Laughing Under the Clouds

Like I usually do, I go to my favorite anime website every season and watch the 1st episode of each anime. If I'm somewhat into it, I usually stick around; and this one caught my attention. Story Basically it's your typical good vs evil anime with the good guys primarily focusing on the 3 brothers, while the 1st two older brothers are far more interesting, the third and youngest...well honestly could've done without him. Didn't really do much or affect much of the story except for maybe like 5 or 10 minutes of the story in ALL of the series. Really. Like your typical good vs evilanime, there are happy times, then tough times and then reunion and then happy time again, gee..didn't see that coming. Honestly it didn't really blow me away or anything. It was a pretty typical setting I've seen a billion times in all the anime I've watched...and trust me I've watched quite a lot. At best it was mediocre. Nothing special. Art Honestly, it was pretty average. It's clear they didn't get much to work with or else it might have been better. Seemed very early 2000's low budget standards to me. Lots of stills, little action in the fighting, repeated scenes, etc. The usual in a low budget anime. Sound Nothing really caught my attention. None of the music did or had me humming (that's when you know you got someone hooked) one of the tunes, nothing. Pretty repetitive as well. The younger brother, Chutaro was annoying as hell. I guess they did an ok job in choosing his VA if that was the intent. The other VA's I have heard of and they did well. Characters I guess if there's an upside to this anime it's the characters, while Chutaro was annoying, Tenka and Soramaru were probably more enjoyable. Honestly I wished they had developed Soramaru more, but being 12 episodes I guess they couldn't afford it. It felt kind of rushed or forced near the end where Soramaru tries to move on after a tragic event, so therefore I didn't really feel much for his suffering and cause. Honestly, I thought it started off great with the characters, but by the last few episodes, character development went out the window and in came the terrible typical story. I was kind of disappointed in that. They had great characters to work with. Honestly, I wanted to enjoy it, but there is just so much lacking that I found myself just kind of yawning at times. It was exciting at times, but at times it was boring. It felt like your typical filler anime and probably was. A pretty mediocre anime with ok characters, easily forgettable in my opinion. I give it a low 6/10.

Donten ni Warau (Laughing Under the Clouds) is a rare breed. I say this for its ability to tell a story guided by events of the past with a greater focus for the future. Taking place in the present time with a trio of brothers, they have the duty of ferrying convicted criminals as result of high levels of crime rate. That’s the least of their concern though as we find out a malevolent legend known as the ‘Orochi’ that lurks from the past. Should we even call it a legend? It’s known that every 300 years, the Orochi will reincarnate to bring forth destruction.Brace yourself for a story of the fantasy coming ages. The series is based off of the manga the same name written by Karakara-Kemuri with two other prequels taking place some separate centuries before its current timeline. Regardless, the show initially establishes its premise and the first introductory episodes makes it well known for our main characters to focus on the Kamoh family. The three brothers are Tenka, Soramaru, and Chutaro. Although their personalities contrast with one another, it’s easy to see how close they are. It’s fairly important to notice how their relationships are crafted as later events have great influences on their roles. Background story reveals much about the series’ past and also the present conditions of the timeline. It’s a series where you will feel the spirit of the story infusing elements of its themes and characters. From the beginning, the show easily tells itself with the characters’ duties of ferrying convicted felons to a prison known as the Gokumonjo, a stronghold located around Lake Biwa. We are shown exactly what goes on inside the prison as well as how the brothers delivers their duties. The show transits between scenarios to show their daily lives and duties as the primary introduction. What I find the initial introduction of the series to be attractive is its honesty especially in regards with the relationship with the brothers. Some of the scenes may be a bit silly at times but never loses its grip to focus on how close the brothers really are. As such, it’s a sincere story as will be reflected by later events that changes everyone’s lives forever. And if “Orichi” is part of that vocabulary, then it makes the experience that much more galvanizing. The most important element of the show is easily the characters. A great deal of time is used to give them depth whether it’s the mature Tenka, a youthful Soramaru, or the childish Chutaro. All three of them possesses different personalities that gives the audience a stark insight on their characters. To say the least though, it’s easy to tell that the show focuses on Soramaru the most with his roles. As the second eldest of the family, Soramaru is apparently entrusted with a pair of family swords that he practices with each day. And through that practice, we can see him as a potentially great warrior in development. There’s a bit of inferiority complex shown throughout the series as we see him desperately trying to catch up to his older brother Tenka in skill. Meanwhile, we also have the young Chutaro who worships his older brother Tenka like an idol. Foremost, Tenka is a mysterious character who holds his duties as sacred and to always be a guardian for his younger brothers. However, the show shifts to a different scenario where he himself becomes endangered by a mysterious power. The way the show handles itself is quite riveting when you see how quickly the mood can change. Other characters also play prominent roles as part of the story whether it’s the Fuuma family such as Shirasu and his brother. If we look at it carefully, family plays key roles in this show to create a sense of respect and nobility. However, just be aware of plot twists such as those involving Shirasu’s roles later on in the series. And while not romantic love isn’t explicit, the show isn’t shy to turn heads away from it either. From a personal narrative format, Hirai and Botan has a connection that is told creatively through flashbacks and even an episode dedicated for the duo. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the show is built on connections either based on reputation, family bonds, or love. It’s where the series truly shines with its powerful emotions. As a supernatural fantasy, expect the unexpected with elements that breaks the law of nature. The most prominent example is the Orichi, a powerful deity that has potential to destroy the world. Others include the important role of Botan, a familiar with gifted abilities. Other spirits and beings that exists in the series are common folklore creatures such as shikigami. While not showing much originality, the series showcases almost every one of their potentials. Action scenes are well coordinated with a solid foundation of the fantasy genre. I also find some of the mystery mixed with the fantasy elements to be suspenseful when plot twists play a role for its larger story plot. A show that decorates itself with creative characters and detailed story is a rare breed and this anime is no stranger to that. Artwork on most parts is delicate and decorated enough to create bring this fantasy story to life. I give the praise for some of the more sincere scenarios that are especially concentrated with high degree of visual focus. This applies to serene flashback scenes as well as moments of emotional drama. Another noticeable factor are the character designs that may be pleasing to the ladies. Most of the male characters have some bishonen traits. To be fitting for the more dark side of the show, the Orichi is designed to truly look malevolent with monstrous attributes. Last but not least is the setting with high volumes of natural features such as the landscapes and more noticeable, Lake Biwa. I can’t say the soundtrack is a powerhouse because most of the time, it just seems to be there. However, two noticeable traits for the soundtrack are the character voice expressions to convey their feelings. This is expressively shown later on when the brothers goes through hard times in their lives. The other trait is the OP and ED song with great details and decorative coordination. OST is on par for most parts but artwork outshines this department. I do give praise to some of the soundtrack for the action though as it almost gives some episodes a cinematic feeling especially for pivotal scenes. To put it simply, this show is a resonant saga with events from the past infused with storytelling of the present. And with a colorful cast of characters, it’s a presence to be remembered for their roles. All sort of feelings are bought out throughout the story that are not just told but shown to make the audience feel as if they are there themselves. Despite some predictable outcomes, the story remains honest with its premise with engaging dialogues and balanced comedy. This show is an underdog that registers every worth of time that should be invested into.

My sister and I like historical anime and we got interested in it. First few episodes were in, my opinion, boring. I know they were needed; to meet them, get familiar with their past etc. At that time I really considered on dropping it... but I'm so glad I didn't. I think the real plot twist starts somewhere around the fifth episode as a real shock. From that point onward there was nothing else except surprises. Story is unique and it doesn't left out any characters. I'm really considering on reading the manga. I wasn't sure should I give the story 9 or 8 because ofthe one little detail in the last episode, but I think it deserves that 9. Art was nice, as any new anime coming out. I didn't like the look of the characters at first, but you get used to it after some time. Beside that, there isn't anything bad to say about the art. Sound is nice. I really liked the ending and some soundtracks. The reason why I gave it 7 is because of the opening. I really find them important and I keep openings of all anime I watched on my phone. First opening wasn't really good, but I liked the song of the second one. Characters were fine. Some of them are amazing and some aren't. I really liked Botan's past and beside her my favorite character is Sousei (partly because of his voice actor). Enjoyment and overall got 9 from me, because Donten ni Warau is really an anime worth watching. Thanks for reading.

SpoilerFree Summary [tl;dr]-> this anime focuses on the character development and human interaction mainly, while the story and the combats develops too fast and time to time the events seems out of place or rather rushed. While that's to be expected with having just 12 episodes, if you are into details and mainly give importance to the plot, you may not feel utterly satisfied with Donten. However, if what you're looking for is not the actions and that you don't mull over details of the plot; but like human drama, interection between the characters and especially brotherly love, you'll probably like Donten, as it's a warm&lovelyanime and leaves you with a smile on the face; as its title suggest. **Possible SPOILERS Ahead** Main (Detailed) Summary; Story is good and rather interesting, however it develops too fast, literally starts and ends in the last 2 episodes. Thus there are some unsolved points, and seemingly out of place or rushed events, like the introduction of some characters to the main story or its time to time forced plot twist. The art is rather eyecatching, like the portrayal of the Kumo brothers and the Fuma with same characteristics, and the voice acting is welldone. As usual, Kaji Yuki voices rather a rebel character, wellfit to his vivid voice, Soramaru. We have Nakamaru Yuuichi's bright voice for the big brother Tenka and Sakurai Takahiro's mild voice for Shirasu together with Hakuouki's SaitoHajime, Toriumi Kousuke, as the chief, Abe no Sousei with his calm voice; all wellfit for their respective characters. We even have Miki Shinichiro voicing a rather out of placed character, Kagami Naoto, keeping him interesting; while this interest is rather futile to give to this utterly unimportant character. Interactions between the characters are one of the best portrayal among the animes I've seen and is the main reason I found Donten loveable. Even the seemingly unrelated characters such as Kagami and Takeda go along well with the mains. While Kagami still seems out of place in the plot, as if he were only there to give the little brother some screentime, the relationship of the two gives a rather warm feeling; and same can be said with Takeda while his relationship with Soramaru is much more well-developed and natural. There is some sort of a rushed romance between 'solely-there-for-the-main-plot' characters, which is rather confusing and time to time absurd. However this being the reason, I didn't understand it enough to comment on it, as the character development of the two seemed rather rushed as well. Overall [my own opinion] -> apart from the main Orochi story, but due to its warm and time to time funny interactions between the characters, I enjoyed this anime.