At least, that's how it starts out. The hero relics plot quickly takes a back seat to Machiavelli-done-right politics and character exploration. And I am happy about it. This is one of those series that takes a very tired, common setting and makes it new by adding extra tweaks and, more importantly, asking questions. The characters might at first glance seem to be the two-dimensional models we're used to (and some of them are... Iris), but many of them have other layers added on to make them seem more human. Ferris, for example, is textbook tsundere. However, the fact that there is a solid middle ground between violence and sweetness and the fact that her mood changes are all based in reality help to make her more interesting. (the fact that she has a sense of humor about her antics also helps, because it gives the impression that some of her extremes are intended to be extreme). Ryner's laziness is given a new poignancy when he explains that his lack of initiative comes from his fear of his own power (he goes a little... crazy sometimes). Sion would seem like a stereotypical kind king who gained his throne through effort instead of breeding, however, he is easily the most complex of the three (although even within this role, he is fresh. Mainly because instead of just giving speeches and leading charges, he does lots of actual work [*Paper* work]). He is portrayed as constantly struggling to decide whether to cling to his ideals, or make the shortcuts he needs to stay in power. When I say the politics are Machiavellian, I absolutely mean it, but not in the sense that one might originally assume. Machiavelli did not believe that a monarch ought to do whatever he wanted whether it annoyed the people or not (this would actually be horrible policy). Rather Machiavelli believed that a monarch's first responsibility was to stay in power, because a country without a government would be at the mercy of every kind of cut-throat and bandit. Therefore, a king would, in Machiavelli's estimation, have the right to resort to immorality, if it kept his state, and therefore the lives of his people, intact. ANYWAY, the point of this is that this sort of politics is used very well to help create a complicated narrative, and ask stirring questions about politics and idealism. (A Looking Deeper on this later, I think. I haven't even started on some other themes).
You won't like him when he's angry
Artwise this series is a little hard to characterize. The character designs are, admittedly, a tad generic (though very pretty). Where this series really excels is in light effects. Not just explosions, but actual lighting. The contrast between light and dark (especially involving stained-glass windows) is used to very good dramatic and thematic effect. The extreme contrast ( some light scenes, some almost pitch black) can sometimes make it difficult to make out what's on screen (perhaps an animation cheat), but the resulting support of the larger themes is well worth the momentary confused squinting.
The sound on this is a fifty-fifty (or maybe a sixty-forty). The voice work is very attractive. Sion ( by Daisuke Ono) in particular has a kind but strong voice with the flexibility necessary for the role. Parts of the music are also extremely pretty. Occasionally however, I have no idea what the music is doing. Tense metal and techno-ish stuff for chases might be okay for other series, but this is a medieval fantasy. It distracted me a little. The openings and endings are pretty fun, but nothing really ground-breaking.
There is only a sub, so far, but Funimation has it up on their channel.
There is only a sub, so far, but Funimation has it up on their channel.
Hair prettiness and political power are directly correlated.
This series has two really sad flaws. First, remember all that darkness and intricacy I was talking about? Not in the first episode. The first episode is a silly, generic adventure comedy thing (with some very BAD but necessary drama) that leaves the viewer no reason to get attached. (Is it any wonder why I always wait two episodes...?) The second flaw which may or may not be corrected is that this series only covers the prologue of an extensive group of light-novels. So, of course, the ending is a little cliff-hanger-ish (it burns my soul). Mind you, the series doesn't seem to fall off the face of the earth, but it definitely feels like a second season is in order. I don't know what the plans are as to continuation (I just hope this doesn't go all Beserk on us). A third thing which some people complain about is that the series can get wordy. I personally don't mind listening to characters talk if they have interesting things to say, but tastes will vary.
Story: A
Characters: A (Hardly anyone was annoying)
Music: B (Good-ish or strange... only one memorable piece)
Visuals: A-
Overall: A
An unexpectedly deep work that will move (or at least entertain) you if you let it (and get past it's shooting itself in the foot the first episode) This one is very complicated and I recommend that you not try it unless you're in the mood to give it your full attention.
Story: A
Characters: A (Hardly anyone was annoying)
Music: B (Good-ish or strange... only one memorable piece)
Visuals: A-
Overall: A
An unexpectedly deep work that will move (or at least entertain) you if you let it (and get past it's shooting itself in the foot the first episode) This one is very complicated and I recommend that you not try it unless you're in the mood to give it your full attention.
So, I haven't seen this show, but I do have a few posters for it that, after reading your review, were really keeping me from watching the show. It looked like your run of the mill fantasy, and the name almost made it sound like a parody.
ReplyDeleteBut, maybe it's worth a look, it almost sounds to me, like the visuals are trying to draw contrast to the duel nature of the three characters, which is an aesthetic choice that takes some effort.
Maybe I'm looking too far into it, but it seemed to be more than that to me. I think the politics get an interesting treatment and (on a more pedestrian note) I loved basically all the characters. It certainly isn't a parody (though the first episode made it look like that). I think there is some real Looking Deeper potential here, particularly in arenas like When do you sacrifice ideals to reality?" and "What is a monster?"
ReplyDeleteAlso, I would be lying if I said the title didn't completely turn me off at first. I first looked it up mainly because I had nothing better to do.
ReplyDeleteI think you may be on to something regarding the lighting. Atmospherics have a lot to do with state of mind, and the way scenes are lighted helps one track to moral and mental state of the characters involved.
ReplyDelete