Yona of the Dawn (2014-15)

Title:  Yona of the Dawn
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure, Fantasy
Production Co.: Pierrot
Director: Kazuhiro Yoneda
Starring: Chiwa Saitou, Tomoaki Maeno, Junko Minagawa


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of girl-led adventures.

What is this about?
A young princess must learn to fight to take back her kingdom.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
The Kingdom of Kouka.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded good.

How did I like this?
It did get off to a bit of a rough start with Yona being a shouty heroine, and in fact, lots of characters were quite shouty. But it tones down as the story moves along and gets more serious. I really liked seeing how Yona was able to remain determined without ever becoming cruel, which is what drew her companions to her.

Have you seen Yona of the Dawn? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

My Lady Jane (2024)

Title: My Lady Jane
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 50 minutes
Release Date: June 27, 2024
Genre(s): Historical, Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: Parkes/MacDonald Image Nation
Creator: Gemma Burgess
Starring: Emily Bader, Edward Bluemel, Anna Chancellor


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like fun.

What is this about?
History is rewritten to be more fantastical and fun and horny.

When would be a good time to watch this?
ASAP.

Where does it take place?
1553 London.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I've been interested in the books forever, but never got around to them.

How did I like this?
This is so much fun! It's not what I was expecting at all, in a great way! It's hilarious and exciting and horny! It's an all around amazing time!

Have you seen My Lady Jane? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Sasaki and Peeps (2024)

Title: Sasaki and Peeps
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: January 5, 2024
Genre(s): Fantasy, Anime, Series
Production Co.: SILVER LINK.
Director: Mirai Minato
Starring: Aoi Yuuki, Tomokazu Sugita, Naomi Oozora


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes cute animal companions and magical action.

What is this about?
A salaryman decides to get a pet, and winds up with a magical bird who gets him dragged into some intrigue in his world and a magical realm.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon.

Where does it take place?
Tokyo and the Kingdom of Hertz.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked super fun!

How did I like this?
It's so cute! And different than how I expected, but in a good way. Sasaki loves cute animals and that is adorable! Peeps just a cute little guy! And there's plenty of action, but nothing too over-the-top. I'm general a sucker for someone using modern tech/items/knowledge to start a posh life in a fantasy world.

Have you seen Sasaki and Peeps? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023-24)

Title: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: September 29, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Anime, Series
Production Co.: Madhouse
Director: Keiichirou Saitou
Starring: Atsumi Tanezaki, Kana Ichinose, Chiaki Kobayashi


Who would I recommend this to?
Those looking for something cozy, but still with moments of excitement.

What is this about?
A thousand-year-old elf mage goes on a journey.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you're in a cozy mood.

Where does it take place?
An unnamed fantasy world, all across it.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked good and is popular.

How did I like this?
 I really enjoyed it. The more bloody scenes caught me off guard, but overall this is really chill and cozy. It's quite slow paced, but never boring. I want to be Frieren when I grow up.

Have you seen Frieren? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bridgerton - Season 3 (2024)

Title: Bridgerton - Season 3
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: May 16, 2024
Genre(s): Historical, Romance, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Shondaland
Creator: Chris Van Dusen
Starring: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Ruth Gemmell


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
Women stepping into their power!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now.

Where does it take place?
Mayfair, 1815.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Bridgerton. Duh.

How did I like this?
This might be my favorite season? I was concerned at first, not because it was bad. But because there is SO MUCH going on. Several couples and multiple other side plots. It had me worried that they were rushing storylines because the show is in jeopardy? I'm hoping those worries are unfounded, because I need more! 

Have you seen Bridgerton? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fashion Lala: The Story of the Harbour Light (1988)

Title: Fashion Lala: The Story of the Harbour Light
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 48 minutes
Release Date: March 11, 1988
Genre(s): Anime, Drama, Fantasy
Production Co.: Pierrot
Director: Motosuke Takahashi
Starring: Yuriko Yamamoto, Eriko Hara, Hidekatsu Shibata


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who enjoy cheesy '80s anime and cute stuff.

What is this about?
A young girl wants to design dresses for an upcoming dance competition, but her family is mean!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have a free moment for brain candy.

Where does it take place?
I don't know, actually....

Why did I decide to watch this?
A friend posted about it and I thought it looked cute!

How did I like this?
This was sooo delightfully '80s! It was definitely cheesy, but it was fun. And a nice way to pass some time. It's definitely something I would have watched as a kid and then thought I dreamed up.

Have you seen Fashion Lala? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 4 (2012)

Title: RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 4
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 40 minutes
Release Date: January 30, 2012
Genre(s): Reality, Series, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: World of Wonder Productions
Starring: RuPaul, Santino Rice, Michelle Visage


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who want to be entertained with early '10s drag hijinks.

What is this about?
Thirteen queens compete to be America's next drag superstar!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need a little drama in your life that isn't your own.

Where does it take place?
The werkroom and main stage.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I missed it all those years ago!

How did I like this?
Favorite old season that I hadn't seen before! I enjoyed sooo many of the queens this time around! It's a shame about Sharon though, because I really liked her in the competition, but knowing what went on behind the scenes and afterward, is just not good.

Have you seen RuPaul's Drag Race? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?