You must watch it with your undivided attention to follow it 100% and that really goes for anything but definitely a key to watching heavier stuff.
Utena isn't like anything I've every watched. Not only is it a deconstruction and unorthodox approach to the usual girl-power animes, but the level of intricacy the writers used to piece this it all together is out of this world.
Utena goes to a prestigious academy, meets a girl getting bullied and then next thing you know, she's automatically enlisted in these bizarre supernatural duels to protect that girl. That's the main idea atleast. The other duelists that challenge Utena seem fixated on removing Anthy's existence with no real drive to their motive. All of these duelists are battling serious baggage that stop them from moving on and growing as individuals. To the audience it may appear as a mystery as to what keeps all these characters so depressed, and aggravated at the world, let alone Anthy.
The writers really put a huge artistic effort into visually conveying things that are dear to them, things that are holding them back. The reason I say artistic is because the way this was executed is incredible. The representation of certain visuals and animation sequences, symbolism, dialogue, body language, it's all there.
The anime really goes all out into showing the corruption of burdens, the stagnation that comes with it, and unconsciously holding yourself back and not letting go. You really don't realize how much time (Miki) you waste chasing after futile details to create a false world of things that once were or running away and not confronting your emotions head on. These are all super self-destructive issues that real people face unfortunately and this series excellently executes this through an awesome cast of fleshed out characters and voice actors (I watched this subbed)
The animation and art style is unique and gorgeous. Though, here and there certain duels may feel repetitive due to some reused animation. The ritualistic scene of her entering the castle to duel someone is so gnarly and that bruh that music! The soundtrack altogether is amazing. It's like majestic but hardcore at the same time. The ritual music "levels up" and becomes more intense and hardcore as the show goes on which is so dope!
Once I finished the black rose arc, I was sold on how amazing this series was. The buildup and emotion as the finale approached was too much! Amazing ending in every regard. The visuals took my breath away. It was so emotional. I held back my tears like the soldier I am. Utena is well known but I still feel it doesn't get the recognition it deserves so I'd definitely consider it a gem.
