Summer 2002
Princess Tutu
Hal Film MakerIn a fairy tale come to life, the clumsy, sweet, and gentle Ahiru seems like an unlikely protagonist. In reality, Ahiru is just as magical as the talking cats and crocodiles that inhabit her town—for Ahiru really is a duck! Transformed by the mysterious Drosselmeyer into a human girl, Ahiru soon learns the reason for her existence. Using her magical egg-shaped pendant, Ahiru can transform into Princess Tutu—a beautiful and talented ballet dancer whose dances relieve people of the turmoil in their hearts. With her newfound ability, Ahiru accepts the challenge of collecting the lost shards of her prince's heart, for long ago he had shattered it in order to seal an evil raven away for all eternity.
Princess Tutu is a tale of heroes and their struggle against fate. Their beliefs, their feelings, and ultimately their actions will determine whether this fairy tale can reach its "happily ever after."
Overview of Princess Tutu
From the moment the ethereal notes of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake start playing, you’re pulled, entranced, into a fairytale world unlike any other. Aptly dubbed as a “Metaphorical Fairytale”, Princess Tutu weaves a rich tapestry of a story that spellbinds with the depth of its characters and the enchantment of its narrative.
Our protagonist is Ahiru; a humble girl who attends ballet school in a quaint European town. Ahiru, which translates to ‘Duck’ in Japanese, is more of a duck than a swan on stage. Mysterious circumstances bestow upon her a magical pendant that transforms her into Princess Tutu, a graceful ballerina. As Princess Tutu, Ahiru’s mission is to restore the shattered heart of a prince and subsequently save the world from engulfing chaos.
Detailed Review of Princess Tutu
I’m going to plant this flag right here – Princess Tutu is a magnificent ballet of drama, romance, and magical girl fare, masterfully interwoven with elements of classical mythology and fairy tales. It is a narratively ambitious anime that takes what initially appears to be a formulaic magical girl narrative and subverts typically accepted tropes to present a compelling story.
The characters in Princess Tutu are beautifully crafted, complex beings with thoroughly satisfying story arcs. Our protagonist, Ahiru, is refreshingly genuine and authentic. Her transformation into Princess Tutu does not only alter her physical form, but also provides her with the eloquence she lacks as a duck and the courage she lacks as a human girl. Prince Mytho’s transformation from a passive to active character; Rue, the seemingly perfect prima ballerina with a hidden vulnerability; and Fakir, initially appearing as the antagonist, but revealed as a multi-layered character, are all deftly crafted spectacles.
Animation and Soundtrack
Princess Tutu exudes a charming old-worldly charm that is infused with gorgeous animation. The setting, inspired by picturesque European locales, exudes a romantic aura. You have enchanting courtyards, romantic castles, quaint towns, and beautifully decorated interiors. The character designs are pretty and the ballet sequences are wonderfully animated.
The well-crafted soundtrack for Princess Tutu deserves a standing ovation. From the captivating ballet sequences to the emotionally resonant dramatic moments, the music in each scene enhances the storytelling. Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Chopin, and other classical greats add an indisputable depth to the moods and scenes they accompany.
Should You Watch This?
Approximately 26 episodes long, Princess Tutu is an enticing blend of magical girls, romance, ballet, and fairytales, beautifully animated and soundtracked. It’s a stunningly executed anime that delves deep into themes of destiny, free will, love, and sacrifice.
To put it simply: Princess Tutu is a spectacular masterpiece that demands your attention. So whether you plan to rent, buy, or stream, this anime truly deserves a spotlight on your ‘to-watch’ list. Don’t be fooled by the cute name or initial fluffy appearances – Princess Tutu has far more depth and heart than a lot of anime out there.
In conclusion, as an anime critic, I can confidently say that Princess Tutu is a beautifully orchestrated fairytale ballet that truly leaps off the stage! Don’t just watch it, experience it!-RATING: A MUST-WATCH.
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