Youko Nakajima has only ever wanted to be normal. She does what she is asked, gets good grades, is the class president, and even helps her classmates whenever she can—but because of her red hair, she has never fit in. With her pushover attitude, Youko lets classmates take advantage of her, so she has nobody she can really call a friend.
But on an otherwise ordinary day, a man who claims to be from another world barges into Youko's classroom and bows before her. This elegant blond-haired man, Keiki, claims that Youko is his master and belongs on the throne of his kingdom. However, their first meeting is cut short as Keiki has been followed by otherworldly beasts called youma. He is able to escape with Youko into his own realm, but two other classmates—Ikuya Asano and Yuka Sugimoto—are caught up in the madness as well. Unfortunately, their troubles have only just begun, as the youma attack leaves them separated from Keiki. Alone in this strange new land, these ordinary students must learn to fend for themselves or die.
Juuni Kokuki (The Twelve Kingdoms) Review
The Story:
‘Juuni Kokuki (The Twelve Kingdoms)’ is an ethereal journey set in fantasy realms parallel to our own, where mythical creatures roam, and legendary lore flourish. It’s a narrative dipped in the essence of Chinese folklore that boasts its own share of spiritually guided beasts, kingdoms ruled by divine mandate, and complex social hierarchies based on mythical premises.
Our humble protagonist, Yoko Nakajima, a red-haired high school student, leads a life engraved by the dictations of those around her. A fateful encounter with a mystic from a parallel universe named Keiki tosses her into the captivating winds of the Twelve Kingdoms. She’s ordained as the rightful ruler of one of these kingdoms alongside two of her classmates, who also find themselves swept into this whirlwind of grand destinies. The three embark on soul-stirring adventures that forever mark their existence.
Review:
The Twelve Kingdoms is an anime rooted in personal evolution. Yoko’s transformation from a passive, subservient teenager into a capable leader is an emotional rollercoaster that doesn’t cater to the usual tropes. There aren’t sudden, inexplicable power-ups – Yoko’s growth is painstakingly slow, realistic yet immeasurably satisfying.
The sheer depth and attention to detail in world-building are truly remarkable. The Twelve Kingdoms is exhaustive in creating a living, breathing world with its own intricate political system, rich history, and societal norms. It meticulously crafts an immersive experience that allows for profound plot developments.
One key aspect where The Twelve Kingdoms establishes its grandeur is within its storytelling – it allows itself room to sprawl, unveiling multiple narratives in the many kingdoms happening simultaneously. This grand mesh of characters and sub-plots ultimately converge, making viewers realise the scale of the universe that’s been woven.
The animation dutifully stands up to the storytelling – it’s timeless. Despite being an early 2000s anime, it holds its ground even today. The character designs stay faithful to its Chinese inspirations while ensuring identity. The battle scenes may not be as flashy as today’s titles, but they possess a ruthless realism that pairs perfectly with the narrative tone.
While the show has many strengths, it’s not without its shortcomings. There are pacing issues in the middle section where the narrative seems to drag a bit. Additionally, some might find the political shenanigans too heavy. However, patience is virtue here – for the climax is worth the wait, and the pay-off, immensely satisfying.
In the realm of character-driven fantasy anime, The Twelve Kingdoms is a rare gem that meticulously combines rich world-building, masterful storytelling, and deep character development. For those who appreciate intricate plots and thorough character arcs, this is a must-watch, and for the others yearning for a fulfilling fantasy adventure – this might be the surprise package you need.
Verdict:
Should you rent, buy, or stream? If you’re a fan of character-driven narratives set in fantasy realms that grow on you gradually, buying The Twelve Kingdoms for your collection is the best way to go. However, for a casual viewer just dipping their toes into the fantasy genre, a stream would make an excellent starting point.
Be patient with ‘The Twelve Kingdoms’. It takes time to warm up to it. But once you’re there, there’s no turning back. You’re in for an eloquent odyssey that will leave you aching for more.
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