My wife and I just finished watching Tears to Tiara last night and I think we both agreed it was 'good'... not great or excellent but it was a solid watch with a slow buildup that has a well rounded and satisfying ending.

What was most interesting to me was the amalgam of sources the writer/s used to piece together this fantasy adventure story. It borrowed heavily from the Chronicles of Prydain (Black Cauldron) novel series, as well as Lord of the Rings and it even had some Biblical references in there.

The story is fairly linear as with most fantasy adventures. The series focuses on telling a story and not particularly on letting you get to know the characters. Sure, you get some background and a little insight into motivation, etc. but this isn't a character driven series. Fortunately, the story is interesting, the characters are engaging and the world setting is fleshed out enough to make you want to know more. About the only thing we missed was the romance putting this series in the same camp as a Lord of the Rings where story is king and romance is hinted at but not a focal point.

Although it tends to plod along at points, there is enough action to satisfy, especially towards the end which as with any good story, goes out with a bang. Surprisingly, it was quite a violent series with more blood than I was expecting...

Overall Tears to Tiara has a story to tell and it tells it quite well. At times it feels like it's taking a while to get there but stick with it and you'll be rewarded in the end with a punchy finish that doesn't leave you with loose ends...

Recommended! (show less)

I loved this anime simply because it is a play on the story of Camelot and the "faerie" King Arthur. What killed it just a little was the so called romance between Riannon and Arawn but other than that a great anime to be sure. Not only are the graphics something to behold but the plot and storyline with its twists and turns are fabulous. What made me enjoy this anime to the fullest was its emphasis on the holistic value of friendship and how this can surpass time, space and generations remaining the same as it has ever been. The swords used in this anime are an exemplary mark of the above point, Edram and Drywden - brother swords that fight side by side, both protecting a world of human life. I suppose in many ways this anime traverses past what we believe by convention and tradition and tries to point out a truth - Goodness! I am starting to sound as if I believe in faeries lol. This anime is a must watch! (show less)