Princess Tutu- Anime Review

I have some reviews for TV shows and movies on my old blog (melissasattic.blogspot.com). Some of them would definitely be considered for nerds, so why not re-post them on here? :)

For my first post, I would like to introduce you to...

Princess Tutu!

Seriously, this anime is my absolute favorite. Ever. EVER!

(Click here to watch the Japanese promo trailer)

This anime is about a duck named...well, Duck (Ahiru in Japanese {Ahiru literally means "duck," which is why the English dub named her Duck}) who sees a handsome prince dancing by her lake, and falls in love with him. The prince's eyes are always sad, however, so Duck wishes to help him. Suddenly, and old man named Drosselmyer appears and gives her a magical pendant to transform herself into a girl, and then into a magical ballerina named Princess Tutu. She discovers that the prince is actually from a story that Drosselmyer wrote called "The Prince and the Raven." In this story, the prince shattered his own heart to seal away the Raven. Since then, stories and reality have intertwined and it's up to Princess Tutu to restore the pieces of the prince's shattered heart.

• Age Appropriateness: Preteens +
• Content Rating: Although the name and look may suggest otherwise, I would recommend this one for about age 11 and up, mostly due to the complicated plot. I just think smaller children would get confused in it. Swearing is very mild and very minimal. There are also a couple times where a character is naked, but nothing is explicit and it is not sexual. It is either being used to convey feelings and ideas (such as despair or being one with nature), or because it is realistic (such as when the bird form of Duck transforms into a girl. Of course she wouldn't be wearing anything. Ducks don't). Princess Kraehe, Also, Princess Tutu's rival, is a bit racy in her dress and appearance. 
• Dub vs. Sub: I would suggest watching this with the English dub (because Lucy Christian is awesome!) but the Japanese with subtitles is a wonderful way to watch it as well. You really can't go wrong either way.
• Overall Rating: I would give Princess Tutu a 5/5. I watched this anime for the first time quite a few years ago, and it is still my absolute favorite. I will warn, however, that the show may be difficult to get into at first, mostly because it may seem repetitive and goofy, but please keep watching! Five it until at least after episodes 6 or 7 when Princess Kraehe first appears. That's when it starts to get good! This anime has so many twists and turns and actually has more to it than it appears. It is unpredictable and very moving. The classical music is beautiful and the numerous ballet references is genius. 

I was re-watching some of these episodes yesterday while sewing pinafores. I cried at the last few episodes. Again. *sigh* It is a lovely story, and it will certainly hit you right in the feels.

Cheers to Princess Tutu!

Princess Tutu picture from: http://www.freewebs.com/siteoftheswan/apps/photos/photo?photoid=111529937