Ooku The Inner Chambers Review: Ooku The Inner Chambers (『大奥』本予告)is a brand new anime series that premiered on July 29, 2023, on Netflix. Based on the manga series written and illustrated by Fumi Yoshinaga, the show is animated by Studio Deen. Mamoru Miyano, Eriko Matsui, Yuki Kaji, Tomokazu Seki, and Sanae Kobayashi are amongst the many cast members who voiced various characters.
The story follows Japan’s alternate historic timeline where after a deadly disease befalls the nation that only affects men, the equilibrium of the society begins to tremble. Thus, women take on important roles in the society. With a total of 10 episodes, the runtime of the first episode is over an hour, and the rest is for approximately 25-30 minutes each. The show is shot in Japanese and is also available in English dub and subtitles.
-Ooku The Inner Chambers Review Contains No Spoilers-
Ooku is a celebrated manga series in the community due to Yoshinaga’s magnificent illustrations and unique plot, which deserves a well-made adaptation, and I must admit, the anime did justice to the brilliant story. From the beginning till the end, the show completely engrosses you in a unique realm of beauty and suffering. Set in the Edo period in Japan, where women are the breadwinners and men are the treasures of a household, the story is much more deeply fascinating, yet there is a familiarity to it.
Before delving into the main story, the first episode offers an overview of the plot showcasing multiple instances that will inevitably pique the audience’s attention. In the next subsequent episodes, the looming questions are adequately answered, providing a full circle to the strange customs. The narrative is very well structured that entirely absorbs and transports one into a new world where the rules of the real society do not apply.
Moreover, the attention to detail and leaving out almost nothing unaddressed is what makes it a well-written story. Each character possesses great depth and complexity, with their flaws, strengths, and inner conflicts laid bare for the audience to witness. The development of the characters is done on a profound level that allows the viewers to connect and empathize with their struggles and rejoice in their triumphs. Through deliberate and careful writing, the characters are crafted in a way that elevates the storytelling process.
It provides a great insight into the inner happenings of the official houses through fiction. The story does not just consist of political affairs but also of unrequited love, trauma and inner turmoil. The story takes a different route in explaining the class divide and how the dominant group is inclined to take control of the powerless.
Another aspect of the series which makes it stand out is the amazing animation it offers. Every frame is meticulously crafted with the fluidity of movement and breathtaking visual effects. Whether it’s the vibrant colours, the detailed character design, or the magnificent landscapes, the astounding animation captures our imagination wholly. Studio Deen must be praised for their ability to deliver a visual feast.
Additionally, the voice actors also did a commendable job of bringing life to the characters. They put incredibly compelling emotions in the characters, which will make the audience unable to differentiate fiction from reality. The series is so well thought-out that ten episodes will seem less, and everyone will be left asking for more.
Ooku The Inner Chambers Review: Final Thoughts
Words are falling short of explaining how incredible the entire series is. The intelligent, intense and thought-provoking storyline is bound to leave a lasting impression on the audience. The characters have such heartfelt stories one cannot help but completely invest in the plot. Moreover, the beautiful animation and spectacular voice cast are the added bonus that makes the anime remarkable. It is one of the shows which will definitely alter one’s perspective and should be added to everyone’s watch list.
Ooku: The Inner Chambers is now streaming on Netflix. Did you watch the series yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!