Rakudai Majo

Imagine being tasked with writing a fairy tale about a young witch and an evil sorceress for kids aged 8-12, but you're not particularly inspired. The result? A tale that's simple, predictable, and brimming with the most basic lessons about the power of friendship triumphing over evil. At times, viewers might find themselves scratching their heads — like pondering the origins of the evil sorceress, or questioning the necessity of certain explanations (did we really need a detailed account of the princess's relationship with her brother?). On the bright side, the animation holds up decently, and there are a few imaginative touches, like the amusement park scenes. However, the film lacks the enchantment one would expect from a story about witches and magic. Elements like game consoles and the oddly dressed Chitose (T-shirt, shorts) feel out of place amidst the traditional fairy tale setting of princesses, knights, and castles. Romance attempts fall flat, and many characters, including the protagonist, fail to charm. While it might entertain some kids for a single viewing, it didn't leave much of an impression on me. It's a passable watch once, but I doubt I'd revisit it or seek out more stories from this world. 4/10 (23.04.2024)