Story: 7/10 (good)
One thing that is very well done (until the last 6 episodes) in this show is pacing. Something is always happening, whether it is a new conflict, an interesting hint to a mystery, or some funny and enjoyable interactions between the cast. This show is very entertaining and I found it hard to get bored. The setting is established really well. You will be surprised how attached you become to the small little village you start out in, and when the characters feel at home at the palace, so do you. This is what separates this fantasy show from others: you feel a sense of attachment to characters that feel real, and to a world that you don't want to stop visiting. Strategy, battles, rallying... everything you need to make a medieval-type fantasy work is done very well. The battles are very engaging and fun to watch, but its because of HOW its done rather than WHAT is done. There is a great build up to these fights, and the well executed and clever plans by the protagonist will always put a little smile on your face. Plus there is always a clear goal, none of the fighting is mindless, there is always some cost or conflict to be invested in. The plot balances humor and dramatic moments very well, which is essential for the main theme of this anime: family. No matter how hard things are, you'll always find a bright spot in life with family and friends which is what makes these moments between characters so strong. What kills the narrative is the absolutely terrible last 6 episodes (more on that later), watch up to episode 19 and stop.
Characters: 9/10 (fantastic)
Easily the strength of the show in my opinion. The main protagonist Hakuoro is very underrated, and is pretty unique to the anime genre. He is an adult character that makes adult decisions, which is refreshing from the typical high school protagonist (plus he actually has his shit together, unlike many wimpy underdog male characters). He has amnesia, which has been done before, but isn't often done this well. What makes his character so compelling is that he stands out in this world precisely because he doesn't have memories. He looks at the world from a completely unbiased perspective, he was never brought up with beliefs (the tiger goddess arc at the beginning illustrates this) or was brought up by society to establish morality. He develops his own morality based on the kindness of the people around him, and becomes an incredibly relatable character that simply wants to protect the ones that he loves. The most engaging part of the series was his rise to power. He didn't desire power or conflict, but was forced in a situation where he had to adopt a leadership role, because it was necessary to keep the only life he knew and grew to cherish. He is a natural leader and a brilliant strategist. It is a joy to see him outwit his opponents and kick ass with a very impractical but awesome unique weapon that he uses. The side characters are also great, each with a distinct and memorable personality. Eruru and Aruru are the characters that stick with Hakuoro and are his family. Eruru is an incredibly likable tomboy character who is supportive and adopts a very motherly role. Aruru is shy and cute, but is also rebellious and surprisingly energetic when pursuing something she wants. These three characters make up most of the emotional core of this series. The soldiers and comrades that serve under Hakuoro are also a joy to watch each having their own colorful personalities and place in the war. If there is to be some flaw within the characters it could be the villains. They are kind of one dimensional and are just kind of dicks. However, they do a good job at making you hate these characters, which makes taking them out so incredibly satisfying.
Art/Animation/Sound: 8/10 (very good)
Opening songs and ost are great. They are catchy, and complement the anime very well. The art and animation isn't anything too spectacular there are some copy-paste and awkward 3d models, but it does its job well.
Enjoyment: 9/10
I really enjoyed this anime... 19 episodes of it. The ending is what hold me back from completely loving it. The last 6 episodes is some of the worst coma inducing garbage that I have ever seen. It takes a turn for the worst and in my opinion contradicts a lot of what the series seemed to be working towards. It is unnecessarily dark, convoluted would be an understatement, and the more you think about it the worst it gets. Seriously, I tried to go with it, and I thought about what they were going for. But the more I tried the more plot holes and inconsistencies I found. They raise more questions (not in a good way) then it answers. Additionally, why explain things that really don't need to be explained? Its like scientifically explaining what the force is in the Star Wars prequels, we don't really need one. Plus its devoid of humor, you barely see the side characters you grow to love, and the elements that are introduced feel so incredibly out of place. It also has easily the most underwhelming and boring final confrontation that I have ever seen (I fell asleep and was forced to see the episode again). Despite how terrible this last portion is, the journey getting there was worth it, and stopping at episode 15 or 19 in my opinion is already a satisfying enough conclusion. So please, please, please, I implore you to stop at episode 19 and don't go on anymore than that unless you want to try to laugh at the ridiculousness of the whole thing.
Overall: 8/10 (very good)
If you like fantasy that doesn't have to be dark to be good, then I really can't see you not liking this. Give this show a chance, and I am pretty sure you will find a memorable, entertaining and enjoyable experience. Watching it sub or dub doesn't matter too much IMO, either is good. So as long as your not a sub purist, english dub is an option.
