The appeal and depth of "Mawaru Penguindrum": Evaluation of the unique story and characters

Mawaru-Penguindrum: Kunihiko Ikuhara's unique worldview and profound themes

"Mawaru Penguindrum" is a TV anime series that aired in 2011, and is a work filled with director Kunihiko Ikuhara's unique worldview and profound themes. This anime is not based on an original work, and was produced as an original anime. It aired from July 7 to December 22, 2011, and consisted of 24 episodes. It was broadcast on a wide variety of networks, including Mainichi Broadcasting System, TBS Television, TV Aichi, AT-X, BS11, Bandai Channel, and Niconico Channel, and reached a wide audience.

Production background and staff

The original story for "Mawaru Penguindrum" was written by Ikuni Chowder, directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara, and chief director Akiko Nakamura. Animation is handled by Brain's Base, and production is handled by Pin Group and MBS. Director Kunihiko Ikuhara is known for his previous work on "Revolutionary Girl Utena" and "Futari wa Pretty Cure Splash Star," and his unique direction and deep themes are supported by many fans.

The main staff includes an impressive group of people, including character designer Hoshino Lily, series composition and scriptwriters Ikuhara Kunihiko and Igami Takayo, character designer Nishii Terumi, art director Akiyama Kentaro and Nakamura Chieko, color designer Tsujita Kunio, icon designer Kosakabe Wataru, editor Nishiyama Shigeru, cinematographer Ogiwara Takeo, music composer Hashimoto Yukari, music production by Starchild Records, sound directors Ikuhara Kunihiko and Yamada Akira, sound effects director Mitsui Tomokazu, and assistant director Yamazaki Mitsue.

Main characters and cast

The main characters include Takakura Kanba (voice: Kimura Subaru), Takakura Shoma (voice: Kimura Ryohei), Takakura Himari (voice: Arakawa Miho), Oginome Ringo (voice: Miyake Marie), Tabuki Keiju (voice: Ishida Akira), Tokigo Yuri (voice: Noto Mamiko), Natsume Masako (voice: Horie Yui), and Watase Mari (voice: Koizumi Yutaka). Each character has their own past and secrets, and the story they weave is fascinating and draws viewers in.

Story and Themes

The story of "Mawaru Penguindrum" begins with the tale of the three siblings of the Takakura family, Kanba, Shoma, and Himari. Himari is diagnosed with only a short time left to live and dies at one point, but is brought back to life by the mysterious power of a penguin hat. The Princess of the Crystal emerges from the hat and commands Himari to obtain the Penguindrum. The story unfolds as the mysteries surrounding the Penguindrum, an incident from the Takakura family's past, and the fates of each character intertwine.

The theme of this work is "destiny" and "survival strategy." Director Kunihiko Ikuhara depicts the characters facing their destiny and searching for a strategy to survive. Also, an important item called a "diary" appears in the story, and the conflicts and secrets surrounding it deepen the story.

Subtitles and episodes

The subtitles of each episode often symbolize the progression and theme of the story, leaving a deep impression on the viewer. For example, each episode unfolds the story from a different perspective, such as "The Bell of Destiny Rings," "A Dangerous Strategy for Survival," and "And Then Eat Me Magnificently." In particular, episodes such as "Ice World," "Because I Love You," and "The Circle That Circles Us" are memorable for delving deeply into the characters' feelings and relationships.

Music and theme song

The music for "Mawaru Penguindrum" was composed by Yukari Hashimoto and produced by Starchild Records. The opening theme was "Nornir" and "Boy, Come Back to Me" by Etsuko Yakushimaru Metro Orchestra, and the ending theme was "DEAR FUTURE" by coaltar of the deepers. These songs not only add to the atmosphere of the story, but are also important elements that stir the emotions of the viewer.

Evaluation and impact

Mawaru Penguindrum has been highly praised by fans and critics alike for its unique worldview and profound themes. In particular, director Kunihiko Ikuhara's direction and symbolism left a strong impression on viewers, sparking active discussion and study to deepen understanding of the work. This work also further solidified director Kunihiko Ikuhara's position in the anime industry, and had a major influence on his later works.

Recommendations and how to watch

Mawaru Penguindrum is recommended for viewers who enjoy deep themes and a unique worldview. It is especially recommended for those who have enjoyed director Kunihiko Ikuhara's previous works and those who enjoy interpreting stories through symbolism and metaphors. It is also recommended for those who enjoy tracking the growth of characters and changes in relationships.

You can watch it by purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray, or by streaming services. In particular, streaming services offer subtitled and dubbed versions, so viewers can enjoy it according to their needs.

Conclusion

Mawaru Penguindrum is a work filled with director Kunihiko Ikuhara's unique worldview and profound themes, making it an anime series that leaves a strong impression on viewers. The story, which depicts the characters' fates and survival strategies, has provided viewers with much to consider and discuss, and has firmly established director Kunihiko Ikuhara's position in the anime industry. This is a work that viewers who want to enjoy profound themes and a unique worldview should definitely watch.