Maria the Virgin Witch

Maria the Virgin Witch is a fascinating anime series that debuted in 2015 from FUNimation Entertainment, a Texas-based, American entertainment company known for dubbing and distributing foreign content, predominantly anime series. Tapping into the evergreen allure of historical fantasy combined with quintessential aspects of anime style story-telling, the series explores themes of war, religion, human nature, and the ethereal battle of good versus evil through the one-of-a-kind lens of anime.

The storyline is set in the Hundred Years War during the Middle Ages in Europe, predominantly in France, providing a vibrant, aged backdrop caparisoned with ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, and the raw, unrefined beauty typical of that era. The protagonist, Maria, is not just another young maiden; she is a formidable witch known throughout the region for her abilities. Despite her unconventional vocation and the fear she incites among villagers, Maria is emboldened by her pacifistic ideology, always standing up against violence and atrocities.

Recognizing the horrors of the incessant warfare tearing villages apart, Maria is deeply moved to intervene and bring back peace, using her magical prowess. Her unique abilities range from brewing potent healing concoctions, control over mythical creatures, to altering the course of weather phenomena, all of which find strategic utilization throughout the series to prevent battles that would otherwise ravage the communities and the livelihoods of the innocent.

However, Maria's deep-seated aversion to conflict and longing for a peaceful solution for humanity doesn't sit well with everyone. The heavens themselves take notice of her interference in human affairs, categorizing it as meddling with the natural order of things and the divine will. A chastity clause enacted by the divine decree engenders further challenges for Maria. According to this mandate, the moment Maria loses her virginity, she also loses her witchery, thus adding another layer of dynamism to the storyline.

Featuring an ensemble cast of characters, each offered fleshed out backstories and character arcs, the series brings more depth to the table. There is Ezekiel, a novice angel tasked with overseeing Maria's actions, who faces her philosophical dilemma regarding neutrality. Artemis and Priapus, Maria’s familiars -- created from her magic, add comedic and sometimes raw and sensitive insights to the story dynamic creating a unique interpersonal chemistry within the show.

While focusing on stories of conflict and divine intervention, friendship, love, and humanity are also intertwined in a web of intricate narrative threads that beautifully highlight the diversity of human emotions and ambitions. Layered atop is the challenging dilemma of a personal pursuit of peace against the broad canvas of worldly chaos, creating an enthralling premise that propels the series forward.

Maria the Virgin Witch's animation style takes inspiration from traditional Japanese anime with detailed, nuanced character designs to match each character's intricacies. The backdrop of war-torn France has been depicted with an impressive level of grounding detail, effectively emulating the era's thick, gloomy atmosphere, yet balanced well with instances of scenic beauty. Both the opening and ending themes of the series feature upbeat rock tracks keeping pace with the strong personalities and the array of happenings as the series unfolds.

Developed by Production I.G. and directed by Goro Taniguchi, the series stays faithful to Masayuki Ishikawa's original manga of the same name. The series dabbles with big questions of morality, the nature of good and evil, free will, and the role of divine beings while grounded in historical reality, spiked with fantastical elements and delightful wit.

Maria the Virgin Witch is an undisputed gem in FUNimation’s roster, offering not just grand entertainment but also intricate layers of thought-provoking questions that viewers will be left to ponder long after they finish the series. It is a must-watch for anime enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike who have a penchant for engaging storylines, intense character study, and charismatic visuals.