Princess Tutu
Months ago, I began to watch the anime Princess Tutu, for three reasons: 1) the images I saw in an AMV looked awesome and intriguing, 2) Mytho, and 3) I was morbidly curious to see how ballet could be applied to fighting evil.
From the first six episodes or so, I could honestly say that Princess Tutu was one of the most bizarre anime series I'd ever seen. That Neko-sensei character threatening his students with marriage, that creepy Drosselmeyer, plus all those anthropomorphic animals were really weird. But after the initial freaking out, I began to think it was all very funny. But then, the series seemed to fall into that "enemy of the day" sort of cliché and I got bored.
About a month ago, I continued to watch the first season. I'd read some spoilers around the 'net and realised I was missing some really good things. Half-way into the last episode, I was convinced that Princess Tutu was one of the best series ever and that Fakir, whom I at first hated, was my new obsession. *points at icon* He went from an annoying, single-minded, shallow antagonist to an endearing, amusing, deep hero so quickly that, before I knew what had happened, I was already in love with him.
Once you get past the "enemy of the day" routine, which only lasts for about the first six episodes or so, the plot is actually very original and interesting. It's actually addictive. Also, I was fascinated by the world featured in the series -- a picturesque German(ish) town where I'd love to live in, even if it is being controlled by Drosselmeyer -- and the music, whether it's only background music or more than that. I really like classical music, and I love the way it fits so perfectly here. The music gives the series a magic-like flavour and often a sad , almost nostalgic tone. It's really lovely.
The characters are also very interesting; they keep changing roles in the story. Ordinary girl becomes the princess, then the antagonist (sort of), then only a minor character, then back to being a heroine. The Prince becomes a heartless shell, then the villain, then the hero. The antagonist becomes one of the good guys, then comic relief, then gets promoted from Character to Writer. The protagonist's rival becomes the antagonist, then the pitiful damsel in distress, and then the nice princess. Wonderful!
Some people don't like the ending, but I did. It could have been a little happier, yes, but it was good enough. Some things there reminded me of the ending of Matantei Loki Ragnarok (manga). I'm so satisfied with the entire series that I'm not even curious to read any fanfiction at the moment. Maybe I will, though, later. (Actually, I've read one already, but never finished; the story was a little depressing.)
From the first six episodes or so, I could honestly say that Princess Tutu was one of the most bizarre anime series I'd ever seen. That Neko-sensei character threatening his students with marriage, that creepy Drosselmeyer, plus all those anthropomorphic animals were really weird. But after the initial freaking out, I began to think it was all very funny. But then, the series seemed to fall into that "enemy of the day" sort of cliché and I got bored.
About a month ago, I continued to watch the first season. I'd read some spoilers around the 'net and realised I was missing some really good things. Half-way into the last episode, I was convinced that Princess Tutu was one of the best series ever and that Fakir, whom I at first hated, was my new obsession. *points at icon* He went from an annoying, single-minded, shallow antagonist to an endearing, amusing, deep hero so quickly that, before I knew what had happened, I was already in love with him.
Once you get past the "enemy of the day" routine, which only lasts for about the first six episodes or so, the plot is actually very original and interesting. It's actually addictive. Also, I was fascinated by the world featured in the series -- a picturesque German(ish) town where I'd love to live in, even if it is being controlled by Drosselmeyer -- and the music, whether it's only background music or more than that. I really like classical music, and I love the way it fits so perfectly here. The music gives the series a magic-like flavour and often a sad , almost nostalgic tone. It's really lovely.
The characters are also very interesting; they keep changing roles in the story. Ordinary girl becomes the princess, then the antagonist (sort of), then only a minor character, then back to being a heroine. The Prince becomes a heartless shell, then the villain, then the hero. The antagonist becomes one of the good guys, then comic relief, then gets promoted from Character to Writer. The protagonist's rival becomes the antagonist, then the pitiful damsel in distress, and then the nice princess. Wonderful!
Some people don't like the ending, but I did. It could have been a little happier, yes, but it was good enough. Some things there reminded me of the ending of Matantei Loki Ragnarok (manga). I'm so satisfied with the entire series that I'm not even curious to read any fanfiction at the moment. Maybe I will, though, later. (Actually, I've read one already, but never finished; the story was a little depressing.)