Episodes: 26
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Military, Post-Apocalyptic, RPG, Sci-Fi, Seinen, Swordsplay, Tragedy, Violence, Visual Novel
Release Date: 04.04.2006 - 26.09.2006
Studio: OLM
Author: Aquaplus
Summary: An anime adaptation of the Leaf / Aquaplus RPG erotic game.
Hakuoro has lost his memory after succumbing to serious injuries. But thanks to an elderly woman and her granddaughter Eruruu, he is nursed back to health. His face is covered by a strange irremovable mask and he occasionally sees beastly visions. Eruruu now cares for him as he becomes accustomed to the village and its inhabitants, who all bear strange ears (the women also have tails). Though these people venerate the forces of nature, desecration of an altar forces them to take drastic measures to preserve their lives from the wrath of Mutikapa-sama, guardian of the forest.
Hakuoro has lost his memory after succumbing to serious injuries. But thanks to an elderly woman and her granddaughter Eruruu, he is nursed back to health. His face is covered by a strange irremovable mask and he occasionally sees beastly visions. Eruruu now cares for him as he becomes accustomed to the village and its inhabitants, who all bear strange ears (the women also have tails). Though these people venerate the forces of nature, desecration of an altar forces them to take drastic measures to preserve their lives from the wrath of Mutikapa-sama, guardian of the forest.
Whenever I looked at the character designs of this show I was like "is this even worth watching or it is one of those anime that is merely fooling around?" Who would've known that I am in for a feast. One thing is for sure, appearance might deceit and Utawarerumono (The One Being Sung) surely enters in this category.
The action of this show centers on Hakuoro, a man who has lost its memory dew to several injuries. He is treated by Eruruu and her grandmother Tuskuruu however word spread in the village since Hakuoro aside from the normal villagers has a mask that hides his face and it seems that he cannot remove it. As Hakuoro becomes a charismatic leader in the village problems arise. From facing a wild guardian of forest to venturing into several rebellious acts, Hakuoro stands as a leader with a huge burden. Understanding and thoughtful when it comes to the villagers problems also compassionate with his antagonists, Hakuoro ventures into a war with the Emperor itself to free the people from their state of slavery.
Now, the story is pretty simple and way too overused, but once again, the presentation is that makes the money. As the main lead ventures deep in the war territory, several companions such as Oboro and his trustful companions Dorii and Guro accompanies him after he won their trust. Once the battle ended, Hakuoro becomes the new Emperor and he names the country Tuskuruu, in the memory of the elder woman who saved his life.
Even though Hakuoro managed to overtake the throne, problems did not stop, as the neighboring countries started to take interest in the new founded kingdom. With assistants such as the samurai leader Benawi and his most trustful man Kurou, his position on the throne became even more secured.
The graphics for this show are pretty explicit. Not in a perverted way but rather in a gory way. This anime did not take wars lightly and the producers did not hesitate when it came to showing the true horrors of war and the slaughtering that occurs during it, so expect some pretty cool action sequences accompanied by some grotesque scenes.
Unlike most shows that centers on wars, this one has a fairly good character development and if we just think about the personality of the characters that surround Hakuoro, then we might say we have a pretty colorful cast. Aside from Eruruu and Aruruu which Hakuoro claims that they are like a family to him, Benawi, Kurou, Oboro and later Karura, Touka all of them will accompany Hakuoro in his quest to protect his own country, even though some of the warriors around him are not from the same country.
Viewers might look forward to this show for yet another reason. Even though most of the characters that surround Hakuoro do not have anything special, I cannot say the same thing about Hakuoro himself. The loss of his memory will have a thing to say in the upcoming events of this show and some strange events will affect him both physically and mentally.
By far, this show shines because of the main protagonists. Funny moments do exist and they are not few fortunately. Characters like Karura that expose their uber-strenght while showing a pretty much careless and easygoing attitude surely impressed and at the same time amused me.
Sound-wise, this show is also impressive. The opening is very rhythmic and kinda pleases your ears while the ending is like that type of song that wakes you up from a dream, or like the type of ending that returns you to reality after you've read a fairy tale. Impressive on this side as well.
I am sure that action fans will enjoy this show. It has many things to offer aside from just action sequences. There is also a dose of suspense that you will feel especially in the second half of the show. If I had to describe Utawarerumono in just a few words, I would say that is the type of show that has weird character designs but a very thought-provoking and compelling story line. Don't miss it!
Story: 9
Animation: 9
Sound: 9
Characters: 10
Delight: 10
Overall: 9.3
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| Booze and woman, this is what makes life colorful! |
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