Wow. I ran across this anime randomly and it was a bit slow to start till I figured out what kind of show I was watching. Someone in some forum post asked what this was, a 13 part movie? That really changed my outlook on it after the first couple of episodes. It really felt like a movie! I felt this show encapsulated the messiness of real life...enemies, friends, enemy family members but still in all family members, pride, ego, tragedy, love and the trappings of whether or not one is or should be ambitious in life.
I thought this show was going to be the typical sort of fantasy anime that has some action, and characters powering up in big battles, a touch of romance and comedy, coming of age intertwined with the story, and generally a feel good "we defeated the evil dark arts" payoff by the final episode. But it was basically none of that in the end. Well...on paper maybe it was, but there was a lot more.
Now, if you start watching the show from that perspective (typical modern day magic/fantasy anime), as I did, and you keep that perspective until the end of the show, in its entirety, you might walk away feeling the show was mediocre at best. I'm telling you, watch it like it was a 13-part movie (pay attention, enjoy the subtext). This show has layers, it IS theatrical in many respects. I might have to watch it again soon!
The animation was great. And the backgrounds??!!! Absolutely amazing!! Oh and look, it has the best OST that I have heard in a LONG time. The insert music during the episodes was top production, really added to the theatrical nature of the show in its entirety. This damn show was basically a 5 hour movie, it was wonderful!! I think the ratings aren't higher because people couldn't reconcile their expectations going into the show with what they actually saw in the end, probably not enough payoff for people. Wonderful and hidden gem! And there is a season 2!
Put eyeballs on this show. And some ears too. Manage your expectations and you won't regret it.
