The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is a dark fantasy manga series that follows the story of a young girl named Shiva and her guardian, a cursed being known as “Teacher.” The series, written and illustrated by Nagabe, has been praised for its unique blend of gothic horror and fairy tale elements, as well as its stunning artwork and emotional storytelling.
In this anime review, we will delve into the world of The Girl from the Other Side and explore its positive aspects, criticisms, and character analysis. We will also compare the anime adaptation to the original manga series, and draw a conclusion about the overall quality of the series.
Throughout the series, Nagabe explores themes of identity, belonging, and the nature of humanity, as well as the complex relationship between Shiva and Teacher. The series has been praised for its nuanced character development and emotional depth, as well as its hauntingly beautiful artwork. However, some critics have also pointed out flaws in the pacing and world-building of the series, and we will examine these criticisms in our analysis.
Positive Aspects
Animation and Art Style
The animation and art style in The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is simply stunning. The anime is visually appealing and the character designs are unique and memorable. The use of dark colors and shading perfectly captures the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the story.
The animation is fluid and the character movements are realistic, making it easy to become immersed in the story. The attention to detail in the backgrounds and scenery also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the anime.
Soundtrack and Sound Design
The soundtrack and sound design in The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is exceptional. The hauntingly beautiful music perfectly complements the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the story.
The sound effects are also well-done, adding to the overall immersion of the anime. The use of sound to create tension and suspense is particularly effective, making for a truly engaging viewing experience.
Plot and Storytelling
The plot and storytelling in The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is captivating and thought-provoking. The story is complex and multi-layered, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of our actions.
The pacing is well-done, with each episode leaving the viewer wanting more. The character development is also impressive, with each character having their own unique backstory and motivations.
Criticism
Pacing and Execution
While The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is a visually stunning anime that captures the essence of the manga, some viewers may find the pacing to be slow. The anime takes its time to build the world and the characters, which may not be to everyone’s liking. The slow pacing may also make the anime feel a bit repetitive at times, as the same themes and motifs are explored throughout the series.
Additionally, some viewers may find the execution of certain scenes to be lacking. For example, some of the action scenes may feel lackluster and not as impactful as they could have been. This can be attributed to the limited animation style used in the anime, which may not appeal to everyone.
Unanswered Questions and Loose Ends
One of the main criticisms of The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is its unresolved plot points and loose ends. While the anime does a good job of adapting the manga, it leaves several questions unanswered and plot points unresolved. This can be frustrating for viewers who are invested in the story and characters.
For example, the anime doesn’t delve into the backstory of certain characters, leaving viewers with questions about their motivations and past. Additionally, the ending of the anime leaves several loose ends, which may leave viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Overall, while The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging anime, its slow pacing and unresolved plot points may not be to everyone’s liking. However, for fans of the manga and those who appreciate a slower, more character-driven story, the anime is definitely worth watching.
Character Analysis
Shiva
Shiva is the main protagonist of The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún. She is a young girl who appears to be around 8 years old. Shiva is a kind and curious child who is always eager to learn more about the world around her. Despite her innocent demeanor, Shiva is also incredibly strong and resilient, having survived in a world filled with danger and darkness.
One of the most interesting aspects of Shiva’s character is her relationship with the Teacher. Despite the fact that the Teacher is a terrifying creature that most people would be afraid of, Shiva trusts him completely and sees him as a father figure. This dynamic adds a layer of complexity to Shiva’s character and makes her all the more compelling.
Teacher
The Teacher is a mysterious creature who takes care of Shiva. He is covered in fur and has a terrifying appearance, but he is actually a kind and gentle soul. The Teacher is fiercely protective of Shiva and will do anything to keep her safe.
One of the most interesting things about the Teacher is his backstory. As the series progresses, we learn more about his past and the events that led him to become the creature he is today. This backstory adds depth to his character and makes him more relatable to the audience.
Others
The other characters in The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún are all fascinating in their own right. From the mysterious Outsiders to the terrifying soldiers of the Inside, each character brings something unique to the story.
One of the most interesting things about the other characters is the way they interact with Shiva and the Teacher. Some characters are kind and helpful, while others are cruel and violent. This contrast adds tension to the story and keeps the audience engaged.
Comparison
Manga vs Anime
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún has both a manga and anime adaptation. While the anime does a great job of bringing the story to life, there are some key differences between the two. One of the main differences is the pacing. The anime covers the first four volumes of the manga, but it does so in just 12 episodes. This means that some of the character development and world-building is lost in the adaptation. Additionally, the anime makes some changes to the story, such as altering the ending of the first arc. Another difference is the art style. The manga has a unique, sketchy art style that adds to the eerie atmosphere of the story. While the anime does a good job of replicating this style, it can’t quite capture the same level of detail.
Similar Anime Series
If you enjoyed The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún, there are several other anime series that you may enjoy. Here are a few recommendations:
- Made in Abyss: Like The Girl from the Other Side, Made in Abyss is a dark fantasy series with a unique art style. It follows a young girl named Riko as she explores the titular abyss, a massive hole in the ground filled with strange creatures and ancient artifacts.
- Erased: Erased is a mystery-thriller anime that follows a man named Satoru who has the ability to travel back in time. When his mother is murdered, Satoru goes back in time to try and prevent her death and catch the killer.
- From the New World: From the New World is a dystopian anime that takes place 1,000 years in the future. It follows a group of students as they uncover the dark secrets of their society.
Overall, The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is a unique and haunting anime that is worth checking out. Whether you prefer the manga or the anime, there is plenty to enjoy in this dark fairy tale.
Conclusion
Overall, The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is a beautifully crafted anime that is worth watching. The story is unique, and the animation is breathtaking. The characters are well-developed, and the voice acting is top-notch. The anime does an excellent job of balancing the dark and light elements of the story, making it an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you wanting more.
While the anime does have some flaws, such as the slow pacing in some episodes, it is still a must-watch for fans of the genre. The anime’s themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption are universal and will resonate with viewers of all ages.
Compared to the manga, the anime does an excellent job of adapting the story while still retaining the essence of the original work. The animation brings the characters to life in a way that the manga cannot, and the voice acting adds an extra layer of emotion to the story.
In conclusion, The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún is a fantastic anime that is well worth your time. Whether you are a fan of the manga or just looking for a new anime to watch, this series is sure to captivate you with its beautiful animation, well-developed characters, and emotionally charged story.
