4
A fantasy romance that ticked all the boxes
First, a confession, I have not read any of the novels and I'm only vaguely aware of the anime series on Netflix. My friend @Nelly recommended it to me and that is good enough. 👍🏼
As a standalone movie, it is fast paced and run through the extensive lore without a pause. That probably won't please the hardcore fans, but you roll with it as a casual viewer.
It is set in an alternate Meiji Japan circa turn of the 20th Century where “gifted” people with special powers try to hold off some kind of ancient evil. While the Gifted ones appears to be united in their noble task, it is far from the truth.
Our ML is one of them and a Captain in the special guards unit specifically tasked to hunt down the evil "insects". The FL is the daughter of one of the noble houses, but she doesn't seem to have any special power so she is treated like a servant as soon as her mother passed.
The similarity to Cinderella is obvious. That includes an evil stepmother and a nasty stepsister. Her life in that household is hellish. Her surprise betrothal to the ML offers her an avenue of escape.
If that is not enough, the Beauty and the Beast trope also joins the fun. The ML has a horrible reputation of being a beast to any female who tries to marry him in the name of political alliance. Just like in B&B, the FL tames the ML with her sincerity and "inner" beauty.
As a hopeless romantic, that is win-win right there. Throw in a handsome ML who looks dashing in uniform and a pretty FL who is vulnerable on the surface but has a backbone of steel, the movie can do no wrong.
But is it? I would be lying if I said the show is perfect. The world building is rushed and lack depth. No doubt a lot of lore and background information have been glossed over. It is understandable due to the time constraint, but you do occasionally feel that there should be more nuisances.
Speaking of the story, the Emperor's plot moves in mysterious ways. It is meant to be full of mysticism and symbolism but it is slow and stilted.
Also, the romance between our leads is very sweet but innocent. I'm sure they would die for each other but they always behave very properly. I'd love to see a bit of skinship. Fine, we'll just say their love is pure. (Grumble, grumble)
Finally, the production value is good, and the OST is very nice. The SFX is generally well done. There are many cinematic moments. However, its budget is limited, and it does show from time to time.
Don’t get me wrong, these are niggles rather than faults. In the end, the movie is an enjoyable romp with all the ingredients of a swoonworthy romance, Meiji style. The pseudo historical setting adds colour and novelty. Who can say no to some bonus fantasy actions?
The post-credit scene hinted at a possible sequel. I'd welcome that. More than anything, I want to see a traditional wedding ceremony. The bride in a fabulous kimono with all the trimmings and the groom in full dress uniform with a honour guard. Sweet!
As a standalone movie, it is fast paced and run through the extensive lore without a pause. That probably won't please the hardcore fans, but you roll with it as a casual viewer.
It is set in an alternate Meiji Japan circa turn of the 20th Century where “gifted” people with special powers try to hold off some kind of ancient evil. While the Gifted ones appears to be united in their noble task, it is far from the truth.
Our ML is one of them and a Captain in the special guards unit specifically tasked to hunt down the evil "insects". The FL is the daughter of one of the noble houses, but she doesn't seem to have any special power so she is treated like a servant as soon as her mother passed.
The similarity to Cinderella is obvious. That includes an evil stepmother and a nasty stepsister. Her life in that household is hellish. Her surprise betrothal to the ML offers her an avenue of escape.
If that is not enough, the Beauty and the Beast trope also joins the fun. The ML has a horrible reputation of being a beast to any female who tries to marry him in the name of political alliance. Just like in B&B, the FL tames the ML with her sincerity and "inner" beauty.
As a hopeless romantic, that is win-win right there. Throw in a handsome ML who looks dashing in uniform and a pretty FL who is vulnerable on the surface but has a backbone of steel, the movie can do no wrong.
But is it? I would be lying if I said the show is perfect. The world building is rushed and lack depth. No doubt a lot of lore and background information have been glossed over. It is understandable due to the time constraint, but you do occasionally feel that there should be more nuisances.
Speaking of the story, the Emperor's plot moves in mysterious ways. It is meant to be full of mysticism and symbolism but it is slow and stilted.
Also, the romance between our leads is very sweet but innocent. I'm sure they would die for each other but they always behave very properly. I'd love to see a bit of skinship. Fine, we'll just say their love is pure. (Grumble, grumble)
Finally, the production value is good, and the OST is very nice. The SFX is generally well done. There are many cinematic moments. However, its budget is limited, and it does show from time to time.
Don’t get me wrong, these are niggles rather than faults. In the end, the movie is an enjoyable romp with all the ingredients of a swoonworthy romance, Meiji style. The pseudo historical setting adds colour and novelty. Who can say no to some bonus fantasy actions?
The post-credit scene hinted at a possible sequel. I'd welcome that. More than anything, I want to see a traditional wedding ceremony. The bride in a fabulous kimono with all the trimmings and the groom in full dress uniform with a honour guard. Sweet!
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