We start the month, with our opinion on a J-Drama. A fantasy drama already adapted into anime and which is already known in the form of three LIVE seasons! We are talking here about the first season Moribito Guardian of the Spirit that you told us about earlier. A drama in the form of a time trial race for Chagum possessed by a spirit and his bodyguard Balsa!
Moribito Guardian of the Spirit
Original title: Seirei no Moribito – 精霊の守り人
Alternative title: Moribito Guardian of the Spirit S1
Country: Japan
Episodes: 04
Release period: March 19 to April 04, 2016
Director: Kataoka Keiji
Writers: Uehashi Nahoko (novel) – Omori Sumio
Genre: fantasy – action
Main characters of Moribito Guardian of the Spirit S1
Haruka Ayase (Watashi wo Hanasanaide)
Balsa originated in the kingdom of Kanbal. She is an orphan, her father was murdered by the king of Kanbal and she was raised by Jiguro, a friend of her father. He taught her how to fight with the spear and helped her become the great fighter she is today.
Kai Kobayashi (Onna Joshu Naotora)
Chagum is the second prince of the Yogo Imperial Kingdom. He finds himself on the run after discovering that he is possessed by a water spirit. His mother asks Balsa to protect him and she becomes his bodyguard.
Tatsuya Fujiwara (Death Note: Light Up The New World)
He is the Mikado (emperor) of the Yogo Imperial Kingdom, considered a god. He is a ruthless king ready to do anything to keep his throne. He is ready to kill his own son (Chagum) believing him to be possessed by a demon.
Synopsis
Balsa is a bodyguard traveling around the world. One day, she saves from drowning a little boy who turns out to be Prince Chagum of the Yogo Empire. The second empress then asks Balsa to protect Chagum, whose life has been threatened since the palace is told that he is possessed by a demon. Balsa then flees with Chagum and discovers that Chagum is actually home to the water spirit egg, which materializes in a human body once every hundred years. (Source: Nautiljon)
A fantastic adventure
Moribito Guardian of the Spirit is above all a plot that knows how to attract our curiosity. Especially when you appreciate Japanese folklore in particular, represented by its famous Yokai. Here we are immersed in a universe very different from ours and it is enough to see the sumptuous palace of the Mikado to realize it. The Mikado who reveals himself moreover, not to be the benevolent man that one could suppose, sovereign taking himself for a god. We then have all the keys to a fantastic epic and its initiatory quest. Balsa who does not really have the maternal instinct will have to deal with it, then, that the young prince Chagum will, meanwhile, have a hard life far from the protection of the palace. A very endearing duo of characters that evolves over the course of the story. Not to mention the other characters who are a good source of entertainment. A first season that passes quickly, leaving no room for boredom! And we would follow the next season in the wake so the four episodes are fast.
Evolution & determination
If at first glance, Balsa seems to be a cold and unpleasant woman, given the scars left by her past it is however, quite understandable. She remains a formidable warrior armed with her spear, not hesitating to protect Chagum at the risk of her own life. Chagum child pampered by his mother will experience the life of the people outside the walls of the palace. An experience that will not be without risk since a water spirit hides inside his body. If at first he has a blue fear of the creature in him, it will also give him the strength to move forward with the help of Balsa. But, also his other companions in misfortune, Tanda wary healer and Torogai, shaman communicating with spirits. Of course, these heroes will not be left out, since on the enemy side, assassins, sage and spirit of the earth resent the egg that has taken up residence in the body of the prince. A young subject whose destiny seems very vague and fraught with pitfalls…
Successful adaptation
This drama is based on a novel of the same name written by Nahoko Uehashi and it had already been adapted into an anime in 2007. Almost ten years after the anime, we rediscover the story that will appeal to fans of fantasy and supernatural creatures. So, those who would like to travel to the kingdom of Kanbal, Yogo or discover the Yaku people, you are welcome! In terms of special effects on mystical creatures, they are rather successful, especially the final fight with Rarunga which is fluid! The background sound remains discreet but, brings a particular atmosphere while giving pride of place to the dialogues. If the short format could have disappointed it is not. And on the contrary, this first season ends cleanly while bringing us to the beginning of the next season. Endearing characters, a well-conducted plot and sets of great beauty should attract more than one to follow Balsa, Chagum and his gang!
If fantastic stories and great adventure tempt you, this drama is for you! And if you want to know more before embarking on the adventure, we invite you to visit this site !
