Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai (aka Unbreakable Machine Dolls) is an animated series based on the light novel of the same name written by Reiji Kaito. The series takes place in the early 20th century in an industrial-like world. Rather than producing cannons and gunpowder though, there exists an emergence of a power known as Machinart – a fusion of magic and technology applications. The series follows Rashin and his automaton Yaya as they go on a journey of both endurance and vengeance.
Kinji Yoshimoto is the director where he previously had experience with fantasy theme series such as Quee;ns Blade and Dog Days. Here, he is in charge of a fantasy theme series that molds the themes of magic and science. Upon first impressions, it’s easy to tell this show would fall under the typical fantasy/battle shounen style with the tournaments to prove one’s worth; and you’re not wrong if you think so because the show does depicts itself that way. However, a primary motivation for Rashin to become Wiseman is more than simply be the best. He is also on a quest for vengeance because of his tragic childhood.
Growing up as an orphan, Rashin can be best described as a brash and hotheaded young man. He joins Walpurgis Machinart Academy to not only make a name for himself but to also find the culprit behind his family’s murders. It ventures into the mystery zone on a variety of occasions as Rashin also plays the role of an anti-hero. His sidekick is the all adorable and automaton Yaya. Unlike most automaton, Yaya looks like a human in a variety of ways. This is likely because of Rashin’s past where his childhood has a strikingly resemblance to her.
Yaya portrays the role of an automaton, a weapon of war but also surprisingly shows many human emotions. This is usually evidenced by her aggressive behavior towards Rashin that borders on obsessiveness. For Yaya, Rashin is her raison d'etre for existence. Throughout the series, it’s shown that her feelings for Rashin is genuine. Whenever his life is put into danger, Yaya would rush into the front lines of danger disregarding her own safety. Of course, this doesn’t always end well because the threats that their opponents pose. And as a normal human, Rashin has to work his way up. Unlike some of the other characters in the series such as Loki, he must prove to others that even a failure can surpass a natural genius. This puts himself on a frustration scale as we witness his struggles. On many occasions, he questions himself if he is worthy of being Yaya’s puppeteer or even a student at the academy. He hopes to not repeat his mistakes and become a master worthy of his partner. And because Rashin is not the typical Gary Stu character with plot armor, he isn’t invincible nor a superman.
Despite the duo’s seemingly good relationship, there’s a variety of problems between them. Most of this is presented in a comical form as Yaya takes the role of an overly obsessive character. While not technically a yandere, she is infused with jealousy whenever a girl even comes into contact with Rashin. Regardless of age or appearance, Yaya simply cannot stand Rashin ever becoming acquainted with another member of the opposite sex. A seemingly flaw of this series shows that Yaya lacks a real personality in this way because of her one sided admiration and love for Rashin. The latter treats her affections with disgust and reluctantly tolerates her advances on rare occasions.
The themes of magic and technology is a prominent aspect that is explored. The mechanics behind Machinart is explored on occasions although some parts are left in unexplored territories. Instead of telling though, the series presents them with other puppeteers in action. Among some of these including 2nd year Charlotte Belew, the clumsy Frey, the prodigy Loki, and mysterious Magnus. Throughout the series, each of them demonstrate abilities of a puppeteer at various skill levels. Most of them seems to have some sort of objective as to why they are also at the academy while others lacks a true motive. At the apex of its story, we witness an event that is motivated by a grim threat targeted to one of the puppeteers. Although the mystery is not a genre of this show, there come times when the academy becomes entrenched with suspicions that touches on cases of murder. It becomes intriguing to watch because of the standards involving red herring comes into play with false leads and suspects. It’s not as predictable as some might think as viewers will be able to indulge on the movement of the story.
Unfortunately, the series’ story pacing feels peculiar on various occasions that looks typically rushed. There’s a lack of characterization involving its cast including Rashin. His past is only briefly glanced upon on various occasions but rarely discussed in full details. While supporting characters such as Charlotte gets more of their past unraveled, Rashin’s backgrounds are vague and is only motivated by vengeance. Thus, characterization feels a bit shallow in this series. Most of the main supporting characters only get some spotlight while others are colored with generics such as the constant apologizing or androphobia. They lack personalities such as Charlotte, Frey, and Yaya. Even more so, there are characters that are introduced on particular episodes with little depth explored on them as well. Being a one cour show, character development suffers on various degrees. There’s just little emphasis on most of them. While the series avoids the breather episode (onsen, beach, etc), there’s bits of fan service that seems out of place. Yaya plays the central role of this as she showers Rashin with affections and attempts to act like his “wife”. The result is usually a scolding on the receiving end with neither party getting satisfaction. Rashin is just one of those guys that are too focused on their goals to care about pity ideas such as love. In fact, the romance of this series is blend and hollow. Don’t expect any development in the romance territory at all. This isn’t a love story of a hero trying to save their princess.
The art style of this series is peculiar. It may take a bit to get used to because of its lavish brightness and mechanical like coloring. Most characters in the series are generic in particular Yaya and Charlotte. Other characters such as Shouko and Frey reveals more cleavage than should. Thankfully, most of the automatons have diversity. None of them look similar but instead gives off a unique appearance that can be noticeable. However, the action scenes sometimes seems out of space with its usage of CGI and special effects. On the other hand, backgrounds fits the setting well for its time era with its stylish architectures giving off its old English look.
Soundtrack wise, the series is tolerable and at times stands out above others. However, some of the voice actors and actresses’ role as the characters can be a bit frustrating to endure. Yaya’s VA Hitomi Harada plays her role well but it’s a hardship to deal with her obsessive nature. Charlotte’s tsundere like voice can also be frustrating while most of the other characters’ tones hardly stands out. The OST achieves satisfaction with its pacing and matches its tones well, in particular action scenes. The OP and ED songs conveys its theme well. More noticeable is the ED song however that has garnered attention with its catchy tone of ‘Maware, Maware, Maware’.
This series might seem like an odd ball in the mix but it can hold itself together on occasions. However, don’t expect deep character development or a linear plot of progression. The show sets up itself with arcs but only focuses on its plot points with little emphasis on friendship, romance, or other significant themes of morality. Some stories seems a bit rushed because of its episodes pacing as well. The way to enjoy the show is to probably focus on Rashin’s motives whether it’s his quest for vengeance or goal to become Wiseman. It does portrays its premise well in technical aspects with the mechanics and setting. The tournament itself is not a pivotal factor of this show however. This is because the series also feels obligatory on occasions to pull out clichés with fan service scenes or meaningless dialogues. If it was designed as a comedy, this show would work out magnificently. But since it does have a serious plot, there’s a less reasoning for that. The way Unbreakable Machine Dolls almost is crafted will leave different impressions for everyone.
