And that was probably the best way I could sum it up. The story itself is a mix of dark emotions and very light hearted emotions. Once you watch episode 1, you will understand what I mean by a mix of dark and light hearted emotions.
Anyways moving on to the really weird way I assess anime:
Story & Setting (1/2):
The story is set in modern day Japan, so the amount of context that the viewers have to absorb is nearly none at all. The first episode really does well in setting up the characters and what is happening.
The story itself is quite linear and straightforward, taking the two brothers and the audience to meet new people who have some sort of connection to the mysterious 'Penguindrum'. However some aspects of the story may not appeal to some viewers such as invisible penguins suddenly appearing and such. I felt that the ending was a bit of a let down but I still thoroughly enjoyed the anime.
Art & Animation (2/2):
This aspect is probably the most distinctive and unique aspect of the anime. The way that destiny can be visualized as some sort of a train journey with different destinations and the ability to transfer fates and destinations is quite creative. You'll see a lot of connections between the setting/story and the explored idea of changing/transferring fate.
Art-wise, this anime is very colorful. The Survival Strategy Meeting sequences always makes me smile because it's just something weird which contrasts to the very dark feel of the anime.
Another detail I appreciate is the fact that only the main characters get detail to their appearances. Every other background person is drawn as a figure. So it pulls all the attention to the main characters, which I also find creative.
Animation-wise this anime is done very well. There isn't much I can complain or compliment about it because it really isn't an action anime with flying battleships or mechas.
Sound [Voice Acting, OP + ED, BGM] (2/2):
The voice acting in this anime was done alright. I don't have any major issues with this area. There are a lot of monologues about fate and that may get a little repetitive though. But it's not too bad.
Both OPs to me were alright. I didn't hate them but I didn't love them either. And I don't pay much attention to the EDs.
Background music I think was alright too. Not much to comment about it. It didn't hinder my overall experience from watching the anime. However the one background music I will always remember from this anime is the Survival Strategy Meeting sequence music. Dear lord that sequence is catchy.
Characterization (2/2):
Some of the characters might seem weird to you but in the end it's all warm and fuzzy with really sad heartbreaking moments. There are also a lot of characters which may confuse you as to what they're trying to achieve but the anime wraps it all up nicely towards the end.
Generally I don't really have a problem with the characters in the anime. Not that I can remember.
Overall Enjoyment (1/2):
I thoroughly enjoyed this anime, especially the contrasting themes and how they intertwine towards the end. There were a lot of heartbreaking moments and silly moments but I still feel like the ending really let me down. Though that could be a personal opinion though.
The take-home point of this anime is that there are a lot of emotions conveyed in it and that you might find this anime to be different to what you were expecting.
8/10, though in my heart it will sit as a 9 or a 10.
