The Grimm Variations

CLAMP collab? Definitely here for it. The artwork is lovely, the character designs are whimsical, the Pied Piper episode was stretching into Ghibli-esque territory with their visuals, and some of the themes and elements were downright chilling.

First episode sets you up thinking everything will have this subversive twist. The last episode almost does the same thing, but you are more along for the ride on the subversion train rather than blindsided by it.

But none of the other episodes reach a satisfying level of "unexpected," instead, leaving you with a feeling of wondering what it was trying to represent. The source fairy tales themselves already had their moral lessons and with rare exception, it didn't present any "variation" to the tales or moral lessons. Much of it felt like an artist's rendition of an already known work. Not a copy, but how they see it. And while that can be appreciated for what it is, I felt dissatisfied, wishing it was for the reason of wanting more. But I didn't.

I was presented with a six-course meal and while I didn't leave the table hungry, none of the dishes were anything I would necessarily order again.

As a regular anime watcher, I found The Grim Variations to be a refreshing and enjoyable watch. Despite some criticism, I believe that sometimes, simple anime can be just as entertaining and engaging as those with more complex storylines. While some may argue that the show could have taken a different approach, it's important to remember that there are limitations when adapting famous fairytales while still trying to be original and engaging. Instead of setting high expectations, it's best to watch and appreciate the show for what it is. Don't let reviews or others' opinions influence your own enjoyment. Give it a chance and form your own thoughts and feelings about it.

I found this series to be very refreshing. Many fairy tale shows and movies today either adhere closely to Disney's versions or the Grimm dark tales, word for word. So, I enjoyed not only the stunning visuals but also the fact that I wasn't watching the same old fairy tale I've seen and heard a million times. Even if the stories are a bit confusing at times, I feel like I understand them by the end, and I gain something from each one. This series also doesn't just rely on horror or being as messed up as possible. It is more mature, for sure, but I know not every ending is going to be super dark. There are happy, sad, and even horrific endings, and each one is written beautifully. So, I don't feel like it needs to be gory to hold my interest. If you want a new, mature, or interesting take on old fairy tales, you should watch this, because I'm sure at least one of these endings will move you and leave you pondering the world each story takes place in, and how the story continues.

I actually started this series for background sounds. But the first episode hooked me in. It was simple of a Cinderella story but with a twist. The second episode was everything! Finally a show with all the gore and craziness of a MA show needed. The 3rd episode is what I wished Promise Neverland could of been. The Elves and the shoemaker episode was very interesting. Fun mystery type of episode. The town musical episode wasn't that great but it was nice to watch. The Pied Piper was a great story with a silver lining ending.

Each had their own message and stories. Some can say it's a 'Black Mirror' but in anime sort of way.

I hope there are more episodes to come out from this!

I love new and creative interpretations of fairy tails, but this just field so weird. I think it's hard to even call them new interpretations as so less of the source material is used within this. The first episode was fine, but the others were just weird and missing a moral/a message of the story. I think it's one of the shows were a lot is metaphoric and up to interpretation, but it's not presented in a fun, clever and interesting way like eg love, death and robots or Star Wars Visions. It's just weird. I'm quite disappointed as I expected more. They should have better adapted something like Kaori Yuki's Ludwig Revolution.