Penguin Drum

Penguindrum, also known as Mawaru Penguindrum, is a blend of surreal fantasy, psychological thriller, and intricate narrative from acclaimed director Kunihiko Ikuhara, who is well-known for creative works that tend to push the boundaries in terms of narrative and visual storytelling. Originally aired in 2011, the story is spun intricately around themes of fate, love, survival, and family bonds that are obfuscated by the complexities of human emotions, societal pressures, and bitter reality.

The narrative follows the rollercoaster life of three siblings living in Tokyo: the Takakura family, composed of Kanba, Shōma, and Himari. They're content living in love and harmony despite being orphans and having to face the hardships of life day by day. However, their life turns upside down when Himari, the youngest sibling, collapses during an outing to the aquarium due to a terminal illness and passes away.

Their grief is short-lived when Himari miraculously springs back to life, but this miracle comes with strange conditions. Now wearing a peculiar penguin-shaped hat, Himari has gotten a new lease on life, granted by a strange entity that dwells within the hat which takes over her body at will. The entity directs the brothers to search for the elusive “Penguindrum” in exchange for Himari’s extended life. From this point on, the lives of the siblings, previously filled with hardship, delve into an even deeper pit of surreal chaos.

The story introduces a set of comedic but highly functional penguins that only the siblings can see. These penguins serve as the series’ mascot and comic relief. The penguins are not just added for levity, however; they have distinct personalities that complement and mirror the traits of the Takakura siblings. Their antics often add meaning to everyday scenes, serving as cryptic symbols or hints about unfolding plotlines.

Penguindrum rightly delivers as a tragedy and drama powerhouse packed with powerful emotion, entertaining fare – all while weaving this with elements of magical realism. However, the series is also a minefield of symbolism and thematic exploration ranging from literature, art, and real-world history, providing much food for thought and fuel for interpretation. Themes like love, death, sacrifice, fate, and societal expectations are delicately explored with psychological depth.

Visually, Penguindrum is a spectacle certain to catch the viewer's interest with its distinct, vibrant art, and complex visual metaphors. Its animation is colorful, experimental, and perfectly complements its surrealist narrative style. Key sequences are remarkable for their emphasis on symbolic imagery, like trains and apples that hold significant weight within the plot.

Another essential aspect of Penguindrum is the character development and relationships. The series goes beyond its main trio, giving depth to its diverse array of supporting characters, each carrying their own grief, mysteries, and desires. Their pasts, motivations, and actions are gradually revealed, adding layers to the narrative and reinforcing the thematic exploration.

With its unusual storytelling, emotional depth and complexity, Penguindrum is not an easy watch. It is a journey through a maze of intricate plotlines and symbolism - often requiring the audience to delve deep and dissect both the visuals and the story to appreciate its true depth. This non-linear storytelling, full of surreal motifs and metaphors, remains a hallmark of Ikuhara’s directorial style.

The series is a must-watch for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with a unique twist of fantasy and mystery. Invoking both laughter and tears, the Penguindrum is a journey of love, sacrifice, and survival, with a distinct flair that remains memorable long after one finishes watching the series.