(I tend to write narrative style reviews - sorry it doesn't fit in the little form!)

So, as far as “incomprehensible Touko vehicles” go, this may be my new favorite. There’s not nearly as many side characters as “Ganryuu” and more of a clear narrative line than both “Ganryuu” and “Hanafabuki Koifubuki.” Ryuusei’s quandary was more meaningful to me than those of Ganryuu and Goemon, though once again the romantic plotline was not to my taste. There was a bit of forced kissing which is very, very much not my cup’a. But that was more than made up for by the Muei/Karen sub-plot, which seemed to be styled after “House of Flying Daggers” or a similarly tasteful martial arts flick. I always appreciate a plotline in which musumeyaku are well-armed, and Touko plays have been particularly kind to me in this area. ;)

Music was good, and the dancing quite style-istic and interesting. Maybe it’s something about Touko’s voice that makes them want to write complicated, un-singable theme songs… I liked the songs, but I can’t even hum them for more than a second or two. Also the usual beautiful costumes, though after watching the rehearsal footage I must admit that I rather wished they’d done the whole thing in street clothes, since it was much easier to see Touko’s expressions.

Opinions on the actors:

Aran Kei - I shouldn’t even comment on Touko, because I always think she’s perfect. This time I have discovered that she does “manic grin/laugh” very well. The usual impeccable singing and angst-ing. I won’t bore you with more.

Minami Mari – Eh. She had some good moments, but even all her dagger-flaunting didn’t endear her to me. Maybe if she’d actually stabbed someone? I don’t know, her mannerism was too wispy and her voice too shrill. Especially in the final scene. *shudder*

Yuzuki Reon – I wasn’t really familiar with her before this, but now I quite like her. Something about her face and really deep voice reminds me a bit of Asami Hikaru… She was a nice counterpart to Touko, and she and Hizuki were sweet together.

Hizuki Hana – Continues to enthrall me, at least as long as she gets the interesting roles. Karen had two swords. Two. What’s not to love? I like her voice and her style, which was feminine but not wimpy and simpering like Minami as Sari. Something about her look also drew me in the rehearsal footage. Definitely a musumeyaku on my “watch” list.

Also props to Asamine Hikari for her excellent “Evil Empress Laugh,” which I enjoyed very much.