Dec 25, 2017
This will be my first review, so forgive my poor formatting. I was *really* not feeling it at first, but this show has grown on me so much that I'd like to share my thoughts.
This review contains no spoilers.
The Good
There are many things to like about Mohoutsukai no Yome: the animation is stunning, it's beautifully scored, and the plot arcs are far from predictable. Though Chise is the protagonist of the story, the subplots and backstories of all the minor characters are often much more compelling. The pacing is faster than ideal, in my opinion, but it makes the whole show seem
...
like a box of assorted chocolates: you get to sample a bit of everything, but not enough of one single element to make you sick.
The Bad
Compared to the varied and emotionally vibrant minor characters we encounter, both Chise and Elias are exceptionally bland. Chise's backstory explains her tendency to be withdrawn and emotionally distant, but the show unfortunately doesn't really explore aspects of her personality aside from her trauma. We are halfway through the season and I feel like I know next to nothing about her. What does she like? Does she have aspirations beyond "not being homeless"? I understand the whole "super obfuscated mystery past" trope, but I really wish Chise was humanized just a bit more.
The Ugly
I would have picked up this show a lot - and I mean a LOT - sooner if the entire premise was not essentially child grooming. Chise is fifteen. Fifteen! I certainly have no reservations about her being a magical apprentice who harbors some insane amount of hidden power - that's par for the course - but potential bride material for a humanish wizard 100+ years old? I'm sorry, but that's unsettling even by anime standards. Am I projecting because I was a weird loser instead of a magical girl at fifteen? Perhaps. That does not, however, make this setup not creepy.
Overall
Despite its drawbacks, I would ultimately say that this show is worth a try. If you're into fantasy, magic, and finding hope in dark places - give it a shot, but definitely be patient.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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