I recall in one anime (I believe it was Oregairu/SNAFU) the main character mentioned "On some journeys, it is best to take it alone." After watching Spice and Wolf, you will not believe that to be true. Sometimes having a great companion to be at your side along your journey makes the trip even better.
A friend recommended me to watch this anime but I placed it near the bottom of my list to watch. I thought that a relationship between a human and a human-wolf would be very strange and if handled improperly, the story would become awful (hey there Twilight). It was not until I saw it listed on a review of best romantic anime video on YouTube (I believe it was TheBlackCriticGuy's video) that I sought it out online. After watching the first few episodes, I couldn't believe that I waited so long to watch it! I was instantly hooked.
Now, onto the review.
Story: 10
Wow. Where do I begin? The setting of the story is somewhere in Europe during the Middle Ages. In this era, the Church held the strongest power and science was considered heresy. Spice and Wolf utilizes this historical setting to tell its tale with great effect. I really enjoy when an author chooses to use a historical time period to tell their story because the setting has done most of the work in establishing a foundation and all the author needs to do is to write a story that can weave its way through that foundation If you really enjoy stories that take place during real time periods, this is definitely an anime worth checking out.
Enough about the setting. What about the story of our characters? Honestly, the story line is very simple. Lawrence, a merchant, happened to stumble upon a Goddess, Holo, and they go on a trading journey together. They use their wits (but mostly Holo has the cunning ideas) to reap large amounts of profit. Some people may find their dealings very confusing and possibly a deterrent, as Lawrence and Holo deal with somewhat complicated economic matters. This is probably where the anime fell a little bit short in failing to appeal to a broader audience. However, I enjoyed understanding what the characters were trying to say not only because I like these trading matters, but also because it is through these moments that we get to see the characters' personalities and also see them develop a relationship between one another.
The anime, like everyone else mentioned, is VERY dialogue heavy. In fact, Holo and Lawrence develop their relationship through their witty bantering. I absolutely loved their lines. So, if you do not enjoy dialogue heavy anime, Spice and Wolf may not be for you. However, if you are able to look past the dialogue (and ignore some of the complicated economic speak), Spice and Wolf will be an absolute blast for you.
Art: 10
I am not familiar with the development of anime technology but considering that this was done in 2008, the artwork is stunning. I think it even rivals UFOTable's Fate/Zero and Fate/Stay Night UBW artworks (though since those were action-based, they get the better edge). The colours are nice and subdued but not to the extent that a scene feels dull. Also, I felt that each frame was carefully selected to have the angle capture the scene's atmosphere and the character's feelings. Bravo to the artists!!
Sound: 10
Let me say this: one does not skip the opening of Spice and Wolf. The opening is a perfect mood setter as it captures the mature relationship between Lawrence and Holo. The background music of the anime was also superb. The composer chose a Renaissance style since you can hear the recorders playing during festive scenes. Further, I absolutely loved the string accompaniment. String instruments can faithfully capture the wide range of emotions that a character can feel, let it be stress or love. My ears definitely loved the soundtrack.
Character: 10
The opening animation to Spice and Wolf can be pretty deceiving because you see a lot of characters appear. However, the story mainly focuses on Lawrence and Holo.
Holo has become my favourite female lead in anime (though as of this writing, Inaban in my profile pic might get very upset...). What she brings to the table is her upbeat personality and her absolutely cute moments with Lawrence. Further, the dialogue between Lawrence and Holo is absolutely fantastic. There is not a moment where you want to yawn when you hear these characters talk. At any time, Holo could flash a sarcastic remark and you would be left wondering how Lawrence would respond to it. Sometimes, he fails but that's what makes these moments enjoyable. Gosh, there can't be a better anime couple than these two.
The story also treats Holo and Lawrence's relationship in a very mature manner. We don't get any slapstick humour moments or ridiculous events where Lawrence is the shining knight saving Holo who is the damsel in distress. None of that. Instead, we get a couple who support each other, offer their companionship to each other, and love each other at a very spiritual level.
The only negative side to Spice and Wolf is its treatment of its side characters. They appear in their own story arc but it feels like as soon as Holo and Lawrence leave the town, those characters leave the show as well. You can argue that it is reflective of Middle Age European society because there is not much migration between towns so it is highly likely that when someone settles down, they settle down. I did hope that we could see some more development of certain side characters.
Enjoyment: 10
I haven't had the pleasure of watching a show (anime or live action) where there was such great chemistry between the lead characters. Honestly, everyone in the story is like background noise and the main stage lights are centered upon Lawrence and Holo.
Spice and Wolf: you did an outstanding job! I definitely recommend this anime to everyone who loves strong character development, witty dialogue, and don't mind some complicated economics talk.
Thank you for reading this rather long review!
