Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama
Synopsis
The year is 972 A.D. in Kyoto, the capital of ancient Japan. Kyoto is becoming a corrupt and run-down city; selfish samurai and onmyoji, who care only about gaining political power are everywhere. To make matters worse the city is suffering from famine and widespread disease. Unable to ignore the condition of the city any longer, the Imperial Court decides to send Minamoto no Raiko, a famous samurai well-known for his archery skills, to recover a legendary gem said to hold mysterious power to save the world. However Raiko also falls ill to disease. Instead his youngest sister, Hikaru, decides secretely to make the journey in his place. Hikaru meets many people, and has many adventures while on her trip for the legendary gem. (Source: ANN)
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is heavily divided between the two story arcs. The Heian Arc is praised for its engaging story, strong characters, and beautiful art, while the Tokyo Arc is criticized for its slow pace, weaker plot, and disconnect from the first arc. Many feel the second arc detracts from the overall quality of the series, with some suggesting to only watch the first half.
Strengths
- Strong character development, especially in the Heian Arc.
- Beautiful art and animation in the Heian Arc, with detailed backgrounds.
- Engaging story and plot twists in the first arc.
Weaknesses
- The modern-day Tokyo Arc is considered a significant drop in quality.
- Inconsistent animation quality, with budget-saving techniques used.
- The two arcs feel disconnected and the plot is slow-paced in the second arc.