Sarazanmai
After accidentally breaking a statue of the guardian god of the Asakusa district, middle school students Kazuki, Toi and Enta are transformed into kappas -creatures from japanese folklore- by Keppi, self-proclaimed prince of the Kappa Kingdom. If they want to regain their human form, they must collect the five Dishes of Hope for him, which fulfill the wishes of whoever possesses them. To do so, they will fight against the kappa-zombies and extract their "shirikodama", the mythical organ containing humans' deepest desires. Two policemen, Reo and Mabu, are the ones behind this evil scheme, turning humans into zombies as agents of the Otter Empire, enemy of the Kappa Kingdom since ancient times. In the guise of "Kappazon, Inc.", they control society by manipulating the desires of the masses for their own goals. To succeed in their mission, the boys must be connected through the "Sarazanmai", revealing their most intimate secrets in the process...
Insights
Plot Summary
Two young boys, Kazuki and Toi, are transported to a surreal world where they encounter Keppi, a kappa emperor who demands they retrieve the 'Saramada' discs. To succeed, they must transform into kappas, retrieve the discs from zombies, and ultimately decide whether to share their desires or keep them hidden. Their quest intertwines with others, revealing deeper themes of connection, desire, and societal issues.
Critical Reception
Sarazanmai received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its unique visual style, complex themes, and Ikuhara's signature surreal storytelling. While some found the narrative dense and symbolism occasionally obscure, it was widely recognized for its artistic ambition and emotional depth. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating its experimental nature and others finding it too abstract or disturbing.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its visually distinctive and surreal animation.
- Applauded for its exploration of complex themes like desire, connection, and societal issues.
- Noted for Kunihiko Ikuhara's bold and unique directorial vision.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciate Sarazanmai for its unique artistic style and thought-provoking themes, often highlighting its unconventional narrative and emotional resonance. However, some find the show to be overly abstract or difficult to follow.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Animated TV Series at the 2019 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
Fun Fact
The series' distinctive visual style and surreal elements are a hallmark of director Kunihiko Ikuhara, who is also known for his work on 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' and 'Mawaru Penguindrum'.
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