Utawarerumono: A Hilariously Confounding Journey Through Fantasy and Identity
Picture this: a guy wakes up in a world that looks like a cross between a medieval fairytale and a furry convention gone wrong. He’s got no memories, a face that looks like it was designed by someone who lost a bet, and a mysterious mask that screams, “I’m hiding something!” Spoiler alert: it’s not his good looks.
Our hero, who we’ll just call “Masky McNoMemory,” stumbles into a village inhabited by a cast of characters that would make even a cat lady blush. First up is Eruruu, the kind-hearted healer who takes him in. She’s sweet, she’s nurturing, and she’s totally into our amnesiac protagonist. Cue the awkward love triangle when her sister, Aruruu, who’s basically a walking, talking bundle of cuteness, also develops a crush on him. Because nothing says romance like a guy who can’t remember your name!
As if that wasn’t enough, Masky soon finds out he’s got some serious skills in battle, making him a hot commodity in this feudal world. He becomes the reluctant leader of a ragtag army fighting against the evil Yamato Empire, which is about as subtle as a brick through a window. You know the type: they want to conquer everything and have a penchant for long-winded monologues about their superior civilization. Yawn.
But wait! Just when you think Masky is going to be our typical hero, the plot takes a nosedive into the deep end of the identity crisis pool. Spoiler alert: he’s not just some random dude. He’s actually a reincarnated prince from the ancient past! Yep, that’s right. All those moments of self-doubt were just him trying to figure out if he wanted to be a king or just go back to binge-watching Netflix in his pajamas.
As the story unfolds, we get a delightful buffet of political intrigue, betrayals, and more plot twists than a Texas tornado. Characters that seem sweet and innocent are revealed to have more baggage than a family reunion, and every time you think you’ve got the hang of things, the show pulls the rug out from under you. It’s like a game of chess where all the pieces are also playing hide-and-seek.
Let’s not forget the music! Fans at the event held in Kawasaki in December 2016 were lucky enough to see Suara perform tracks that were used in the anime and game series. Her voice is so hauntingly beautiful, it could make even the most hardened warrior weep – or at least reconsider their life choices.
In the end, Masky rallies his friends, faces off against the big bad (who has a twisty backstory of his own), and eventually learns that friendship, love, and a bit of amnesia can lead to a pretty epic adventure. Spoiler alert: he does save the day, but not before we’ve all collectively facepalmed at the sheer ridiculousness of it all.
So, if you’re in the mood for a show that combines fantasy, drama, and a whole lot of “Wait, what just happened?” moments, then Utawarerumono is your jam. Just be prepared to question your life choices and maybe even your taste in protagonists. Happy watching!