“I love war.”
As I mentioned in my review of the previous two seasons, the focus shifted almost entirely to the action, leaving politics as a footnote, an approach that somewhat detracted from the quality of the story, but the action definitely made up for it. was. However, the fourth season focuses on politics, specifically the conflict between the government and Lü Buwei, which eventually involves the Empress Dowager and ultimately becomes the biggest threat the Empress has ever faced.
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After the end of a large-scale combined operation, the entire country of China is in a state of economic turmoil, the cost of the war is heavy, and many of the main characters on the losing side are forced to leave the battlefield or are killed. Li Mok is one of the first category and for their failures. Despite winning the war, the state of Qin was not in a good financial position, and although Zheng’s actions in the allied forces had increased its confidence, the conflict between the chancellor and the king intensified in earnest. ing. Moreover, Lü Buwei, who seems to have no problem with his finances, plans to overthrow Zheng at the coronation ceremony in a year and a half.
Meanwhile, 20,000 Zhao troops marched against Qin. Lu cunningly suggests that Zheng take command, as the imperial court lacks generals capable of dealing with the looming threat. However, Cheng Zhao, Zheng’s half-brother, volunteers in his place. Their mutual trust deepened during the battle for the Allied Forces, and Mr. Zheng now accepts Mr. Zhao as his successor. However, it soon becomes clear that it was all Lu Buwei’s plan, and Shin finds himself once again trying to save Zheng from his predicament. As the day of his coronation approaches, the Prime Minister’s complex plans come to light, while the Empress Dowager, who has built her own castle and declared the birth of a new nation, also plays an important role.
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Given that the previous season was essentially one big battle, with the exception of the last two episodes, the change in approach to a more balanced narrative, albeit one that leans more politically, is Very welcome. This change in approach has worked very well for his three factions in the palace, Zheng, Lü Buwei and Empress Dowager, whose conflicts and interrelationships have been very interesting, resulting in changes in dominance, twists and side effects. Because you can see the switch. In a truly mesmerizing sight. Furthermore, the political duel between the two men’s philosophies at the coronation ceremony is interesting to watch, and at the same time, when combined with the battle raging in Xinyang, it maintains a delicate balance. It’s going very well.
Also noteworthy is how Kenichi Imaizumi and Kazuya Monma frame the villains of the story, their military branch being pretty despicable, especially when they start slaughtering children and women. The fact that Lu Buwei doesn’t care about casualties as long as he rules also puts him in the same light, but the Empress Dowager also comes across as a similarly despicable person, despite being poisoned. She is saved by taking care of the children of She keeps it for her eldest son. Thus, Zheng’s virtue is demonstrated, even if the punishment he advises his opponents is equally severe.
Additionally, although Xin re-emerges as a hero throughout the season’s two major arcs, the competition between Tian Meng and Wang Yun quickly turns the three into the final spot in the return of the Six Great Generals of Qin. I notice. Another level of the story will be explored more thoroughly in the next season. Finally, the political turmoil of Chu, which gradually emerges as Qin’s arch-adversary, cements the season’s fairly rich narrative, story-wise perhaps on par with the first season, and the best yet. is.
The action, although toned down, is as impressive as ever, but the CGI still looks repetitive (albeit with some improvement) and the deus ex machina metaphor is clearly overused. Additionally, while the battles in the first part of the story are somewhat unremarkable, the drama that actually dominates most of the battles throughout the season definitely makes up for it. This aspect actually emerges as one of the season’s best elements, with the agonizing over the fate of non-combatants, the deaths of key characters in the story, and the entire aftermath adding a new level to the battle. , it definitely makes them more interesting. Although there are no memorable one-on-ones this time, the aforementioned approach will definitely make viewers forget.
When it comes to technical aspects, Hisashi Abe’s character designs seem a bit more straightforward, especially in the facial features of the various protagonists, but that’s to be expected considering the amount of (new) characters introduced in the story. It’s the right thing to do. The backgrounds, on the other hand, look more impressive than ever, both in terms of color and amount of detail, both on the exterior and especially within the various palaces. The same goes for the character’s overall appearance, and the Empress is definitely a standout in that regard. Additionally, for the first time in the series, her arc includes erotic elements, which will definitely add to the season’s entertainment value and story depth. The animation by Studio Pierrot and Studio Signpost is as impressive as ever, both in action and non-action scenes.
“Kingdom Season 4” continues the series’ incredible legacy and cements its place as the best anime of all time in its category.
