My first thought after I finished the show was : It makes me remember Spice and Wolf.
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There is a reason why this show has a rating 7.2 or above 7 while the reviews has mixed feelings about it.
1) The plot and characters are standard and nothing special. (Rating : 7 standard)
----- True , but it doesn't mean is has no depth. The whole story has a simple and VERY BASIC background settings.....
but the depth is there hence you don't see shitty rating of 6.9 and below.
*** Trust me , you will find similarities between this show and other big names simply because it has good basics. Just like how all good romance genres has certain similarities with each other.
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2) Depth (Rating : 8 Good)
----- This is NOT a show that tells you "For some and no reason people can use magic and conflict arises from it and blah blah blah".
It(magic) has a profound reason behind it to exist and took years of effort and studies to took hold yet despite what it seems , conflict still arise regardless.
Throughout the series , the settings explanation is done in a well eloquent manners and THE BEST OF ALL : It tells the tale in a very very heartwarming tone like a mother's love.
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3) Plot Progression (Rating : 8 Good)
----- At every turning point , the decision making is being made clear. There is no ambiguous decisions that was made half-hearted , every turning point has a good reason.
** Well , except the way some or if not most characters' introduction scene that is.... but otherwise the story flows well.
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4) Character (Rating : 7 Standard)
----- There is no stupid and spoiled brats throughout. Although some characters changing heart might have been paced too fast , but it can't be helped.
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5) Art and sound (Rating : 7.5 Standard+)
----- Personally I have nothing to complain over it. Medieval time Bgm setting is usually soothing to my ear in a natural way without flashy sound effects, like birds chirping in a garden just the way it is.
As for why I gave it extra 0.5 instead of 7........
because the heartwarming scenes are nicely done even though its nothing flashy/extravagant...... its just.... warm....
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Overall : 7.5 ( Good+ )
Its a well done show , it wraps up nicely without any huge plot hole.
By well done , I mean it has the very basic and standard aspect of Magical Fantasy genre just the same as any other higher rating Magical Fantasy anime like Shakugan no Shana or The Irregular at Magic High School.
All 3 of them shares similar characteristic of giving its magical power a good background explanation and progresses without over relying on overpowered strength alone.
Except it is presented it in a simple yet profound setting.
A standard heartwarming masterpiece for casual viewing indeed.
