The appeal and reviews of "Sword Dynasty": A grand story that combines history and action

"Sword Dynasty" - A tale of history and swords

"Sword Dynasty" is a grand historical fantasy anime set in the late Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period in China in 770 BC. It is based on a novel by Muzei and aired on TOKYO MX from January 6 to March 24, 2018. It consists of 12 episodes, each 15 minutes long, but with a dense story. It is directed by Shinji Arakawa, produced by EMT Squared, and character designed by Keizo Shimizu and Ippei Masui.

story

The year is 770 BC, and it is the end of the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period in China. It is a time when Qin has unified the six kingdoms, annexed Han, and the war with Zhao has just ended. However, resistance groups from each country are secretly gathering to stop Qin's hegemony. They plan to create a sword that draws out the abilities of the chosen one and oppose Qin. In the midst of this war, a young man named Ding Ning, who lives in a peaceful village, has his village burned down by the Qin army. While he harbors a grudge against Qin, he realizes his own weakness and sets out on a journey of training, fueled by his determination to stand up to them.

Ding Ning's journey is a series of tough trials as he masters the way of the sword. He learns from various masters and grows together with his companions. The story depicts Ding Ning's growth, the movement of the resistance around him, and his confrontation with the overwhelming power of Qin. The world view that combines historical background and fantasy elements is attractive and draws the viewer in.

character

The main character, Ding Ning, is voiced by Shimono Hiro. His growth and struggles are at the center of the story, and Shimono Hiro's acting brings out the depth of Ding Ning's character. The story is filled with characters with unique personalities, including Iwasawa Toshiki as Chief Superintendent Chen, Ueda Yuji as Liang Lian, Amasaki Kohei as Fusu, Nakahara Mai as Yaseki Rei, Omigawa Chiaki as Lady Shang, Saiga Mitsuki as Zhao Si, and Fuchizaki Yuriko as Zheng Xiu.

Chen Gan Shou, Ding Ning's mentor and leader of the resistance, is voiced by Iwasawa Toshiki with a calm voice that exudes a sense of trust and strictness. Liang Lian is voiced by Ueda Yuji and is portrayed as a humorous yet insightful character. Fusu is voiced by Amazaki Kohei with a youthful voice that realistically expresses the conflicts he feels as the prince of Qin. Yasaku Rei is voiced by Nakahara Mai with a calm voice and is charming as a mysterious character. Lady Shang is voiced by Omigawa Chiaki with a lovely voice that adds color to Ding Ning's journey. Zhao Si is voiced by Saiga Mitsuki with a powerful voice that exudes a warrior's strength. Zheng Xiu is voiced by Fuchizaki Yuriko with a gentle voice and is portrayed as a character who provides Ding Ning with emotional support.

staff

Director Shinji Arakawa has skillfully blended historical background with fantasy elements to create storytelling that draws the audience in. Character designers Keizo Shimizu and Ippei Masui have created designs that highlight the individuality of the characters. Musician Akiko Tateyama has provided beautiful music that enhances the atmosphere of the story, supported by music production MAGES. Video editor Kamimasa Kitajima, sound director Naoko Ando, ​​music selector Yasuto Nozoe, sound effects director Yuika Shiraishi, recording coordinator Daisuke Mizumoto, and sound production Sound Team Junkers have worked together to provide the audience with the best viewing experience.

Theme songs and music

The Chinese version's opening theme is "The Road", with lyrics, composition and singing by Huang Zitao. The ending theme is "You You", with lyrics, composition and singing by Xiao Xing PRO. The Japanese version's opening theme is "Shukugyo no Ken", with lyrics by Isogai Yoshie, composition by Narimoto Tomomi, arrangement by Watanabe Keita and singing by Itou Kanako. The ending theme is "Ibara no Touyou", with lyrics by Warabi Sako, composition and arrangement by Yamaguchi Yuta and singing by Hara Yumi. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

Ratings and Recommendations

Sword Dynasty is a fascinating work that combines historical background with fantasy elements. It depicts Ding Ning's growth, the resistance movement surrounding him, and his conflict with the overwhelming power of Qin, and has been praised for its engaging storytelling. The characters' personalities and growth are carefully portrayed, and the voice actors' performances are excellent. The music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story, and the series has received high praise overall.

This work is recommended for those who like historical fantasy anime, those who like stories that depict the growth of characters, and those who want to enjoy beautiful music and visuals. In particular, it is a must-watch for those who empathize with Ding Ning's journey and growth and are interested in the conflict between the resistance movement and the overwhelming power of Qin. "Sword Dynasty" is a wonderful anime that will provide viewers with deep emotions and excitement.

More Information

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

novel

■ Broadcast period

January 6, 2018 - March 24, 2018
2:20～

■Broadcasting station

TOKYO MX

■Frequencies

15 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 12

■Original Story

innocence

■ Director

Shinji Arakawa

■ Production

・Production: EMT Squared

■Works

©SWORD DYNASTY/IQIYI