I am a big history buff, but I have never read the original Heike Monogatari. Thus, unlike some other reviewers, I cannot comment on the differences between the original work and the anime. I can only comment on the anime. I will also try to keep spoilers light.
Overall, the anime is pretty good. The best part about it is how it depicts the impact of the events that unfold on the lives of different characters. The battles were also interesting, especially the final Battle of Dan-no-Ura. Some characters were portrayed as more interesting than others, with Shigemori being a standout. The pathos of the story was pretty good.
Also, I applaud the anime's makers for covering historical subjects, which are seldom portrayed in anime. Thus, despite all its flaws, I am get to at least have some show for Heike Monogatari for exposure of that historical saga. Just hopefully, people would look further into the characters and events portrayed in the show.
However, the technical aspects of the show were rather lousy:
Also, I question some of the characterizations in the show. For example, Minamoto No Yoritomo was depicted as a wimpy and indecisive man, but history depicts him more as a conniving strategist. Minamoto No Yoshinaka was presented as a Tarzan-like character, which while somewhat amusing, seemed rather out of place in a more serious show like this one. I highly doubt the historical Yoshinaka swung across trees to fight enemies (and if he did, he must be the most badass warlord in history /s).
The show's epilogue was also weak/non-existent. The show seemed more interested in lamenting or commemorating the lost (which holds consistent with its general strength of pathos), but it did not clearly show what happened with the victors. Were they benevolent and wise rulers? Did they usher in a golden age for Japan or did they become embroiled in further conflicts? Did the defeated factions have any remnants who rebelled or eventually integrated back into the society and politics? Those types of topics would be interesting to cover as an epilogue, but they were not covered.
27 out of 50 users liked this review