Tearmoon Empire

This anime weaves a fairy tale around Marie Antoinette's redemption through time travel, showcasing how her newfound insights inadvertently inspire greatness. What stands out to me the most is the protagonist, whose character development adds depth while maintaining a charming mischievousness. Sumire Uesaka's excellent performance, capturing both heart-wrenching and entertaining moments, further elevates the experience. On the flip side, what irked me the most was the reliance on humor through misunderstandings and coincidences. While initially enjoyable, the repetitive nature, at times bordering on silliness, detracted from the overall experience. Mia's seemingly effortless navigation through challenges diminished the stakes, making it clear that success was inevitable. Even in supposedly dramatic moments, I never once feared for her. Digging into the source material, it appears the anime skips Mia's initial, unsuccessful attempt, opting for a direct plunge into her first success. Personally, I wished for occasional failures, requiring Mia to strategize independently and not rely solely on others, whom she usually unknowingly inspires, or practically stumble upon the solution to the problem. Perhaps my bias stems from enjoying Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World too much, overlooking the distinct vibes Tearmoon Empire brings. In essence, this series serves as a delightful comedy with endearing characters, where major issues are swiftly resolved, echoing the essence of a fairy tale. Coupled with surprisingly good animation and decent music, I settle on a 6/10. While my score might reflect a desire for more complexity, those who embraced the breezy aspect that Tearmoon Empire offers will likely rate it higher, and I get that. (23/12/2023)