Back to BrittleJoe's Profile BrittleJoe's Profile

I enjoyed the series for the most part. Visuals are nice, the score is really good and the action scenes are intense, if a bit over the top at times. I liked the character of the princess and the dynamic with her more conservative counter part. Sadly, in terms of character and relationship development, theres not much to be had. Which is a shame, bc the named dynamic had a world of potential to be explored, but the series didn't. Even in a half-coeur, one would think that more would have been easily possible. A strong point is the lack of mayor jealousy-driven dramas. ... OTOH, the romance lacked significant physicality for most of the series. [SPOILERS FOLLOW!] Until the last ep where they really stepped it up with holding hands and then kissing. This feels very rushed.

Then, the last 4 eps. Too much drama, and not enough build up towards it, so it felt really out of place. O yeah, despite wanting the other to be happy but making them unhappy with our own actions, let's make up a disagreement and, because we are not able to talk about it- let's to this shounen style and FIGHT OVER IT. Right.

This is prly a hit-or-miss for viewers depending on their preferences and emotional state. For me, it kind of spoilt the series and prompted me to rate it the way I did. Still, it is entertaining enough to be worth your time.

tl;dr: Entertaining show with likeable characters and impressive art and animation, but with a very questionable agenda.

Though I enjoyed the first season overall, while watching I was wondering if the messages conveyed were just artifacts of the setting and the plot or by design. Well, this coeur proceeded to quickly erase any doubts on my part: This anime has an agenda, and it's not pretty:

- The mc impersonates the classic from the recruitment center: Joining the AF means an easy job with a respectable income, social securities and best of all, some adventure abroad on top. Military accomplishment is an sure-fire way to attract potencial ... mates.
- Blatant adoration for military might and technology: Miltech will save the day, always.
- Endorsement of violating other people's souvereignity to further Japan's agenda. We're the good guys!
- Journalists are men and women of business, not integrity. Generally a hindrance when it's about doing what has to be done, namely The Right Thing (TM). The same goes for politicians.
- Elitism: Confronted with the achievements of Japan, other people lose all ingenuity to deal with the overwhelming cultural and military might of JP.
- Other nations are to be trusted to plunge a dagger in your nations spine as soon as it's back is turned.
- Any action regardless of how questionable it may be, can be justified with the mission/mandate.

In concert with the recent real political agenda of Shinzo Abe to expand activities of the military beyond Japan's border, well... connect the dots and you get the picture, or rather, the propaganda.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to miltary themes per se, I love Girls und Panzer. But this totally lacks any ironic twist. I find the manipulative trait of this show seriously offensive.

EDIT: typo