Review: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica
- Sep 30, 2015
- 3 min read
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica is a 12 episode anime by Studio SHAFT and Aniplex.
Story: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Opening/Ending: 4/5
Rewatchability: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Don't let the joyous faces of the characters fool you- Madoka is one dark anime. What starts out as a seemingly innocent magical girl anime becomes a heart-wrenching experience from episode 3 on. Seriously, get to episode 3 before deciding whether or not this anime is for you. I'll admit, I stopped watching after the first episode for about a year before going back to see if it really lived up to the hype.
It did.
The story starts as any magical girl anime begins- with an ordinary schoolgirl being suddenly thrust into a mysterious world along with her best friend. They are approached by a cat-like being and offered to have a single wish granted, and in exchange they must become a magical girl and help stop evil. One of the main focuses in the show is the main characters' decision on whether or not to make a wish. Every time she wants to decide, another mysterious figure ahows up to stop her. But as I said, Madoka gets dark. After episode 3, the focus shifts to what the consequences of making a wish and accepting the deal are. I can't say too much more for fear of spoiling anything, but the plot ends up being very compelling and keeps you watching.
The main character is (surprise!) Madoka. She is the pink-haired girl in the picture below. Her best friend is Sayaka, the one with blue hair. Homura has black hair, Mami is blonde, and Kyoko is the red-head. The cat-like being (in the beginning picture) is Kyubey.
Every single character has their own unique personality that is reflected by their actions and words. There's not a single girl you don't like by the time the series ends. The one I felt closest to was Homura, for reasons I can't say because of spoilers. You get a fairly deep connection to all them though.
The opening is interesting. It catches your attention because the happy flowing music has some strange things going in the actual video. The opening is called 'Connect' and is performed by ClariS.
It starts with a crying Madoka followed by the title and then cutesy images of Madoka in costume doing good around town. About a minute in, it goes to a distressed Madoka running towards something. The song itself is very catchy, and has you humming it all day.
I can't find the actual ending, but I did find the full song. The ending is called 'Magia' by Kalafina.
This song outlines the darker nature of the show. The rock mixed with classical instruments and the haunting vocals capture attention, and as a rock fan, I find it quite enjoyable.
As far as rewatchability goes, I say that if you liked it the first time you watched it, watch it again. Where the first watch lets one feel the emotion of the series and the shock of the events that happen, the second watch lets you find all those minute details you may have missed. Not only that, but having the knowledge of how the series ends gives a big insight into the character's thoughts as you go along the story again.
Overall, I really love Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica. The plot is engaging, the characters are highly relatable, the music sets the tone well, and the story is so good, you should watch it twice!
Anime Gal, signing off!
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