Mawaru Penguindrum

[mossygirl]

I was curious back when it started airing since it's from the director of Utena (a show I love), but I had never gotten around to watching it.

A few weeks ago I was visiting some anime blogs I hadn't been to in a long time, and I noticed they both were blogging it, despite having quite different tastes. Duly reminded of my initial interest, I streamed the first episode and fell in love with its quirky charms. I watched the second episode once I had set up my new laptop (mkv files are now playable!).

Between yesterday and today, I marathoned episodes 3 through 20. That's ... really weird for me. But ... but I couldn't stop o_o This is an amazing anime, to me. The complex characters and their complex relationships; the mysteries and hints of things to come and deeper forces at work; the sometimes meaningful and other times (probably) meaningless symbolism; the ridiculous sense of humor and subtle and not so subtle perversions and "Did that really just happen?!" moments -- it's got pretty much all the things that I loved Utena for, while still maintaining its own separate identity.

A brief summary: Twin brothers Kanba and Shouma have always looked out for their beloved, sickly younger sister, Himari, in place of their absent parents. But one day Himari's condition takes a turn for the worse. Then a weird penguin hat possesses her and demands the boys search for something called the "penguin drum" in return for continuing Himari's life. (An inadequate summary for all to come, of course!)

There's also a selection of odd side characters (some of whom become main characters), including a bird-watching high school teacher, a stalking schoolgirl, a glamorous actress, and a rich ojou-san with an unusual weapon.

Key themes: Fate, family, fate, sin and punishment, fate, etc. (Oh, and FATE!)

I'll come right out and admit that one of the things I love is speculating about future events and reading interpretations of the symbolism and hints each episode provides. It's probably not necessary to enjoy the show, but it puts me into an active mindset, both while watching (trying to find all the subtle details) and afterward. The translation notes and observations of the fansubber working on it are especially illuminating (uh, obviously, don't read these before watching the episode).

It's not a show that's going to be to everyone's tastes, but man, it's got me addicted. Only four episodes left! Waiting for them to air will be tortuous. But it's exquisite torture to wait for a show I enjoy so much~

(Maybe I should go back and finish Star Driver, AKA the other Utena-related show this year XD I did mean to finish it, just ... never got around to it, as usual.)

Comments

[yaminokaitou.livejournal.com]

Sounds pretty bizarre. XD

I need to finish Star Driver as well one of these days.

[kazenokaitou.livejournal.com]

This show is so ridiculous. lmao I'm glad you convinced me to try it though, I stopped at episode six but I find myself thinking about it on my own, which might mean I need to watch more. Motivation, motivation!

Also: FABULOUS MAX.

[aelvana.livejournal.com]

Penguins? Oh dear. *grins* I had not heard of this show before... might have to look up some info now.