If it cannot break its egg's shell, a chick will die without being born. We are the chick. The world is our egg. If we don't crack the world's shell, we will die without being born. Smash the world's shell!
A fairytale-soaked, visually charming, sonically captivating, queer 90s work of art filled with surreality & symbolism, conveying critiques on the oppressive systems we live under and the powers that be.
Calling into question and confronting the patriarchy, toxic masculinity, societal roles and rules, the idea of gendered clothing, false ideals, privilege, power imbalances, abusive and manipulative relationships, the construct of family, the unjust hierarchies, indoctrination by the status quo and heteronormativity to name a few? It may sound like too much to take on but the show's got it and highlights these themes in subtle as well as very explicit ways which can seem repetitive at times yet fit in thematically.
All of this being said, it does warrant content warnings e.g. for the depiction of physical abuse, so I recommend you look them up before diving into it right here.
The exploration of the ensemble cast's intrapersonal relationships and internal conflicts, and how the power structures and societal rules shape them with entire episodes dedicated to seeing things from each character's perspective makes it the most thoroughly explored ensemble cast I've ever seen. It really makes use of the 39 episodes runtime in order to give each character room to breath, confront and grow.
This show ripe for an in-depth analysis of each episode and the symbolism and surrealism leaves open vast room for individual interpretation of this work. I certainly felt it and gave myself time inbetween each episode to think about it what happened, what the symbolism and surrealism shown means and went back to look at certain scenes to piece things together in my mind more often than not.
Come to think of it, I've always felt engaged and intrigued with this show. There are comedic elements scattered in throughout the show to alleviate the tough and darker themes; and the soundtrack is woven perfectly into every scene. Plus, the OP and EDs for this show absolutely slap and it's one of those I've never once skipped.
Be-Papas & everyone who worked on this have truly created something special which resonated with me on multiple levels and gave me hope in these rough times we're in and I can't thank them enough for it.
If you want something to sink your teeth into, which is very importantly gay and revolutionary as heck - timelessly so as it's quite explicitly about moving forward and dealing with the unjust, unsustainable and oppressive systems they live under - I can't recommend it enough.