Armed Girl's Machiavellism

Armed Girl's Machiavellism is an anime series that grips its audience with a unique plot and fascinating characters. This 2015 release, first airing on Anime Strike, effortlessly combines action, school life, romance, and humor, resulting in an entertainment package that's hard to resist.

The anime is set in the Aichi Symbiosis Academy, a girls-only school which has recently turned co-ed. However, the setup is far from mundane. This academy offers a unique solution that promises to coalesce the two genders - the girls are allowed to carry weapons to defend themselves!

Control is maintained by a select group known as the "Five Supreme Five Swords” who with their exceptional martial art skills rule over the school with stringent rigour and discipline, leaving all who enter, especially the new male students, in a state of fear and obedient submission. In a sense, the title "Armed Girl's Machiavellism" perfectly encapsulates this peculiar premise where traditional school life meets an almost feudalistic code of conduct.

The plot takes a turn, introducing the protagonist of the series, Fudo Nomura. A notorious troublemaker with a rebellious spirit, Nomura refuses to play by the school rules and submit to the Five Swords. Unlike his male compatriots, he has no intention of living a life of subservience and prefers to take matters into his own hands. He is not afraid to challenge the status quo and, armed with his own weapon and martial prowess, Nomura attempts to garner his own freedom.

Underneath the action-packed, martial arts-fueled appearances, there’s a sensitive and vulnerable layer to the anime too. As new alliances are formed or old rivals turn into potential friends, the characters start to reveal their own inner complexities and unique histories. Each of the Five Swords, despite their outward strength, carries their own internal struggles and insecurities, making for a storytelling depth that engages the viewers and leaves them wanting to know more.

This contrast between the initial picture of violent suppression and the gradual unfolding of individual emotional battles is beautifully captured by the anime's art and animation. The character designs are distinctive and vibrant, the fight choreography is coherent and thrilling while the school's environment is sketched to enshrine an oppressive rule but also elements of hopeful uprising.

One more commendable aspect is the presence of a subtly built romantic subplot. It adds another dimension to the narrative without overshadowing the primary focus of the series. It also provides an effective counterpoint to the show's main themes of power and rebellion.

Armed Girl's Machiavellism blends its core themes into an exceptional viewing experience. For fans of action and martial arts, the anime delivers brilliantly choreographed fights and well-executed action sequences. There is a quintessential school drama angle too, with elements of friendship, rivalries, and classroom politics thrown into the mix. The clever use of humor, often used to alleviate the tension or amplify the absurdity of the situations, is another highlight of the series.

Viewers are also sure to appreciate the carefully layered character development. Nomura, for example, is initially set up as a traditional rebel character, but as the series progresses, the audience gradually begins to understand more about his motivations, personality, and true nature. The Five Swords boast an equally diverse palette, each with their own endearing qualities and individual quirks.

With Armed Girl's Machiavellism, viewers will get to experience high-octane action sequences, empathize with fascinating characters, peek into their struggles, laugh at well-timed comedic punches and even indulge in a little romance. It's a well-rounded anime package that leaves fans lured in from the first episode and hooked until the last, always wondering what will happen next in Aichi Symbiosis Academy.