(L) Seirei no Moribito (Guardian of the Sacred Spirit)

[SeijiSensei]

I was glad that the drama differed from the anime since it didn't feel repetitive despite my knowing the story well. I was sad that Toya and Saya had such small roles, but I enjoyed the expanded role given to the Second Empress who becomes quite the little schemer. The Emperor is much more cruel in this version which seems more plausible to be honest.

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

I mentioned her age in my posting; I just don't think Ayase looks mature enough to play Balsa regardless of her actual age.

I based that observation on the promotional photographs, and it proved wrong. Ayase makes an excellent Balsa.

[Guardian Enzo]

If anything the TV version is, on the whole, closer to the source material. I just happen to think the changes Kamiyama made were on the whole huge improvements.

[Guardian Enzo]

I don't know if anyone is still watching the drama, but the subs go up through episode 8 of S2 now.

I don't know why the drama made to curious decision to radically shorten the first book's adaptation, as that's really the best one in the series - perhaps because it had already been animated - and pad out the Talu storyline. I find that to be rather a snoozer, on the whole.

Still, things are really getting good now, especially with Chagum's thread. He's proving what the child version of him showed signs of in the first book - in his own way, Chagum is just as GAR as Balsa.

[SeijiSensei]

My friend and I remain enthralled. We've watched through episode six. I don't see subs for episode eight yet on the WabiSabi page, though.

Unlike you, I'm happy they invested more time in these stories since I know "Seirei" so well. Gave me much more new material to watch. Like you, I've enjoyed watching Chagum's development in these episodes.

[BBOvenGuy]

I'm still watching too, although I haven't seen subs for 8 yet. The show is absolutely gorgeous. I don't know how much of the landscape shots are CGI and how much are real, but whoever was in charge of them did an incredible job.

[SeijiSensei]

We've been wowed by the interiors as well. The Karsh palace was especially impressive. I wondered whether they used existing buildings or whether they built the sets themselves.

And, yes, the exterior shots are breathtakingly beautiful. I think they're mostly real. Obviously scenes like the view over the Karsh capital (with its colosseum!) used background art, but I think most of the exteriors are photographed.

[Guardian Enzo]

Whoops, my bad - subs only through 7 so far.

I'd agree that the cinematography and set design are superb. The fight choreography not quite on the same level.

I think in broad terms, the Balsa and Chagum storylines more or less follow the same divide as the anime - you have a fantasy element and a political/family drama element. I thought the latter was the stronger part of the anime, and it's also the stronger part of the drama.

[Guardian Enzo]

Fully subbed now.

[BBOvenGuy]

I watched the last two episodes this weekend. I don't know how the books are structured, but it seemed odd to wrap up the Asla storyline with two full episodes left in this season. They did a perfectly good job of it, but it still felt strange.

Anyway, now we have Balsa and Chagum together again, off to the kingdom of Balsa's enemy. I knew Balsa would see the bigger picture. The invading Talsh empire is much more important than her personal vengeance.

The preview for Series 3 looks amazing!

[seiftis]

Throughout the series i was wondering, how did Maki Yoko gained so much weight

[Blaat]

On this day, ten years ago, the first episode of Moribito had aired. Can't believe it's been ten years already.

[SeijiSensei]

I would love to find a credit-less version of the OP, but I don't see it anywhere. Perhaps this series will be released on BD and include some extras like that? Any announcements about a BD release? Both my friend who is an artist and I have watched that OP every time for its sheer beauty.

I'm glad the final installment happens this fall. Originally it looked like those episodes wouldn't be aired until 2018.

[Blaat]

Just a heads up the subs of season three episode one are out.

[SeijiSensei]

Yes, indeed, and another beautiful installment in this excellent adaptation.

Ayase must have trained pretty intensively for this role. There are perhaps a few moves by a stunt double, but most of the time she appears to be fighting herself. We rewatched episode nine of season two to catch up, and I was also impressed with Maki Yoko's fighting sequences as Shihana. I hope we see her again.

[Guardian Enzo]

Originally Posted by Blaat

Just a heads up the subs of season three episode one are out.

Much thanks, been waiting and checking semi-regularly.

[Verso Sciolto]

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

[...]
Ayase must have trained pretty intensively for this role. There are perhaps a few moves by a stunt double, but most of the time she appears to be fighting herself [...]

Based on the behind the scenes footage -showing her in training, during rehearsals as well as from behind the camera during takes- it looks like that as well.

Series coverage on NHK website

[Proto]

Oh wow, I had no idea this was going on. Time to catch up.

[Blaat]

Episode two is now subbed, episode itself was rather good.

[SeijiSensei]

Episode three subs are out.

[BBOvenGuy]

Subs for four and five are up now. Happy weekend for me.

I liked getting Balsa's history and how she ended up with Jiguro. It's about time we found that out.