[NO DETAILED PLOT SPOILERS BUT NOT FULLY INNOCENT]
#Overview
The title is fitting, really. It's almost a fairy tale but better than Disney. I mean, who's ever heard of a princess hitting such high notes but with such a small figure? Though the brothers Grimm belong in a different category, if you're bringing them up.
An innocent little girl (maiden, or otome, hence the name) whose family is deeply in debt is sold off to a rich family to become some rich boy's wife. But as sketchy as Rich Boy might sound, it turns out he's just this pessimist who can barely take care of himself. The two slowly fall in love, go through a tragedy, declare their love for each other, and kiss.
In a nutshell, yep, definitely Otome Fairy Tale. It also takes place during the Taisho period (Japanese history), so it makes sense to add that in the title, no?
That's enough for the overview. I have nothing else relevant to share.
#The Good
Okay, while there are some animes I will always love and remember way more, this one will stand out too. Historical Japanese settings stand out to me for a reason: I find it interesting to see how people lived in a certain time and place, and enjoying a good story while I'm at it is great.
The art is not spectacular or in any way breathtaking, it's pretty average. But the kimono patterns are beautiful, and while I like that they made them detailed, I've seen better effort into art as a whole.
I also like that all the members of the Shima family have similar eyes, I think it shows strong family resemblance so one glance at them and you're like, "yup, that's a Shima". This might just be my forgetfulness, but I don't think I've seen any other show do that. Points added for this unique detail.
It's enjoyable to see a more detailed perspective on how things were like during that time period. Most of it seems accurate, though it does seem a little iffy on one particular scene.
Nonetheless, the setting seems consistent enough. Might I also mention that this is one of those "it could actually happen" kind of stories? Points added. I like realistic, except when I watch fantasy. Especially since it is a historical setting.
Now comes one of the best areas: character development. A lot of the named characters have changed quite a bit after meeting Yuzu and Tamahiko. Their personalities are totally different, and for the better, which I find to be a good thing.
I'm not gonna elaborate too much on this to avoid spoilers.
Ok, fine, I'll admit to being lazy too.
Let's move on.
#The Bad
Mainly my disappointment is on how the characters don't look their age. And that issue mainly applies to Tamako and Yuzu. How can Tamako be so much taller than Yuzu but be younger, yet Yuzu look so child like despite being an adult/almost adult?
I'm finding it hard to point out specifically bad points, but....
Most of it is just character hate, and not even reasonable hate. It's no one's fault that Ryo was written as such a horrible girl before she changed.
I suppose most of the points that have been deducted aren't from specific areas of dislike but instead from lack of excitement about it. You know you're not in love with the show if you prioritize airing stuff over eagerly devouring the eps.
#Do I Recommend?
I might not be as excited about this as I am with other anime, but yes. Yes, I definitely recommend this if you like:
- cute, cheerful girls. Or enjoy seeing a lot of one in particular.
- historical romances
- sweet, slow love
- shy couple
- wholesome moments
Or if you're just really in the mood to watch a fairy tale!
Well, a 12 ep fairy tale. Not a movie.
I painfully had to rewrite my original review because I got the URL wrong T-T
Hazard of being a mobile user.
This isn't the best quality work I could've done, for copy/paste and edit.
