some characters might've felt rather shallow and lacked the same "depth" others did but I don't blame this show for any of it. Most of the characters that play bigger roles in the plot are the ones with more depth and feel to them but a couple of important ones felt rather left out or lacking in depth compared to others however it's not something you'll feel detracts from the show in any way. They're all generally entertaining too and won't make you feel as if they're lacking or "bad" characters in the least. The characters aren't quite the focus for this show as the story and plot take the spotlight with the characters more so being "plot devices" in a good sense. They all fulfill their roles in the story and plot excellently and due to how outstanding the story and plot are, is also why it ends up providing characters that are good all the same.


The production was overall quite good. The animation wasn't top tier by any means but it was more than good enough to fulfill it's purpose and where necessary such as in higher motion scenes it hardly ever felt too "cheap" or lacking in motion. The art while also nothing outstanding more than fulfilled it's purpose. The voice acting is up to the standard you'd expect from Japan's anime industry. Music and audio could feel a little simple or lacking at times but it was good enough to do the job. Overall it's quite a sufficient production if only above average, it's nothing that's gonna shock you by how good it is or be a selling point for the show (e,g Demon Slayer) but it wont hold the show back in any way.


I won't go into any more detail than this as spoilers would ruin the whole show but simply put this is a near masterpiece and one that has sadly sat heavily overlooked for it's time since release. If you are looking at this show wondering if you'd like it or thinking about whether you should or shouldn't watch it. Do it, don't even think otherwise, In the event you don't like it a "generic isekai" wouldn't have done you much better anyways. And in the event you do like it you'll be so glad you gave it a shot. The Raven Does Not Choose It's Master has become a show that's earned it's 10/10 by proving itself to be a cut above the rest and having it's 20 great episodes to show for it.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Aug 19, 2024

_cl0wn_t0wn

Mixed Feelings

Preliminary (15/20 eps)

If I'm being honest, so far, this show has been a bit of a nothing burger. I kinda have no idea what's going on most of the time, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued. But that intrigue has yet to really lead anywhere. I enjoy the characters, they have unique personality's and it's interesting to see the story from many different POV's if not a bit confusing at times. The anime it's self looks great, all the characters have very distinct designs, and the scenery is always very detailed. Also, the opening is a banger, not only that but it's beautiful ... to watch, I never skip it. The concept is really cool, I like learning about the folklore that different places have. But the story just get's so convoluted, so fast, that I feel like the mystical aspects of the show don't really get their time to shine, within all of the drama. Which I think is a shame.
Overall, I think this show loses itself in it's own mystery's. It wants to keep you interested by keeping you guessing, but there's so much going on at the same time, that it feels like the mystery's were either pointless or, never fully resolved, before we're being moved on to the next dilemma. And suddenly I have no idea what the hell is happening anymore. But hey, I'm still along for the ride.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Oct 9, 2024

BlueVergeofDeath

Not Recommended

Preliminary (9/20 eps)

I don't recommend. Not gonna lie, kinda disappointed since I really like the first 2 episodes. The world, the lore, I like all of them. But then, nothing. I find myself doing something else while watching. There is nothing wrong or bad with the anime but at the same time there is also nothing stands out, except maybe the excellent opening and ending as in it's really fit and set the mood for the show. I can't really describe it, but try to at least watch 7 episodes if you are interested. If even after that you still feel that hollowness then I would recommend ... to just drop it because I'm quite sure future episodes won't change a thing.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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	Poll: Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai Episode 20 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Sep 21	71 replies	by akihikosama »» 4 hours ago
	Poll: Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai Episode 13 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Jun 29	65 replies	by OrangeRium »» Nov 23, 10:53 PM
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