Shiguriu takes place in the Edo period and feels like a classic novel, it's not an adventure nor action packed, and after watching it I went straight to the manga (you will know why if you watch). The manga is a masterpiece on its own, and I thought how hard it would be build up the tension and suspense as Hamasaki does in the anime without the aid of timing and music, but then I realized the real challenge might have been how to transfer all the emotions to the animation without the use of a narrator. Even if the manga was completed by the time the anime came out (it wasn't), Hamasaki's directors cut couldn't be more precise, and it was truly a superb adaptation, extremely faithful but at the same time bringing this historical romance to new heights thanks to his skillful direction.
I still loathe the slow pace and crypticness, and think for this series too the whole thing could be fit into a single movie and that movie would be awesome. Hamasaki became someone I love to hate, but now I'm left to wonder if this part is not a necessary contrast to reach a greater climax.
