Les Carnets de l'apothicaire

Hi. I'm 11 years old and I live in Bangladesh in south east Asia. My name is Manha. I think apothecary diaries is a nice anime series. The concept is nice. The amount of knowledge put in to this is woow. The animation is top. I'm so surprised of how they have been able to send 1 episode in 1 week with the animation being so good 👍. Just by watching 1 episode anyone can tell exactly how much effort was put in to this. Everything about it is nice. I'm very sure that they have tried their best in to make such an amazing show. It is one of the most beautiful, amazing, etc the best anime series I have ever watched. So, these are the reasons I gave it a 10 out of 10. And I really really hope they will make a 2nd season.

Maomao is a refreshing main character. She is intelligent, decisive, independent, and unafraid to confront or criticize her peers. She has her weaknesses though and won't hesitate test herbs on herself or drink poison for the fun of it! She is utterly unphased by the advances of Jinshi (whose beauty swoons every other girl), causing him to take interest in her.

The emotional tones are well placed. I feel the humor, sadness, anger, and excitement of the characters. It presents serious themes with enough room for the audience to process them, and it pokes fun by humorously portraying characters as cats or mice to reflect their personalities.

The show is set in an imperial Asian country and it injects all the taboos and social conventions from that time. It's interesting to see how this class-heavy, patriarchal environment affects the character's motives and decisions. Certainly a unique setting that is incorporated into the plot very well.

This anime is really one of the best that I have seen in years! Its very light hearted even when talking about serious topics. Honestly its so good and even makes you care for unsavory characters. The episode plots can be a bit complex but if you've seen Detective Conan you can rest assured the wrap up will be smoothly given in the next episode. I'm not one for drama but this does in a very settle way that doesn't focus on it like the majority of media does. The characters are all so interesting or just plain funny. The background is absolutely well done. Yet the characters do not take away from that nor does the background outshine the character. The visual editors of this anime must be top notch!

The ending was well done and now there is a season 2 in the making! I can not wait to see what happens! I know there were a few loose ends in the first season and now we can get those answers! I am also curious to see what happens between Maomao and Jinshi! Their relationship is interesting and delightfully not traditional romance!

"The Apothecary Diaries" (Season 1, 2024, 8.4/10) offers viewers an unusual blend of detective stories, medical drama, and a subtle mystical atmosphere, creating a unique and memorable world. The anime transports us to ancient East Asia, where the main character, Mao Mao, a modest yet brilliant herbalist, finds herself entangled in palace intrigues and mysterious cases that require her extraordinary intellect and knowledge.

The main strength of the first season lies in its ability to balance detective elements with character development. Each arc focuses on a new mystery, whether it's a poisoning, a strange illness, or a political conspiracy. Instead of standard action scenes, the audience is treated to intellectual duels and tense investigations, which make the anime stand out from other works in the genre. Additionally, the emphasis on detail and authenticity makes the story not only engaging but also informative.

As the protagonist, Mao Mao immediately captures attention with her unique personality. Her sharp intellect, sarcastic wit, and independence make her refreshingly realistic and intriguing. She is not a typical hero driven by fame or fortune but a curious individual determined to uncover the truth. Her interactions with other characters, especially the enigmatic and charismatic palace eunuch Jinshi, add dynamism and depth to the narrative.

Visually, The Apothecary Diaries impresses with its detailed settings and well-thought-out character design. The palace interiors are depicted with elegance, while the scenes dedicated to herbs, potions, and medicines are crafted with such precision that viewers can almost smell and feel them. Though the animation doesn't feature much action, it remains expressive, highlighting the tension in critical moments.

The musical score also deserves praise. The soundtrack enhances the atmosphere of intrigue and mystery, with melodies imbued with an Eastern flavor perfectly complementing the time and setting of the story. Music plays a vital role in creating the dark yet enigmatic mood of the series.

However, the first season is not without its flaws. Some mysteries come across as overly straightforward or predictable, which might disappoint viewers accustomed to more complex detective puzzles. Additionally, some secondary characters remain underdeveloped, despite their obvious potential for compelling storylines. Nonetheless, these shortcomings do not overshadow the overall quality of the series.

In conclusion, The Apothecary Diaries is a captivating anime that offers a fresh take on the genre, blending intellectual mysteries with a rich atmosphere and deep characters. Despite minor drawbacks, the first season leaves a strong impression and leaves viewers eager to see further development of both the story and the inner world of the characters.

I cannot describe how much I love the art in this show, every scene is absolutely beautiful, almost reminding me of "studio - Ghibli" inspired scenery and the main character is hilarious and likable it comes off as a bit of a murder mystery most episodes.the plot also moves at a pretty quick pace compared to most which I find more exciting and each episode feels fresh and engaging. However, depending on preference I'd probably recommend 13+ for this anime.that being said this is a great show for teens and adults alike whether alone or in a group this is a must-see for fantasy anime enthusiasts.