[DerMensch24]

Kemono no Souja Erin

*Shoutout to the original thread and to ¥ Ɨ Jonah Ɨ ¥ for recommending the anime*

Synopsis (Courtesy of ¥ Ɨ Jonah Ɨ ¥ , MAL's was too short)
Spoiler (Click to View)Based on the fantasy novel series written byUehashi Nahoko, Kemono no Souja Erin is about a young woman who is drawn into a war between kingdoms. 10-year-old Erin is a young girl who lives with her mother in the Tai Koh Region in the small Village of Ake. She has a big love for animals, especially the Touda, dragon-like creatures used in the war. Her mother Soyon was originally of the Mist People, an ancient clan who have members with green hair and eyes, and is rumored to follow in the ancient ways, practice magic, and hide in the mist. But despite her genealogy, they stay in the village because Erin's late father was the son of the village chief and Soyon is the head Touda doctor. One day however a tragedy happens which changes Erin's life forever. [AniDB]

Season(s): 1
Eps: 50
Genres: Drama, Fantasy
Aired: Jan 10, 2009 - Dec 26, 2009
Source: http://myanimelist.net/anime/5420/Kemono_no_Souja_Erin

Rare is there an anime that can appeal to audiences of all ages. This one is an exception. Kemono no Souja Erin combines a masterful array of techniques and qualities that truly makes it one of the better anime out there.

The story is one of a kind. Starting out innocent, what begins as a typical anime directed for younger audiences takes a dark turn within a few episodes and overtime matures both in story and characters. The anime also incorporates a remarkable amount of detail in its story, going as far as to include historical significance (pertaining to the world in the anime) and the way that the story is narrated. The only negative that I found in this anime were 1-2 filler episodes, however I recommend that you skip all but the last 2-3 minutes since those are actually essential to the plot.

The art is done very well and is pleasing to watch. But most important is the characters. Overtime, they become so intertwined with the fate of the story and it truly defines this anime as one of a kind. Definitely recommend that you all try to watch this in due time, it really is a great anime.

[Black Hole]

Very well done review, definitely intrigues me. Adding to my watch list! Thank you.