Nobunaga the Fool

Nobunaga the Fool is a complex and intriguing animated television series. Originating from TV Tokyo, it first aired in 2014 as the product of prominent animator Shoji Kawamori, the creative mind behind influential mecha shows like the Macross franchise. The show is an evocative blend of history, science-fiction, and fantasy, built around alternative history that wraps itself around well-known figures in both Eastern and Western storylines.

The plot of Nobunaga the Fool is prominently displayed in a universe that consists of two planetary bodies, aptly named the Eastern and Western Planets, which mirror the real-world continental divisions of East and West. The inhabitants of the two planets have been engaged in endless warfare for as long as anyone can remember. Utilizing mecha, a subgenre of giant robot anime, as the primary modus operandi for mass combat, the series intricately takes viewers through the grandeur of cosmic battles and the complexities of geopolitical strategy in a delightfully convoluted universe.

The main character is the enigmatic titular Fool, Nobunaga Oda, historically known as a 16th-century daimyo who attempted to unify Japan. A charismatic and ambitious young man of the Eastern Planet, he carries the uncanny ability to control an ancient mecha war machine known as 'Regalia'. His courage, wisdom, and at times erratic behavior distinguish him as a unique and compelling protagonist, earning him simultaneous admiration and wariness from those around him.

But, Nobunaga the Fool isn’t the only historical figure being brought back in this ridiculous display of animated liberty. Additional key characters include power figures like Leonardo da Vinci from the Star of the West and Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Nobunaga's right-hand man. These characters, imbued with contrasting personalities and colorful traits, spin the tale into a grand tapestry of interpersonal relationships, political intrigue, and epic earth-shattering conflicts.

The essence of Nobunaga the Fool lies in its careful balancing act of history and fantasy. The series skillfully takes beloved titans of history from both Worlds, infusing them with a unique spin, while making sure they retain a trace of truth to their historical roots. This makes for a fascinating watch, generating a dynamic tension between what we know about these characters and what the series presents.

The 3D animation for the mecha battles is fluid and detailed, offering addictively cathartic viewing pleasure with its intricate art style and engaging composition. Alongside the impressively executed combat scenes, the series is equally memorable for its proficient exploration of human drama. The characters are individually unique, yet their interaction and development feel cohesive within the context of the plotline. The narrative dares the audience to dive into the ideological struggles of the characters as they grapple with their destinies against the backdrop of war, politics, betrayal, and love.

Musically, the series doesn't disappoint either. The opening themes, breathtakingly heartfelt, and the ending themes, hauntingly beautiful, make for an aural feast. The musical scores coupled with the frenzied battles and quieter interpersonal moments create an atmosphere that is a mix of epic scale and intimate emotion.

Despite the layered architectural fantasy setting, Nobunaga the Fool directs much of its focus on the characters and the complicated web of relationships they weave. Full of the trials and tribulations of close friendships, the shock of betrayal, the pain of love, and the lead’s rocky road to becoming the 'King of the Stars', the series does well to ground the grandeur of its universe in the intimate struggle of its characters.

Despite its complicated plot, the series does a commendable job of reeling in the viewer with a sense of awe and fascination. If one is a fan of history, mecha, or profound character dynamics, Nobunaga the Fool provides an anime experience that truly stands out from the rest in its genre.

The fusion of historical characters with sci-fi elements in a grand narrative earns Nobunaga the Fool its status as a must-watch, markedly memorable addition to the realm of anime.

Emotionally engrossing, visually impressive, and conceptually challenging – Nobunaga the Fool encapsulates the best of dramatic storytelling and anime production.