Firstly, I have to agree with one of the previous reviews in saying this anime is extremely slow and the protagonist was annoying for the first few episodes. But the first time I saw this (back in 2007), I managed to watch the rest of the anime and I have to say that I was high impressed and wanting more. I came back to this anime quiet recently, and it felt like I was watching it for the first time, even though I had seen it already. The story is AMAZING; I haven't seen a storyline as detailed and beautiful like this one in a while and I'm very upset that the story isn't finished.

Please keep that in mind when you watch this anime. The anime cuts off at a weird spot in the book series, so I think if they could finish it, then the anime might even be flawless. Over-all for what they give you here, the story is really entertaining. The characters were well thought-out, the animation and music are beautiful and I'm only sad that I don't now how to read kanji or find the book to even finish the story.

This anime is very slow and so I would say a mature audience might appreciate this a little more. I watch Naruto myself, so that it certainly won't appeal to everyone, but if you're willing to try it out, I don't think you'll be disappointed. (show less)

This is one of my most favourite anime. Youko is summoned into a world of mystery and magic along with her two friends. Deprived of her protector, Keiki, must survive and find the reason she was brought here and fulfill her destiny so that she can return to her prim and proper life. Along the way, she and her friends learn the true meaning of friendship, life, and a reason to live but most of all, a sense of self-worth. Though the story is mostly from a feminist perspective and the narrative is modern, even whimsical as some stories are left incomplete and up to the viewer's interpretation, this anime is easily one of the breakthrough anime since... whenever.

When I first watched the anime, it was confusing. But by the time you reach the seventh episode, things start clearing up and the impact of what you witnessed before comes clear. Initially, I hated the main character for being weak and pathetic but for fear of dropping spoilers, trust me, you don't wanna stop.

Plot line is unusual. For me, I love creative and artistic writing so I find it a work of genius. Others who are too used to conventional stroy-telling methods may find it annoying.

Suitable for a more mature audience. (show less)

The first time I watched this anime I was on the fence. Particularly because I watched it with english dubs and everyone was whiney. I hated it at first. Then I rewatched it because the story was so different and I wanted something fresh, this time with Jap dub and Eng sub. The voice actors were so much better and it allowed me to really analyze the characters. Without such an annoying voice I was able to look kindly on Youko. This series isn't filled with amazing heroes. Its a mish-mash of different people. Ordinary people who have to cope with what they're given. Simply amazing. Yes I would have liked more of an ending, but isn't that how life is? A strive to continue and grow? (show less)

Literally nothing happens in this anime it's a lot of smoke and no fire it's like Hamlet, if you don't know Hamlet is a guy who when you first hear about him he's cutting off a guys head. Cool right? Wrong after I don't remember how many chapters it builds up to a climax in the story that never happens, one minute he's talking the next thing king is dead I got whiplash reading it. The rest of the story is them whining about a scene you never even got to see this pretty much sums up Twelve Kingdoms. A girl goes to another world to help save it from an evil army lead by a witch or something, we will fight them on the... what's it's been how many years since the battle, guess we have nothing to do for the next 20+ episodes but talk about the politics and zoology of an imaginary world. Did you know how spirit creatures are born well here's a 2 hour documentary.... I think you get the point just watch something else. (show less)

I watched this show when I was looking for something different and I must say I was surprised. It was much better than I anticipated.

I will admit during the first couple episodes I was on the fence, since everyone was kinda freaking out, but the visuals and what it was building up to is what kept me watching, and I am glad they did.

The character development is phenomenal. You can watch the characters grow to maturity steadily as they endure their hardships.

But the great story kept me intrigue. The world that this takes place in has incredible depth, and they do so much with it.

All in all, I loved this show. (show less)

This is a great anime. Great dialogue, great story, good animation. I will have to warn you though that this anime is incomplete because the novel wasn't finished. I also have to warn you that the first few episodes are extremely annoying mainly because of the main characters and you will probably want to drop it. I dropped it once because of it and decided to pick it up again. I'm telling you not to drop it and just deal with because from the first episode to the last you can see the character development. I think that's the best thing about this anime, the character development. So if you decide to pick up this one, try to endure the beginning because I guarantee you, you won't regret it. Other than the begging the only other downside is that I wanted the anime to last longer and be complete. (show less)

This is without a doubt one of the best animes I've ever seen.
The story makes many twists and turns, and you wonder how it will all fit together in the end.
The main story is divided into four main archs, but since the bookseries is unfinished, so is the anime.
The first and third arch are the only ones completed, but the second and fourth gives a preview of things to come.

The main characters are well presented, and you grow to care for them. The dialogue is well made, and the voiceacting is done very well.
The animation hints to the fact that this was a very expencive production, and the background still images are done with attention to great detail. The characters and beasts are drawn and coloured on a top-notch level.

You will most likely enjoy watching this show, and the review value of the show is high. (show less)