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2. Iodine  
If the wackier episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess were set in the Rurouni Kenshin universe, you'd have something in the ballpark of Carried by the Wind.
Our heroine, Ran, is a carefree wandering swordswoman
more concerned with her next drink of sake than
seeking out evildoers to battle. Her flighty sidekick, the martial-artist Miao, has more glorious
aspirations, but usually just bumbles her way into lots of trouble. Most episodes have the two getting
mixed up in silly plots or dastardly schemes, that regularly require a fight scene or two to resolve, but
Ran and Miao spend more time bantering than beating up baddies, and are really only do-gooders by
convenience. It's a nice series to relax with, one more interested in showing the quiet charms of an
older era than setting up any huge dramatic stories or epic battles. Also, with Miao around, comedy is never
in short supply.
The animation is extremely fluid and impressive for a
series, especially in the well choreographed fight sequences. Character designs are simple, but nifty,
and the backgrounds are a marvel. All sorts of interesting details are included to make the show feel
more authentic, including the opening number, sung in
the manner of a traditional folksong. The major
weakness of the series is the writing, which is not very strong and doesn't do much with its premise. The
minor characters are all underdeveloped, and it's very difficult to connect with anyone besides out leading
ladies. All in all, it's a good series, but not a great one. For something fun and light and easy to
watch, though, the adventures of Ran and Miao are a sure bet.
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| 1. Tempy
Set in fuedal Japan, Ran, a "beautiful traveller"
in her own words, is a wandering swordsman, preferring to live a simple life and
just let the wind carry her to her next destination. Not being very talkative,
she does get really passionate about good sake, and any money she can get her
hands on is spent on that. Along her travels Ran encounters happy-go-lucky Miao
of the Neko-Tekken fighting style who starts following her. Miao is basically
a loudmouth, fast talking idiot with a kind heart, and she can also kick ass when
needed. Together they encounter various people who need help, and both of the
women, while having different personalities, do have a strong sense of justice
and end up helping. Kazemakase Tsukikage Ran
does not have a backstory and is merely 13 episodes of filler where the girls
end up helping out people and convince others to rethink their way of living and
make the best of their lives. Ran and Miao make a very amusing couple and there
are lots of funny moments, as expected from director Akitaroh Daichi (Animation
Runner Kuromi, Jubei-Chan, Fruits Basket, Elf Princess Rane).
The action sequences though short, are well animated, and there are enough light
dramatics and poignant moments to make things more interesting. |
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