(L) Akagami no Shirayuki-hime (Red-haired Snow White)

[Enternal]

Originally Posted by SinsI

Because he is a future king, on whose behavior will the lives of thousands and thousands of her fellow people (including her grandma) depend.
What she did is betray all of them - fate gave her a chance to change him (note how he initially sent not an armed squad to capture her and deliver her, but a mere messenger to invite her - so there was plenty of social space to maneuver to affect him. Hell, she could've just put on some make-up to make herself look unattractive! It is only after she publicly humiliated him that he resorted to drastic measures), but she chose to run away, saving her own skin instead.

And if you remember Saiunkoku, that emperor was also rumored to be a lazy fool (though he was also rumored to be gay, that's why she wasn't as afraid to become his concubine).

Everyone already gave good reasons why she did what she did. Anyways, keep in mind that she's just a single young girl who was threatened (he's clearly threatened her with that hand on the sword) into being a concubine (not even as a wife for that matter). You cannot just come out of nowhere and force her to ignore her feelings just because "for the better good of the country". So saying that she betrayed them all is just ridiculous and almost seems like victim blaming.

Also just to note but that's not her grandma.

EDIT: Looks like Random Wanderer beat me to it. I want to add that we're still only on episode 2 of the show. Considering that prince is a prince of a neighboring country, it probably won't be the last time you will see him. For better or for worse.

[PreSage]

Originally Posted by SinsI

Because he is a future king, on whose behavior will the lives of thousands and thousands of her fellow people (including her grandma) depend.
What she did is betray all of them - fate gave her a chance to change him (note how he initially sent not an armed squad to capture her and deliver her, but a mere messenger to invite her - so there was plenty of social space to maneuver to affect him. Hell, she could've just put on some make-up to make herself look unattractive! It is only after she publicly humiliated him that he resorted to drastic measures), but she chose to run away, saving her own skin instead.

And if you remember Saiunkoku, that emperor was also rumored to be a lazy fool (though he was also rumored to be gay, that's why she wasn't as afraid to become his concubine).

The concept you are describing is a typical shoujo theme that I see get used too often. At least here, what Shirayuki did was more realistic. She is a mere herbalist, trying to make a living and doing so by her own choosing. She is not a Queen or Princess, so she has no obligations to protect the country. As the other posters have already said, she was threatened into accepting his order (not an invitation) and the only way out was to escape. Even then, he had that guy chase after her and even tried to poison her. If she entered his castle under the status of concubine, she would be in no position to change him.

Also, we get hints that her life in Tanburan isn't as rosy as it initially looked because of her red hair.

[Botan_TM]

Originally Posted by PreSage

She is not a Queen or Princess, so she has no obligations to protect the country.

Well, in medieval times and even later, nobles were obligated to defend country, peasants weren't, for them it was "noble thing, not theirs".

[PreSage]

Originally Posted by Botan_TM

Well, in medieval times and even later, nobles were obligated to defend country, peasants weren't, for them it was "noble thing, not theirs".

I don't quite understand what you're getting at here. Are you suggesting Shirayuki is a noble?

[AC-Phoenix]

Originally Posted by PreSage

The concept you are describing is a typical shoujo theme that I see get used too often. At least here, what Shirayuki did was more realistic. She is a mere herbalist, trying to make a living and doing so by her own choosing. She is not a Queen or Princess, so she has no obligations to protect the country. As the other posters have already said, she was threatened into accepting his order (not an invitation) and the only way out was to escape. Even then, he had that guy chase after her and even tried to poison her. If she entered his castle under the status of concubine, she would be in no position to change him.

Also, we get hints that her life in Tanburan isn't as rosy as it initially looked because of her red hair.

Its really not as simple as you state considering that this is a world where feudalism probably still exists.

Originally Posted by Botan_TM

Well, in medieval times and even later, nobles were obligated to defend country, peasants weren't, for them it was "noble thing, not theirs".

Actually they were.
The concept of conscription wasn't exactly invented in modern times. It usually excluded woman, yes, but the concept was there.
In most towns men were even obligated to own weapons and armor to defend the city in case of an attack, no matter whether they were soldiers.

[Yamada II]

Originally Posted by Botan_TM

Well, in medieval times and even later, nobles were obligated to defend country, peasants weren't, for them it was "noble thing, not theirs".

Shirayuki wasn't a noble. She was an average citizen who worked as a herbalist. So...

[Botan_TM]

Originally Posted by PreSage

I don't quite understand what you're getting at here. Are you suggesting Shirayuki is a noble?

Nope, just confirming what you have said

Originally Posted by AC-Phoenix

Actually they were.
The concept of conscription wasn't exactly invented in modern times. It usually excluded woman, yes, but the concept was there.
In most towns men were even obligated to own weapons and armor to defend the city in case of an attack, no matter whether they were soldiers.

Off course there were exceptions and different situations, however very often there were fighting because they had to do so. Still, if I remember correctly, in medieval time if was pretty normal for people with skills to change his overlord and country.

[BPD Renegade]

Originally Posted by Flower

@BPD Renegade ... regarding marathoning the manga or no ... hmm ... I have no opinions in an "objective" sense, I like to check out the source material myself if not already familiar with it because I take a lot of enjoyment in seeing a work adapted and the choices made. So such things do not bother me. But not everyone is like that. At the moment I kind of prefer the manga, but that should come as no surprise as only 2 eps have been covered.

In a very general sense of my experiences of reading manga and appreciating the adaptation this series has thus far (only 2 eps) been a very similar experience to Akatsuki no Yona, I guess. Great adaptation and an even better manga would be how I would describe it. Though that is just me. Your call, I guess?



Sorry, I have to chuckle at myself. I have often been made fun of that Tokien's phrase "Go not to the elves for advice, for they will say neither yes, nor no." applies to me sometimes....

Thanks, Master Elf.

My feelings towards this show are a bit different from Yona. With Yona, there were definitely higher expectations, since we knew from the get-go there would be betrayal, action, adventure, and character development. It took a lot of self-control not to spoil myself with the manga (and we both know I ultimately failed ), since I wanted to speculate on the developments.

With Shirayuki, the nature of the impatience is different in that it stems from not knowing what to expect from it and from a very casual curiosity, rather than interest. If I were to make a comparison towards how I feel about it right now, I would say I'm treating it more like Kokkuri-san -- along for the ride but not putting much thought into it. But since the manga is better, I'll probably hop on over there soon then. Who knows? It might change my opinion of it.

[Enternal]

Originally Posted by BPD Renegade

With Shirayuki, the nature of the impatience is different in that it stems from not knowing what to expect from it and from a very casual curiosity, rather than interest. If I were to make a comparison towards how I feel about it right now, I would say I'm treating it more like Kokkuri-san -- along for the ride but not putting much thought into it. But since the manga is better, I'll probably hop on over there soon then. Who knows? It might change my opinion of it.

Heh yeah you should definitely read it. It's great. But since the anime is an adaptation, I would always try to keep in a mindset that you should watch the anime as a complement to the manga. I see so many readers of various other shows get really really upset with adaptations. Rightfully so. But you should try to enjoy what you can since the anime provides something that static mediums don't have.

[Triple_R]

Episode 2 was good. The characters and tone and overall vibe of the episode was much in-line with Episode 1. The anime is building a good sense of identity for itself.

That being said, I didn't like Episode 2 quite as much as I did Episode 1, and I hope the show doesn't become overly formulaic.

I'm glad that Shirayuki mostly saved herself, but even so, this is two episodes in a row where Zen came to her aid in a decisive way. This is fine for now, and I'd also be fine with it in a climatic episode, but I hope they don't use this approach every episode. And it would be nice if at least one episode shows the reverse - Her coming to his rescue in a moment of need.

Mind you, these are only minor quibbles, at least for now. This is still a very pleasant and rewarding watch with well-written likeable protagonists and a good setting that is indeed charming.

[Haak]

Originally Posted by Triple_R

I'm glad that Shirayuki mostly saved herself, but even so, this is two episodes in a row where Zen came to her aid in a decisive way. This is fine for now, and I'd also be fine with it in a climatic episode, but I hope they don't use this approach every episode. And it would be nice if at least one episode shows the reverse - Her coming to his rescue in a moment of need.

To be honest, I'm tired of these danger and rescue plots altogether. Right now I'd rather the show take a more definitive slice of life narrative and focus a lot more exclusively on Shirayuki and her professional development. The setting itself is crying out for some world building.

For the record, I also enjoyed Episode 2 mostly thanks to how admirable Shirayuki is.

[kinghumanity]

Question: Would us male viewers get much enjoyment out of this show? Or is this written only with the female demographic in mind?

The first 2 episodes were very well written and the art is excellent. It will be a shame if I had to drop it because it's too girly.

[Triple_R]

Originally Posted by Haak

To be honest, I'm tired of these danger and rescue plots altogether. Right now I'd rather the show take a more definitive slice of life narrative and focus a lot more exclusively on Shirayuki and her professional development. The setting itself is crying out for some world building.

I had mixed feelings when she was captured. Part of me was hoping that they'd play the SoL straight, and leave flashy action for later. But it ended up being a mildly interesting and well-executed detour, so I ended up liking Episode 2.

But yeah, I hope Episode 3 goes for more straightforward SoL. I now want to see her work on more herbs and take that test. There's probably a good SoL episode or two that can be made of that. I'm also looking forward to her getting into the Castle at some point.

For the record, I also enjoyed Episode 2 mostly thanks to how admirable Shirayuki is.

I like how very humane she is. She was remarkably considerate and compassionate towards her own kidnapper here. I like how there's no viciousness or brutality to her. She manages to be strong without being a badass, and I find that refreshing.

[Random Wanderer]

Originally Posted by kinghumanity

Question: Would us male viewers get much enjoyment out of this show? Or is this written only with the female demographic in mind?

The first 2 episodes were very well written and the art is excellent. It will be a shame if I had to drop it because it's too girly.

...If you're enjoying the episodes then enjoy the episodes. It isn't "too girly" unless you decide it is. Watch it based on its own merits, not on some arbitrary rating of gender appropriateness.

[Enternal]

Originally Posted by Random Wanderer

...If you're enjoying the episodes then enjoy the episodes. It isn't "too girly" unless you decide it is. Watch it based on its own merits, not on some arbitrary rating of gender appropriateness.

Yeah just watch it and see. If you enjoy, then so be it. I love fanservice shows and these types of shows I gobble them up as well just because I enjoy them. In the end, that is all that matters.

Originally Posted by Triple_R

I like how very humane she is. She was remarkably considerate and compassionate towards her own kidnapper here. I like how there's no viciousness or brutality to her. She manages to be strong without being a badass, and I find that refreshing.

This. Really this. She's strong yet gentle about how she approaches things.

[Arya]

I liked this second episode too. Not as much as the first one, but still a lot. So I won't nitpick on minor details. They are also slowly giving an insight of this country that probably is less bright than what Shirayuki, and Zen, thinks. Maybe

And I'm not bothered at all about who save who. I'm in for Shirayuki and Zen after all, and so far I'm not disappointed

Originally Posted by PreSage

The concept you are describing is a typical shoujo theme that I see get used too often.

That's what I was thinking. Isn't the usual stuff to have some not so good guy or whatever that is redeemed by the heroine? (And so what if the heroine will someday leave him?)
At least here we have two independent persons that will build up a relationship starting from what they are and how they will affect each other for the better. Or so it seems so far

By the way I didn't think / get red hair was such a serious business to be honest. And I agree that she isn't dyeing because that's who she is, Zen lines about fate were intended that way I think.

[AC-Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Botan_TM

Nope, just confirming what you have said



Off course there were exceptions and different situations, however very often there were fighting because they had to do so. Still, if I remember correctly, in medieval time if was pretty normal for people with skills to change his overlord and country.

It was actualyl not that easy to just switch places.
In some cases people had to literally run for their lives to do so.

[Akito Kinomoto]

Episode 2

I'm going to echo the statements of hoping the next episodes change it up a bit. The characters need more situations to bounce off of instead of defeating someone with a red hair fetish every week.

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by Salva

she DIDN'T dye her hair, that would be the first thing I'd do – dye it black, instead of cutting;

I'd think it'd be even more stupid of her to dye her hair. Yes, from a tactical viewpoint dyeing her hair would be the correct thing to do... but then it'd pretty make her into a tactician willing to sacrifice her own identity just to escape. She wants to forge her own path into life, not become someone else in doing so, and her unique color of her hair is part and parcel of who she is as a person. Her compromise of simply leaving the prince a lock of her red hair - since said hair is more or less the only reason he invited her - is a good enough decision.

Besides, dyeing her hair would've been a temporary solution, since hair dyes can be washed off, by force if necessary, and the palace messenger would already testify for Shirayuki having had red hair, making any such ruse worthless. Removing herself completely from the scene on the other hand is a wiser and more permanent solution.

she didn't have to hurt herself, just putting the ointment on her would suffice to prove it's not poison, the rest was unnecessary and stupid

Just putting the ointment doesn't quite have the same convincing impact though, since there are chemicals that aren't really poisonous if applied to healthy skin as opposed to broken ones. It also shows her sincerity, since she shows that she's willing to bet her body to uphold her honor and dignity in proving that her concoctions aren't poison.

his willingness to eat the poison was also stupid;

It's not like he knew it was poisoned when he ate the apple, it just so happened that it was, thus why he warned Shirayuki after he ate the apple, and not before.

they didn't have to deal with the prince at all, could have made the medicine since Zen wasn't in the immadiete danger all things considered, making an enemy of a prince from neighbouring country over one girl was rather… interesting diplomatic choice – although it seems there will be some backstory to Zen's current circumstances and behaviour.

Well, it was still the case that Prince Raj poisoned a prince from a neighboring country (albeit unintentionally) which under normal circumstances would already have been a grave offense akin to assassinating Zen thus leading to an international incident, and thus Raj had a lot more to lose than Zen did.

[PGilis]

I'm loving this new series.

Shirayuki is definitely NOT a Disney's princess or a damsel in distress, but a very strong-willed, courageous and independent young woman who is creating her own path. Prince Zen is a great character too who treats her with all the respect she deserves but cares a lot about her as a good friend.

Deconstructing the Disney's fairytale trope, there's not "Love at first sight" between them, but "friendship at first talk" what of course will become true love later.

Some people find boring the fact Shirayuki didn't escaped alone from Mihaya, but we need to remember she is a herbalist not a swordwoman like Kiki. Of course she would not win a direct fight against him. Even so, she put an impressive struggle and was defiant to the end.

As for the fact Zen found her too fast, we need to remember he got worried about her after listening some guys talking when she leave. As soon he discovered she disappeared for an entire day, he went in search of her immediately. And he knew where she went in search of herbs, so he went after her.

Mihaya took her to an old mansion close, not a hideout. So Zen was close enough to see Mihaya's burning torch outside the mansion in the middle of night, thanks to Shirayuki's own attempt to escape.