Enlightened Boys— I mean, Namu Amida Butsu Utena, to sum it up, is one where "they tried, it's an enjoyable watch." In this show where it's in no way revolutionary, nor about a girl, nor any mention of the term "Utena" present, the main conflict is tacked on and is nothing special, but where it shines is the comedy and the slice of life pacing. Although I consider it overall "just good" and hobbled with budgetary constraints, it's great at portraying cute boys doing cute things among the different facets of Buddha. I emphasize the (time and money) budgetary constraints, because the staff is competent. Thevoice actors are very skilled and excellently cast, the sound effects are great, and where they upped the ante of visual quality in certain action scene, you can glimpse flashes of Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. Sometimes, I sigh at what it could be.

Let what-ifs be what-ifs. Taken as it is, if you watch Namu Amida Butsu Utena for the Buddhas' antics, you will like it. Just like there can be no enlightenment without vice, you may miss out on hidden gems without accepting imperfections.