I could've given the story a 10 instead of 9 but there were some minor points--faint details almost irrelevant but is still part of the story--that was left unexplained. It's almost unnoticeable but to some who could notice would notice it. For me this lost its chance for a 10 because a good story should be able to answer all the "why's" of the viewer that must be contained in the story. Nevertheless, it did not affect how good the story is. It was sooo good that it covered up for that.
So. The story starts with a confusing plot. I almost end up putting it on-hold but it kept me watching because it obviously is holding back some important details that it cannot show yet at the beginning thus don't stop until you get to the middle. The 'cute' start of the anime got weirdness mixed in as the story progressed but it already starts to dig deep. You start to think--and think seriously about what's happened and would be happening. What's so good about this is that the transition was so smooth. I did even forget that I called this anime cute because it plunged to an unexpected seriousness that got me really thinking. The unfolding of the lacking details at the beginning came out ever so smoothly, it was wonderfully executed.
The art was really cute as I've said. It's really anime like with those big eyes and all. There were a lot flashy moments but that is what made Mawaru so distinct. It's not Mawaru Penguindrum without it. For me it was well carried out with the story.
The sound could've also been a 10 but I gave it a nine. The flashy moments made it more flashy because of the sound effects but it supplemented greatly to the emotion it wanted to draw out; however, I didn't like that they repeatedly played ROCK OVER JAPAN at almost every episode whenever Himari starts being her other self. The time it took could've been allotted to more significant details. I liked the song, but it wasn't really worth putting it at most episodes.
Character development's great. Ringo at first was freaky but wait and you'll see later that she's actually a little flower. Every character has their own way of drawing the viewers to them. They own a certain personality that you would not wish weren't there. They're perfect as they are, more so that each of them has an in-depth story of who they really are that can make you understand them deeply. And I felt like they were not trying to appeal with the audience but merely showing off their side of the story.
I enjoyed it so much. And that is because it has its own, just like how a singer should own their song, this one owned its story. It's complicated plot made it a good exercise for my brain, but more than that its story made it worthy to be part of literature. I felt emotions that should be felt when watching or reading that should be felt when we're talking literature.
If after watching it, you got bored. I suggest you watch it again, you might've missed something. To make this series more worthwhile, see past whatever you see irritating. Sometimes it could be so girly, but the story I tell you is not your typical.
