Anime That Doesn't Suck: Princess Tutu

Info

Title: Princess Tutu
Studio: Hal Film Maker
Licensee: ADV Films  
Year Produced: 2002-3
Number of Episodes: 26  
Available Online: Yes (For free, without registration, on The Anime Network)
 

A long time ago there was an anime horribly named Princess Tutu. Men wouldn’t watch it because others would question their sexuality upon doing so, and women wouldn’t watch it because it sounds like it would be little girl’s cartoon. In the end, Princess Tutu would end up being the ugly duckling of anime, forever lost to other anime with awesome titles like ‘Gunslinger Girl’, and ‘Murder Princess’.  

However, in most cases a series' title means nothing. For example, you would think an anime called ‘Those Who Hunt Elves’ would be an epic masterpiece featuring Legolas fighting off insane hunters who can shoot 5 bows at once while riding on top of a flying dolphin, etc... but in the end it isn’t that great; not withstanding tanks and breasts. What I’m trying to say is that even if you name an anime Princess Tutu, it can still be epic. 
--- God Len

Plot

Princess Tutu is actually two things in this anime. On one hand, it is a classical story, written by the long dead Drosselmeyer. The other, is in the real world, where events similar to the story are playing out.
 
The Book:
The world is threatened by the evil Raven, and protected by the valiant Prince. In an attempt to seal away the Raven, the Prince takes his sword, and shatters his own heart. This left the prince empty, emotionless, yet still just as loved by the people. So loved, that one magic duck becomes a girl, Princess Tutu, and helps him gather the shards of his broken heart.
 
The Real World:
Duck, our quacking protagonist of the story, is approached by Drosselmeyer (who should be deceased.) He explains how elements of his story are quite real, and that "the prince" Mytho needs her help. Drosselmeyer gives her a magic pendant that allows her to become a girl, who, in turn, attends the same ballet school as Mytho. In times of need, she actually becomes of the legendary Princess Tutu, and restores elements of his heart. The twist? The emotions she returns to the Prince are, by default, negative emotions (despair, guilt, etc.)
 
 Oh, and eventually Duck learns that the story is a tragedy. If "Princess Tutu" ever admits how she feels to the Prince, she'll turn into a speck of light and disappear for ever.  
 

Things you might like

 
 

• Don't let your masculinity be challenged, this series makes ballet cool. 
• Monster of the week format makes each episode approachable, yet fits into a larger framework
• Despite its light colors/action, the tone is fairly dark, with each character consistently punished for their most noble actions.
• Piles of classical music you'll actually recognize, and feel smarter for knowing.

 

Recommend it to friends who liked...

Revolutionary Girl Utena
Sailor Moon
Shugo Chara
Romeo x Juliet

Images

 
 
 
 

Conclusion

One part "Magical School Girl Gone Wrong," one part "Well animated ballet amid classical music," the end result has a fairly delicious taste. In a genre that has been tapped and reproduced like clockwork, Princess Tutu comes out feeling very strong, and very independent of the tropes it employs. While not for everyone, if you can get beyond the ballet centric theme, Princess Tutu is a solid hit. At the very least, its an anime that doesn't suck.