Directed by the brilliant Kunihiko Ikuhara , this was an original series that he co wrote and was produced by Brain's Base. It aired in the last half of 2011 and was a two cours anime of 24 episodes.
Details here..
http://myanimelist.net/anime/10721/Mawaru_Penguindrum
When i watched the first episode of Penguindrum I was intrigued but at the same time rather lost. That feeling of being lost never left until the final episode when everything finally came together. For me that represented how brilliant this story was. But it's not just the story that is brilliant but the visuals and symbolism used throughout the series to show the various facets and side stories that are all woven into an intricate plot.
Basically this starts out as the story of a group of siblings . But one day the youngest sister Himari dies but is miraculously saved from death by apparently a spirit residing in a magic penguin hat. The spirit however sends the two brothers (Kanba and Shoma) on a quest for the elusive penguin drum to ensure their sister's continued existence.
Now to say that is a synopsis of the story would be ridiculous. That is simply how this story begins and the rest is mind boggling comedic and dramatic at at times bizarre and somewhat cruel fun and tears
There are numerous side stories besides the brother's search for this item. All the characters are slowly brought in to play each having their own little story that is all part of the whole. At times it's confusing but it all gets resolved and that constant what the hell is going on feeling keeps this series moving.
Comic relief is provided by three penguins who mirror the three siblings. Numerous other mechanisms are used to both bring comedy into the darkness as well as show some deeper more tragic aspects of the story. It's that element of symbolism and metaphor through great visuals that makes this story so brilliant and unique.
Each of the side characters is given an interwoven back story that intricately ties into the main story. The obsessed Ringo who is determined to win over and stalk an older teacher Keiju. keiju however is in a relationship with an actress. And all three have back stories that intertwine and have enough drama to shock you and possibly at times sicken you. And then the half crazed Masako who really has it in for one of the boys Kanba .
Drama, romance, comedy, supernatural, mystery ...yeah that pretty much sums up the genre . Adjectives...let's go with funny, bizarre, tearjearking, amazing, brilliant, shocking and beautiful . This is one of those anime that is too unique to describe in terms of the average anime types out there.
The overall themes can be summed up as family or a sense of belonging to something or someone. Even the side stories have this element in them.
I really couldn't describe this anime well enough without spoiling the hell out of it because it's one of those anime that has to be seen to be felt and understood. It definitely stands out from the norm. So just watch it and you'll see what I mean. This one comes HIGHLY recommended by me as a must watch anime. This one is a wild ride.
Feels like time for my favorite Queen song lol
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