Land of the Blindfolded/Mekakushi no Kuni Mini Review (manga)
September 26th, 2007 by Nothayama
PG-13 for kissing and a single touch of a single breast through several layers of clothes; official series website
A standard shoujo manga with a hint of the supernatural; a love story between a girl who can see the future and a boy who can see the past, where characters are more likely to use their abilities to hook up classmates than defeat any villains. A little brainless and flaky, this one is nevertheless a great example of how good shoujo can master the art of sexual tension. Plus, the art is gorgeous.
Educated impression: Worth a try for shoujo fans. (NotHayama)
I wouldn’t consider this brainless and flaky, as it taps into the psychological aspect of the supernatural. Each character plays a different role, and what really makes this manga so appealing are the skeletons-in-the-closet that each character holds as well. The character development does leave some holes, but I don’t think those holes are significant because the story still moves along quite smoothly. But I guess if you’re the type that wants a moving story with action and amazing character development with a strong storyline with a distinct direction, this isn’t the story for you. This is more of a manga that touches a slice-of–life style, despite the supernatural part.
However, because it feels like a slice-of-life manga at times, it allows me to relate to the characters or see inside the mind of someone who could actually fulfill the “what if” questions that we sometimes ask.
And I apologize if this is slightly incoherent. It’s late… early in the morning. @_@
I didn’t really find Land of the Blindfolded/Mekakushi no Kuni to be flaky and brainless at all.
I understand your assessment, though. I read through the entire series, expecting a solid plot/villain/ANYTHING to come in and tie things together, but even at the end, there was no such thing.
I agree with Kurisu that this is a slice of life manga, despite its supernatural elements. It tells the story of three children with very unique pasts and lives and problems. Overall, I came to love the characters, laughing and even almost crying with them. There are scenes in it that are so strongly written that I felt everything the characters were feeling. Though it’s not a series with a strong, running plot, I did find it to be a very touching story.