That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
If you are a fan of the Shakespearaan play, or are interested in seeing something similar, then I feel like this show is not a very good representation of the play for people to watch. People should always have the freedom to creatively edit or change stories and such is the case with 'Baraou no Sourestu'. The story was significantly changed to cater to a different audience and show a different portrayal of the historically based play.
Apart from the many changes in details like Richard's deformity being changed to him being an androgynous, the biggest difference of the show is in the themes and narrative of the story. Richard III is no longer the bloody, vicious tyrant that seeks the throne at any cost, but is instead replaced with a meek, lovestricken victim of desire and circumstance. And as a result, I would not consider the show to be related in any way to the Shakesperean play, and it is rather an original story which takes inspiration from the historical characters while pushing its own original narrative.
Story - 2
Truly a wasted potential, Richard III has so much material to animate and actually make a good show. There were so many stories which could have been fleshed out and presented better. Yet the show chooses to focus on the romantic pangs of Richard as he struggles with utterly senseless things like who to sleep with.
Art - 6
If there is anything at all to watch the show for, it would be the backdrops. At the very least, the style they used looked unique, similar to watercolor paint. Unfortunately in most scenes, there is not much variation to what they draw as the setting is mostly placed in dark, gloomy castles. But it is nice to see a style of drawing backdrops different from what is used in most anime.
Sound - 5
A gripe I have with this show is how invariable the soundtrack is. The music all sounds too similar, giving off the same mood and theme throughout the show. The sound design could definitely be improved to give some sense urgency or importance in some of the scenes. Every track just sounds too similar and it does not set the mood or importance of the scene very well.
Character - 3
Designs for characters are really generic and uninspiring. I almost cannot tell differences between some of the princes, and I often confuse one for the other. The characters are generic in both design and personality.
Enjoyment - 2
I am aware that BL and these types of juvenile love dramas are quite popular in Japan, particularly with the female demographic (fujoshi). But I cannot for the life of me see what they find so appealing watching effeminate males making out like young adolescents. If you enjoy watching these things, then you may enjoy watching this show as well. However, I myself found little enjoyment watching the show.
Overall - 4
A real butchering of the play filled with cheap melodrama and unnecessary twists. And if you watch it for school, you definitely will not get any marks for stating Richard III was androgynous. But I give it an extra point just because I know that there are people who like this stuff, and the art at least makes it somewhat watchable.
