The Twelve Kingdoms - Vol. 1: Shoku (DVD, 2003)

This anime series follows a stringent of characters, and their roles in the movie. However, unlike Maryt6136 who based the first few episodes of this 40+ episode series on how the anime is actually supposed to be, the 'whimpy' characteristics of the main character is actually the foundation of what's to come. I've had the fortune of really getting into this particular anime and there is a LOT of character building for the heroine.

SPOILER WARNING: she went from being 'whimpy' and easily influenced by how her classmates saw her, all the way to becoming an independent, strong Empress. There is an episode that I particularily loved when the corrupted magistrates were against her, and controlling the Imperial Army, but near the end of that, she appeared from within the rebelling armies and stood up against the Imperial Army's general.

END SPOILER.

The entire series was absolutely fabulous. There is a lot of references to Chinese mythology. This anime isn't recommended for those whom are short sighted, and definitely recommended for those who love a gradual character development, an excellent rich story with a deep expanded history, and a web of intertwining plots and figures that will draw your curiosity even closer to finishing the entire series.

This goes on my Top 10 anime of all time.

PS: I wish people who have problems with their DVD cases that are broken and such don't post it as a review. The DVD case broken has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the anime itself.

I bought this a few years ago and enjoyed it a lot! The special features such as the Twelve Kingdoms Encylopedia were a nice bonus to help me understand several things. It has a deep and compelling story that Fuyumi Ono is known to be able to create. If you liked the novels, this is a must.

I bought the twelve kingdoms actually thinking I was buying the first box set, do I was a little disappointed when I recieced only one disk. Also the middle of the of the DVD holder was broked so the disk was floating around. However the disk was not scratched.

Very detailed, fine artwork, interesting plot, but Shoku was not the best I've ever seen. Can't say that for the anime as a whole because I have not seen it, but the first chapter is a bit on the dark side (hardly any humor or high points). Not to mention that the "heroine" is a bit of a wimp, and everybody she has ever called 'friend' constantly backstab her. Could be good, but am not interested enough to see the rest of the series.