Nadia - The Secret Of Blue Water

Nadia - The Secret Of Blue Water is a compelling adventure anime series produced by the renowned Japanese broadcaster, NHK that aired from 1990 to 2003. With its rich storyline, compelling characters, exquisite animation, and thought-provoking themes, the show captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. Having its inception rooted in a concept that legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki once conceived for a series in the '70s, the show was finally actualized under the expertise of director Hideaki Anno, known for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion.

The story of Nadia - The Secret Of Blue Water revolves around the titular character Nadia, a young circus acrobat hailing from Africa, and Jean, an ingenious French inventor. Mysteries shroud Nadia's past and future, especially relating to the brilliant blue pendant she possesses. Orphaned at a young age and possessing no memories prior to her time at the circus, Nadia’s sole remnant from her past is the radiant blue pendant that she holds dearly.

The narrative is spun into action when Nadia's path crosses with Jean's at the World Fair in Paris. Fascinated by her agile acrobatics and the glow of her blue pendant, Jean quickly befriends Nadia. Their friendly acquaintance soon embarks them on an exciting yet perilous adventure as a group of jewel thieves sets their eyes on Nadia's pendant.

As the series unfolds, Jean and Nadia, accompanied by Jean's pet lion cub King and their subsequent companions, journey across the world to learn the secrets that the pendant, known as the Blue Water, holds. Their adventure takes them from the sky-high towers of Paris to the mysterious depths of the sea, surviving against jewel thieves, encountering mysterious ancient civilizations, and unraveling a greater conspiracy at the same time.

Through the course of unprecedented perils and breathtaking adventures, the duo uncover shocking revelations about the Blue Water, the lost city of Atlantis, and Nadia's true origins. The unraveling of these secrets proves to have unfathomable implications on the course of world history and the very existence of humanity.

With the setting of a neo-steampunk universe during the late industrial era, the theme of the show is primarily exploration and adventure. The series successfully incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, and historical references, propelling the narrative forward in intriguing trajectories. A noteworthy part of the show is that it plays with the concept of futuristic technology in a unique post-Victorian timeline.

Another engaging aspect of Nadia - The Secret Of Blue Water is its character development. As the series spans over 39 episodes, it provides enough space and time for the characters to grow and evolve. From innocence and naivety, to understanding the difficulties of life, the protagonist duo faces the thrills and spills of their adventure with steadfast courage and budding maturity.

Equally commendable is the show’s detailed and beautiful animation. From depicting complicated mechanical devices, lush landscapes, grandiose buildings, to intricate action sequences, the animators truly brought the world of Nadia and Jean to life. Moreover, the accompanying soundtrack, blending French and African influences, perfectly fits the tone of the series, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Nadia - The Secret Of Blue Water is a must-watch for aficionados of adventure anime. Not only does it tell an engaging story with likeable characters, but it also brings forth philosophical questions about humanity and the potential repercussions of unbridled technological advancement. It is a series that successfully combines elements of history, science fiction, and fantasy into one captivating narrative, ultimately living up to its legacy as one of the classics of 1990s anime.