Princess Tutu Review
By NotAJellyfish
Princess Tutu Review
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Plot Synopsis
No plot synopsis or other information available for Princess Tutu
Story & Characters
What do you get when you mix a duck, a prince, a knight, a monster raven, a prima donna, and ballet all together in a big pot of anime fun? Princess Tutu! Despite, the cheesy name, Princess Tutu is a series that has heart and hope. Although, it could be said that this is your typical magical girl shoujo series, Princess Tutu is far from being standard. Of course the main character, Ahiru, transforms into the magical girl, Princess Tutu, to save her Prince, Mytho. However, there is more to the characters than what appears on the surface. The characters are realistic and each one grows and develops as the series continues. Ahiru, the protagonist, is also different from the typical Magical Girl in anime. She is truly just a duck who looks like a girl because she fell in love with the prince. But, she is not overly cute or attractive (or in some cases annoying) like most girls in anime. She is a unique, and quite duck-like girl who just wants to give her prince his heart back. But even she grows and changes as the story progresses. Even the main characters are different because they really came out of a story book and into reality. The plot also does not follow a standard path. With the mysterious Drosselmeyer turning the gears behind the characters\' stories, the plot leaves you guessing until the very end. Although it is not overly complicated, there is still depth to the story. With each episode set in a different tale, the story of Princess Tutu is not one to miss.
- Rating
- 9 (very good)
Art
The artwork for Princess Tutu is also beyond standard. Considering the amount of ballet used in the series, the artists must have studied ballet in order to capture the passion of ballet as perfectly as they did. Each movement is genuine and very well done. Being a dancer myself, I know that the artists captured ballet properly and well. Down to the very pointe of the toe and fingertips, the grace of ballet flows through the series. Character design for the series is about the only standard thing in the show, following typical shoujo art design. However, the characters are exactly as they should be. The prince is handsome and kind, the knight is brutish, but soft, and Princess Tutu is the epitome of grace. Ahiru\'s character suits her perfectly as well. Wearing yellow pants, and orange shoes, her \"duckiness\" shows through. (Ahiru also means duck in Japanese, and since she really is a duck, the name is perfect for her). Throughout the series, there are also various ducks in the background and on objects that adds a very cute touch to the series. The design of the school uniforms are adorable as well as the side characters such as Edel and Uzura. The backgrounds suit the setting perfectly as they look like they came out of the pages of a fantasy storybook, just as the Prince and the Raven did.
- Rating
- 8 (good)
Sound
As Princess Tutu is a series focusing heavily on ballet, the main music used is
of course from various ballet. The series also features a beautiful opening
theme song from Okazaki Ritsuko (who is well known for the Fruits Basket music),
which blends a cute pop tune with the classical music of Waltz of the Flowers.
The ending theme is also sung by Okazaki Ritsuko. As far as voice acting goes,
I\'ve never heard a Japanese seiyuu that did not match the character they
portrayed. Princess Tutu is no exception. The acting is well done and very
suitable to each character. Especially for Ahiru, the voice acting is perfect.
Ahiru even sounds duck-like when she speaks, bringing back some memories of
Donald Duck (although not quite THAT duckish). She also often quacks, and
changes back into a duck when she does, and Nanae Katou as seiyuu carries it out
perfectly.
- Rating
- 10 (excellent)
Presentation
Overall, the series is highly enjoyable. It\'s funny, heartwarming, and at times heart wrenching. The characters make you fall in love with them and care about them until the very end. Although I have heard many people upset with the ending of the series, I even thought the ending was as it should be. The main idea that we control our own destinies comes through loud and clear, in a very enjoyable manner. It\'s worth re-watching for the fun and love of the series. And also for the beautiful ballet.
- Rating
- 8 (good)
Final Verdict
8.67 (very good)
Reviewed by NotAJellyfish, 1y 28wk ago
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Quite the well written review I must say. It was subdued yet had that feeling necessary to portray the kind of score you gave it. Although I'll have to say to you like I have to say to most (including myself) after you post a review on this site, it's good to go back and edit (since MT likes to screw with formatting). Take a look back in the review and you'll see things like It/'s and I/'ve. Minor quibble overall.
As for the show itself, haven't seen it yet but I tend to hear rather good things about it. Probably just waiting for ADV to release a thinpak set for it... unless they already have (goes to check).
Man, why'd you always go first...
Anyways, about the show, I've seen it around 3 or 4 times and I can't say it sucks but I also can't say it's very good. Maybe I'll just say its uniquely interesting.
I haven't watched this anime but the story reminds me of my childhood fantasy and favorite stories. I still like this kind of stories and I'm pretty much eager to see the Art in this story. It must be very well done in the case you described. I love it when an artist, specially an anime artist, has a lot information and experience in filed of their work. I really enjoy the delicacy when a dancer dance properly as someone does in real world or the way a painter holds his brush properly in his hands.
Thanks for your review!