Utawarerumono
Synopsis
An injured man is found in the woods by a girl named Eruruu, and everything about him is mysterious. Without knowledge of his past nor even his own name, he is welcomed to Eruruu's home and is given the name Hakuoro by her grandmother, and younger sister, Aruruu. While the inhabitants of the village have large ears and tails, Hakuoro's defining physical trait is quite different as he has neither ears nor tail, but only a mask that he cannot remove. Soon after he becomes a part of the villagers' lives, a revolution against the tyrannical emperor of the land begins, and the conflict finds its way to his new home. Hakuoro must do whatever he can to save the people and the village that he has come to love, all while uncovering the mysteries that shroud his past. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Utawarerumono is a mixed bag with an interesting story and likable characters, but it suffers from uneven pacing, repetitive elements, and some questionable plot developments. While many appreciate the blend of war, drama, and fantasy, the technical aspects and character focus receive criticism. Overall, it's considered an enjoyable show with flaws that may deter rewatching.
Strengths
- Unique story with war, love, and friendship themes.
- Well-developed characters with distinct personalities.
- Great soundtrack and voice acting that sets the mood.
- Good-looking scenery and detailed characters.
- Intriguing plot twists, especially in the second half.
Weaknesses
- Repetitive battle formula.
- Recycled animation and poorly implemented CG.
- Uneven pacing with rushed plot developments.
- Some characters are underdeveloped or annoying.
- Inconsistent character designs
- Plot developments in last episodes feel thoughtless.