Review of Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Part 2
Story 7.5/10 After the last part ended and how it ended I wasn’t only worried about how it would affect the story but I’ve got to admit that the first 3 episodes were not that easy to watch for me because I feel like they served to somehow entangle the writing issues while at the same time establishing a new arc. Unlike before I wasn’t as invested at first… That was until the 4th episode when it finally matched up. I’m still not fond of some of the writing decisions they made from the end of the first part and the beginning of this partbut it quickly pulled me in again after that. We got some interesting concepts and ideas, a lot of action which I never expected to like so much and the romance was solid too. Almost. Because there was something that slightly bothered me and that’s why I didn’t rate it any higher but it’s still a beautiful story with an overall great world-building. Also regarding my last review… It seems like there was a hint regarding the misogyny against women for the sugar craft so I’ll take this back but I feel like there still weren’t enough for this transition it took in the last part. In my opinion they could have done a better job in establishing it. But that’s just a minor issue.
Characters 8/10
The characters I loved in the first part (Anne, Challe, Benjamin, Cat, Keith…) are still likable. Especially Anne with her determination and boldness (even if it can be mistaken for stupidity at times but it makes her very relatable). While the characters I initially disliked (Jonas, Bridget, Cathy and Elliott) are… Well. Before I get to that I’d like to point out that I’ve changed my mind about at least one of these characters (but I won’t say who it is). But overall there wasn’t any good or justified character developments. They attempted to redeem one or the other but unfortunately they did it so out of the blue and without justified reasons that it felt forced. More like everyone simply accepted their selfish behavior, they got away with it and then they were redeemed. I’m all in for characters to get second chances, redemption arcs and proper character development. But that’s not what happened here. Specifically with one character. If that person would have warned the group about something specific and by doing so would have proven there was a change going on even if it was just the beginning it would have been much more believable (actions speak louder than words). And I don’t get why the writers couldn’t manage because it worked the other way around but I guess I just have to take it.
On the other hand, they included a villain “insanely” well written for a shoujo anime. So well it almost surprised me how they concluded this arc… But that’s just my personal opinion. Some scenes still had me on the edge of my seat and I wouldn’t say I like the character but that’s precisely why it’s well done because that person is well written (and earns a lot of points from my rating – aside from our two main characters).
Animation 8/10
Similar to the first part, the animation is beautiful, especially when it comes to the sugar craft. However, the background seemed a little more odd at times. And I’m not sure if it was like this in the other part too but if it was I didn’t notice. So the fact I did simply had me to subtract one point. But it’s still dreamy and gives fairytale vibes.
Overall 8/10
At first I though I enjoyed the first part more and maybe there’s something true to it for being “fresh” and new but objectively this season was clearly better just for the story and let’s face it: for its characters (aka villain). It would have been better if it weren’t for some forced redemption arcs and while I don’t mind the pacing of a slower romance they could have given us a little bit more of that too. Even though I predicted much of the plot it was an enjoyable watch and I’m hoping for a third season (or part?). It’s still an anime I can recommend if you enjoy fantasy, romance and decent (not perfect) writing.