I initially started watching Mawaru Penguindrum when it was released but lost interest after the first three episodes, as it seemed too childish and colorful for my tastes. I decided to put it on hold and move on to another anime since I didn't think I would enjoy watching it, however, four years later I have proved myself wrong.
I'm going on with my own form of a review - one only needing two criteria for "grading."
#1 - Story (10/10) (story + characters)
The story was awesome. I wouldn't have completed this series in two days if it was bad, but honestly, at the end of the show I was kind of confused - irritated even. I mean, normally one would expect most things to be cleared up and explained by the final episode, though in this case the viewers were given clues to come to their own conclusion. Most shows that come out now are predictable, I mean, I have seen so much anime that I can usually guess what will happen (this is why I start watching something and put it on hold once I realize I'm getting bored)... so having to think so intently about something was actually quite refreshing to me. In the beginning we have this happy family eating dinner together, simply enjoying their lives. When Himari’s illness is discovered Shouma and Kanba work to get through it, but unfortunately it’s more than an illness: it’s the inevitable fate that their “family” has been “cursed” with. The characters dictate the story, and this story is about destiny, so keep that in mind while watching, because everything happens in this show for a reason.
Art (10/10) (art + sound)
Looks are most certainly deceiving in regards to MPD. From a glance all you can capture is a perfect family living in a cute colorful house, however, that is a misconception that has fooled many viewers. Behind the wall of colors lies history and the cold, hard truth – just like the world we live in today. The artwork fits the anime perfectly - the character design, the bright colors, animations, music, expressions, voices – all of it. If it was done any differently the message behind it wouldn't be the same.
Overall (including enjoyment): (10/10)
This was certainly one of the most unique and emotionally moving stories in an anime series I have seen in a long time. The fact that the authors and artists put so much thought into this makes it so special to watch. To be honest, I don't think I have actually watched another series with so much meaning/depth, and I have watched many many many different anime series. The proof is in my own history. I have had an account on MAL for almost five years now, and during this entire time of holding an account not once have I written a review. Sure, I've given shows good ratings, I've been moved to tears, but none have touched me like this. If you are thinking about watching this show, or have watched it and didn't like it, please watch the whole thing and do some research. This anime is full of symbols that connects the past to the future – to TODAY. To how you and I feel right about our lives right now – to the whole reason why we are watching anime/started watching it in the first place:
“This world is made of countless boxes. People bend and stuff their bodies into their own boxes. And stay there for the rest of their lives. And inside the box, they eventually forget: What they looked like. What they loved; who they loved. That’s why I’m getting out of my box.”
