Anime: Akagami no Shirayukihime/Snow White with the Red Hair (Season 1)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars
General Setup: Shirayuki works in the kingdom of Tanbarun as an herbalist. Her rare red hair attracts the attention of Tanbarun's Prince. When he asks her to become his concubine Shirayuki flees the country. She has to sleep outside the first night because she can’t find shelter. The next morning she is awakened when a young man jumps over a nearby wall and face-plants (to be honest, this was the main reason I started watching this anime). The man’s compatriots round the corner to see if he is alright. Shirayuki offers to give him medicine from her stash. At first the man refuses thinking it could be poison, but Shirayuki convinces him by using the medicine on herself. The man introduces himself as Zen. He finds out that Shirayuki is in a predicament and promises to help if she tells him the details. Who could this man be? How does he expect to stand up to a Prince?
Characters: Shirayuki is a great female lead. She is innovative and is not afraid to stand up for herself. Zen is very compassionate towards others, he also has a protective streak. Kiki and Mitsuhide are Zen’s closest friends. Kiki shuts down the stereotype that only guys can be strong and silent. Her stoicness is offset by a refined nature, a female touch, and a tendency towards sarcasm. Mitsuhide seems like a bit of a pushover, but he is very skilled with the sword and holds Zen in check when the need arises.
Plot: The plot takes a little while to get going and the main conflict is not presented clearly. However, the strong characters and beautiful animation more than compensate. Basically: the plot lacks driving force, but is still very enjoyable to watch.
Ending: The eleventh episode feels more like an ending than the 12th episode, which merely reaffirms the conclusion. It is a very sweet ending, but plenty of the story is left open ended. I am so happy that there is a second season coming out for this anime!
Things to Watch For: This anime is very clean. The only problem I had was with a minor character’s outfit for being a touch skimpy.
Humor: A light sense of humor is present in this sweet anime. Obviously Zen face-planting from the wall is an example. A lot of the humor comes from character’s reactions to different situations.
Sights and Sounds: The animation for this show is absolutely gorgeous (as is to be expected from Bones)! The opening for the first season was really up-beat while the ending was a little slower, but still happy.
Moral Lessons: When you make a decide what road you want to take in life walk on it under your own power. Decide who your friends are before worrying about your enemies. Trust in your friends and allies.
Other media: Akagami no Shirayukihime was based off of a manga by the same name by Sorata Akizuki. A second season is currently coming out.
Fillers: There are no fillers in this anime.
Length: The first season has twelve episodes.
Where to Watch: Akagami no Shirayukihime is on Hulu and FUNimation.
