If you liked
Shoujo Kakumei Utena
|
...then you might like
Mawaru Penguindrum
|
Since Ikuhara directed both, it's no surprise that Penguindrum should be similar to Utena. There is a similar focus on sibling relationships, with tastefully ambiguous hints of incest. Utena's focus on the incestuous nature of such relationships is certainly stronger (although I expected it to be the opposite from the first episode of Penguindrum). Both shows have a similar surreal feel, and both keep you hooked with elements of mysteriousness until the end. Although Penguindrum is a show about relationships, the focus is less deep and systematic than in Utena. Both have strong elements of symbolism, although Utena's symbolism appears to have more meaning. Both seem to take a bizarre turn toward the end of the series, although I didn't like the way this happened in Penguindrum necessarily. Penguindrum lacks the unique visual expression that Utena does, although it borrows almost exactly Juri's character design for one of the secondary characters. Overall, Penguindrum is great and definitely evokes some of the same feelings I had while watching Utena.
|
If you liked
Shoujo Kakumei Utena
|
...then you might like
Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
|
The most striking similarity between Madoka and Utena are the feelings evoked by the endings. I felt almost the same thing while watching Madoka's ending as I did Utena's. Without giving away too much, both endings are very bittersweet and focused on friendship. Aside from both being magical girl genre breakers, these two anime begin happily, with dark elements layering on little by little. The pacing in both shows is perfect, and you're kept guessing until the very end. Both shows have a unique style of visual expression as well. The yuri subtext in both shows is similar, although it is much, much stronger in Utena (without being too explicit). Both shows are very theme-heavy and carry an alluring element of mysteriousness through to the end. One difference is that Utena is heavy on symbolism, with a much deeper focus on relationships between secondary characters. Overall, Utena has a richer feel than Madoka. It's also a lot weirder (because of the symbolism), but better. If you have seen Madoka but haven't seen Utena you're missing out. Utena, is, in my opinion, the best anime ever made. Period.