Review of The Ancient Magus' Bride

This anime cured my anxiety. Not even joking. It is such a relaxing experience, and the first 18 episodes are a pure joy to watch. I won't analyze it very thoroughly, but let me just say that the story and world is written in a way that everyone will find it at least partially interesting. It's also revealed in a way that doesn't over-explain things. It keeps the layer of mystery. It doesn't appear inconsistent, dumb, or leave plot holes behind. The world is so interesting that this could probably be classed as an "Isekai" because it is another world from the one we live in,and also introduces japanese and non-brittish viewers to britain.

The story in itself isn't anything spectacular but it manages to do its job really well.

But, in the same way 'Made in abyss' made me uncomfortable with its sexualizing of children characters, 'The Ancient Magus Bride' makes me uncomfortable with its ethics. Personally, the 'selling myself because nobody wants me' deal was... suprising, but I was open enough to see it could work in practice.

MINOR SPOILER:

Elias buys Chise and coerces her to be his future wife. This is not only disgusting and manipulative behavior, but it's also recognized by the author in a scene where a supporting character scolds Elias.

Elias repeatedly talks about "Honeymoons", "Be my bride", etc., and for the most part of the series Chise doesn't seem to want it. Even though Elias gives her some freedoms he still very much treats her like she's just an object that he owns, and continuously coerces her. In an early scene, he strips her naked against her will ; literally sexual assault. I'm watching Kono suba right now, and there's a scene that reminds me of this as well, but it's suprisingly done in a more ethical way there. I just think it's very ugly and I would like to not feel this uncomfortable when watching entertainment.

The ending left me with a bitter aftertaste as well. For this reason, the story is a 6/10. If some of these elements would be fixed I would give the story a 9/10 and probably give the series a 9/10 overall.

Art & Sound & Characters are really great. Compared to 'Demon Slayer' the humorous interractions between characters actually make sense, and fits within the very calm atmosphere of the anime. My enjoyment with all the good parts was really high, but the bad parts threw me off so much that the overall score won't ever be higher than 7/10.