Introduction: If I had one word to describe Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica it would be dark. If I had more words then I would be writing a review... oh, wait I do. Woot!
Plot Overview: Madoka and her friend Sayaka are approached by a strange creature named Kyubey who offers to grant any wish they desire in exchange for becoming magical girls with tremendous power to fight creatures called witches which are responsible for unexplained murders and suicides. However before they can decide a magical girl, named Homura, who was hunting Kyubey approaches them and tries to dissuade them from taking Kyubey up on his offer as she tells them they will only experience suffering and despair because of it. It is now up to Madoka and Sayaka to decide if they have a wish powerful enough to risk becoming magical girls for it.
Review: Despite it's initial cute animation and happy school girl characters this is anything but a feel good anime. The story is dark and disturbing as it paints a picture where our dreams and desires are the source of all suffering and pain in this world as the cost we must pay to achieve them is often more than we can pay. Combine this with girls who only want to do what is right and you get a story that makes you question what you are giving up to have your dreams come true. The animators don't help any with the off and disturbing feeling as they give the witches and the places they reside in a different and thoroughly unique look that sharply contrasts with the anime style in which the regular world and main characters are drawn in. But saying all that this is truly a work of art where the story telling, voice acting, and animation come together perfectly to make a very enjoyable and unique anime.
Conclusion: This anime is not for everyone due to the darker and somewhat depressing plot. But for those of you who don't mind watching something that will make you disturbed then I strongly recommend watching Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica.
Guardman's Grade: A
Categories: Tragedy, Drama, Supernatural, Magical Girls
I've heard quite a bit about this series before, and it's certainly not the first time it has been recommended to me, but I always get turned away from it at the words "Magical Girl". However, I am a fan of dark, slightly disturbing mangas and animes, and from your review, this series certainly sounds more appealing to me.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoy the review. But if you like disturbing and dark works then this is for you. It having Magical Girls in it is a little misleading as this is not an anime for the people who usually like Magical Girls.
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