Alice & Zoroku

Alice & Zoroku is a captivating anime that combines elements of supernatural, drama, and mystery, with a sprinkle of heartwarming moments. The story revolves around a young girl named Sana, who possesses the ability to summon anything she can think or imagine into existence, and an elderly but resilient man named Zoroku Kashimura, who unwittingly gets tangled in her chaotic world.

Sana, referred to as "The Red Queen" in her previous environment, is no ordinary girl. She is part of a group of mysterious children possessing supernatural abilities, referred to as "Dreams of Alice." The children are held captive and studied by a secret research institution that endeavors to exploit their mind-bending abilities for its purposes. Genre enthusiasts are familiar with this theme, but Alice & Zoroku sets itself apart by incorporating a unique blend of story elements and unexpected character dynamics.

One day, Sana manages to escape from the confines of the research facility and finds herself wandering across Tokyo. That's when she bumps into Zoroku Kashimura, an elderly florist with a no-nonsense attitude. The sudden encounter leads to a twist of events that sees the old man take the young girl under his wing. Despite his gruff exterior, Zoroku is deeply compassionate. His traditional mannerisms clash with Sana’s unrestrained supernatural abilities, leading to an endearing and dynamic relationship that forms the core of the series.

Much of the charm of Alice & Zoroku comes from the juxtaposition of the mundane and supernatural. Sana, with her improbable abilities, is still a child learning to navigate life. On the other hand, Zoroku and his granddaughter Sanae provide the stability and ordinary life that Sana craves, despite the whirlwind of chaotic powers and ruthless pursuers that surround her.

As Zoroku strives to teach Sana about responsibility, consequences, and the importance of leading a normal life, viewers will find themselves oscillating between thrilling encounters, heartwarming moments, and belly-laugh-inducing scenarios. Given Sana's unpredictable powers, things seldom go as planned, leading to a series of gripping and spectacular events occurring in otherwise typical settings.

Apart from its enthralling storyline, Alice & Zoroku also shines in its creativity. Sana's ability to summon anything she imagines allows for the materialization of extraordinary visuals and surreal escapades to reality from her mind. The anime is a visual delight, filled with vivid and striking scenarios drawn from the boundless expanses of a child’s imagination, often contrasting powerfully with the stark realism of Zoroku's everyday life.

The anime series also does an excellent job at exploring characters and their development. Every main character goes through gradual transformations as the story unfolds. While Sana learns to handle her fears, to control her powers, and to understand the world, Zoroku, Sanae, and their friends also evolve, becoming more involved and understanding of the supernatural world only recently revealed to them.

Moreover, Alice & Zoroku speaks on a variety of themes and issues. This includes family, freedom, self-discovery, and the ethics of human experimentation. While the series weaves together a number of complex plotlines and themes, it retains an undercurrent of warmth and compassion at its core, making it a touching narrative that resonates on multiple levels.

Alice & Zoroku succeeds in blending the fantastical and ordinary, playing off of an exciting storyline that incorporates thrilling chases, dramatic plot twists, thought-provoking themes, and touching moments of slice-of-life. The series distinctively stands out in the anime world, presenting a unique story featuring an unlikely but endearing duo. With its thrilling supernatural elements, nuanced characters, engaging plot, and undercurrent of heartfelt warmth, Alice & Zoroku is an anime that promises a captivating viewing experience.