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.

One of the best female protagonists in any anime, she is similar than Freiren, both are strong and very smart beautiful women, there are not a lot of main leads like these two and in the same year 2023-2024 we have both that are excellent

This show has a lot of complex characters and its true the episodes can feel episodic, its not that bad because everyone in the show it's somehow connected to each other, the storylines are powerful and some are tragic and that makes the journey very enjoyable, there is not a villain villain here, there are just bad and good people, there are some nasty personality's here overall a great anime 9/10.

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.

Maomao is a delightful main character to watch. She is intelligent, decisive, and strategic. She also has her weaknesses, like testing herbs on herself and drinks poison for the fun of it! She is utterly unphased by the advances of Jinshi (whose beauty swoons every other girl), leading him to take interest in her.

The emotional tones are well placed. I feel the humor, sadness, anger, and excitement of the characters. The pacing is mellow but it never drags. Serious themes are presented with enough room to process them, and it pokes fun at the characters by portraying them as cats or mice in reflection of their personalities.

The show is set in the royal palace of an imperial Asian country. All the taboos and social conventions from that time are injected into the plot. It's interesting to see how this highly political, class-divided, and patriarchal environment affects our character's motives and decisions.

"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.