The Daughter of 20 Faces
Synopsis
To the public, Nijuu Mensou is known for his flawlessly executed heists and the advance warnings he sends his victims. But the gentleman thief is no common criminal—he firmly opposes killing and primarily targets those he views as pigs. One job brings Nijuu Mensou to the Mikamo residence, where 11-year-old Chizuko, nicknamed "Chiko," lives with her aunt Yoshie and uncle Shouji following the death of her parents. While Chiko is the sole inheritor of a substantial fortune, there is more to her family circumstances than meets the eye, and she would like nothing but to escape her home life. Fortunately, her wish comes true when Nijuu Mensou makes off not only with the Mikamos' heirloom gemstone but also with Chiko herself. Quick to join the infamous thief's crew, Chiko learns the tools of the trade and grows closer to her new partners in crime, attaining the loving family she has always desired. At the same time, she begins to gain notoriety as the daughter of Nijuu Mensou—a title that carries more than its fair share of trouble. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience sentiment is mixed, appreciating the show's unique atmosphere, well-developed protagonist, and animation quality. However, the second arc's weaker plot and underdeveloped supporting characters are common criticisms. While entertaining, the series doesn't fully deliver on its initial potential.
Strengths
- Well-paced story with distinct arcs
- Excellent animation, detailed backgrounds
- Atmospheric soundtrack reflective of post-war setting
- Well-realized characters, especially Chiko's growth
- Engaging focus on the bond between Chizuko and Twenty Faces
Weaknesses
- Second arc less suspenseful, story loses direction
- Plot becomes too complex, 'great war' subplot is weak
- Some characters follow standard archetypes
- Plotting has rough elements, some plot points unresolved
- Characters are not very deep