The Ancient Magus Bride was something a sleeper hit back in 2017. When I first began watching, I classed it as just another generic fantasy show, but as it progressed, I found myself strangely enthralled. There was just something… different about it. Let’s find out what.
This isn’t Harry Potter
The main character, Chise, is an unusual choice. She’s not particularly happy, motivated, or energetic, despite being a very rare breed of magical human. In fact, there’s a real melancholy to her, not unlike the sick main character in Arrietty. Of course, being a slave is a major part of this.
Essentially, Chise is purchased at an auction. Her new master is a large, skull-headed mage named Elias, who takes her to his home in the countryside just outside London. This British setting is something not often seen in anime, unless it’s a UK-based OVA like K-On! had.
Do you see the implication? Chise has entered a wonderful new world where things work very differently. Brits eat different food, have different customs, and a different way of life. As such, even if you’ve seen a thousand fantasy anime, The Ancient Magus Bride probably still has a few things to teach you.
The Threats Are Real
Chise quickly realises that not everyone has her best interests at heart. Whether it’s the fairies in the woods nearby who act friendly but aren’t, or the strange visitor who seems to know Elias that arrives in the middle of the night, there’s always the feeling that danger lurks around every corner.
Make no mistake: this show has consequences. It deals with death very early on, and the shadow of what we’ve seen lingers over every hostile encounter afterwards. Characters are killed, transformed into animals, driven insane, and even mutilated in some cases. There’s a real Alice in Wonderland vibe here: everything seems fun on the surface but there’s an undercurrent of malice hiding just out of sight.
The Characters Bond
I’m not talking about some shonen “the power of friendship” bonding. This show has characters permanently and irrevocably linked to one another. It makes you question everything you know about love, friendship, life, death, and what happens after. This is a slow-paced show. It moves forward at its own steady, contemplative pace, and is all the better for it.
There’s very little hype to speak of. Instead, the thing that keeps you coming back is the idea that maybe, just maybe, things might work out. Most episodes end on a cliff-hanger, but it’s rarely one that has good implications for the main cast.
Simply, do yourself a favour and watch The Ancient Magus Bride. If you’re not into it after five episodes, then fair enough. However, we guarantee you’ll find something to like in this show and who knows: it may even become one of your all-time favourites.
