Hoshifuru Ôkoku no Nina

I don't know why this is rated so poorly on IMDb when it has significant rating of 4.8 on Crunchyroll. I am looking forward to season 2.

Nina had a rough start to life, stealing to survive-and eventually being sold into slavery by her own brother. But to her surprise, her captor, Prince Azure, ordained that she would live the life of a princess...specifically, that of the recently deceased princess-priestess, Alisha. But despite her changing fortune, Nina won't give up her old life without a fight...and Azure might just be the one to finally match her wits. But how much can she trust Azure? And can she stop the feelings budding in her heart, knowing she must eventually marry another...?

I have watched this about a dozen times over and I can't even tell you why exactly. It's a good story, plain and simple. No magic, no reincarnation, not particularly action-packed, yet it's captivating.

While the FMC can be annoying, her actions are redeeming. I very much appreciate the necessary character development. Basically everybody is waking up to realities of war, the hardships of the poeple, and the corruption of the elites.

Or so it seems?

Every episode leaves you curious and somehow satisfied at the same time.

I am mostly here for the Forbidden Love and Enemies to Lovers love triangle, though. Just chef's kiss.

I am really hoping for a season 2 to find out how they deliver Sett's revenge.

I felt genuinely sad while watching the final episode. I've just ordered the manga, so I plan to read it, but still! I sincerely hope for a renewal for another season. This is, without a doubt, my favorite anime. Nina the Starry Bride was exceptionally well-crafted-the character development, relationships, plot-essentially everything was fantastic. The animation style was breathtaking, with each scene meticulously detailed, bringing the story to life in a vibrant and engaging way. The emotional depth of the characters resonated with viewers, making it easy to form deep connections with their journeys and struggles. Themes of friendship, love, and perseverance were woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, adding layers of complexity and richness to the overall experience.

It's no wonder that fans are yearning for more, hoping that the magic of Nina the Starry Bride will continue to enchant us with new adventures. Until then, diving into the manga offers an exciting opportunity to explore the story from a different perspective, uncovering nuances that might have been missed on screen. Here's to hoping that the creators hear the fans' voices and consider bringing us more of this beloved tale.

Nina isn't a "red flag" at all - she's curious, impulsive, sometimes naive, but deeply empathetic. What makes her refreshing is that she doesn't instantly know her heart, and that feels realistic. Being caught between Azure and Seth isn't about her being fickle, but about her genuinely experiencing love, loyalty, and uncertainty in different forms. Instead of rushing into one path, she explores love at her own pace, which makes her journey feel alive and relatable.

A beautifully crafted romantic fantasy.

The anime instantly drew me in with its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and captivating characters. I read the manga alongside the episodes, and it made me love the series even more - the world, the relationships, the mystery, everything is enchanting. It's one of the best romantic anime I've ever watched, and it absolutely deserves a Season 2. A must-watch for anyone who loves heartfelt fantasy romance.