The Story of Saiunkoku: The Complete Season One

In a fictional ancient China, in the land of Saiunkoku, Shurei Hong is a capable young woman of high ambitions and low means. Her court archivist father draws only a small salary, so Shurei works multiple jobs to ensure the upkeep of their large, dilapidated home. When the king's advisors ask Shurei to tutor the new ruler (in hopes of curbing his lazy ways), she jumps at the opportunity to earn more money—not knowing that she will ultimately serve and affect her country in ways no one can foresee. The first season of this sprawling anime unfolds at a mannerly pace, while Shurei and most of the rest of the cast are likeable and reasonably complex (and the villains avoid being shallow or annoying). Underneath all of the politics, scheming, and dreaming, The Story of Saiunkoku is ultimately about Shurei's personal journey of self-knowledge, and those who love her. Compiling all 39 episodes from the 2006–07 first season in a dual-language nine-disc boxed set, suitable for 13-up, this solid series mixing romance with occasional action is recommended. Aud: P. (L. Martincik)