You read the summary right -- this anime is based on a collection of poems. But for those who think it’s like the horrible literature classes at school, think again. “Utakoi” interprets and presents its poems, and it brings them to life beautifully.

Story -- Granted; there is no particular storyline. Each episode is based on different poems, and as such portrays a different story. And gods, these stories are little treats. Full of romance, humour, tragedy, conflicts, melancholy, and enough weirdness to hold the attention of practically everyone even half-interested in romantic stories. Based on history, but quite understandable actually, and still keeps up its historical feel even where it slips out of chronology. If you don’t regard the episodes as standalones, they tie into each other quite neatly during the anime’s two halves (eps 1 through 5 and 7 through 13… and episode 6 is a transition merely showing characters goofing off. ^^")

“Utakoi” might be a little liberal in its interpretation of poetry, and might even move a little fast at points, but it has its own charm, examining characters, time frame, and all-too human conflicts carefully. Romance, drama, humour, emotion, and here or there even philosophical touches.

Characters -- There’s little time to actually allow viewers to empathise with them, but all of them are so faultedly and feelingly human that that’s a small fault. Each character is an individual, everyone’s easily distinguished, and also quite lovable. Relationships move a little fast at points, but are interesting enough, and the charas act naturally. Considering time setting and genre, the interaction isn’t special, but tragedy, humour, and overall emotion are sure to keep people’s attention.

Some situations stay relatable through the times; on the other hand, some women’s passivity, where surely true to history, may send not only today’s feminists squirming.

Dialogue -- Easy to follow with its poetic moments and quite good flow. Poems add depth and context to just about any scene, and the voice acting’s well done, cut out a few moments of contemporary slang (they didn’t disturb me all that much, but then I might have missed some as my Japanese is far from good).

Music -- Everything but the anime’s time frame. ^^" The opener and most background music fit oddly well, but the ending theme can feel very out of place.

Art -- This, in contrast, is another treat. Reminiscent of Japanese woodblock paintings, it more than fits the anime. Patterns can be rather stylised, and outlining is far thicker than usual, but the effect’s stunning, especially hand in hand with the rich and detailed colouring. Character design is finely done, costumes comparably true to history and simply gorgeous in patterns and colour.

Animation -- Has its hiccups. Traditional clothing may not allow for gymnastics, but when the patterns on the material don’t shift even when the person moves, it looks odd nonetheless. It’s still far above average though, and can be quite detailed where it tries.

Entertainment -- If you’re in for something different, something easy on the eyes and mind, with romance, drama, tragic and humorous moments all the same, or if you love poetry, I can only recommend this. There may be a few anachronisms, the plot doesn’t exactly stick to chronology, and I could do without Fujiwara no Teika being a goofball at the beginning of each episode; but all these faults don’t take away from the charm “Utakoi” presents us with. It breathes life into literature from centuries ago, and it excels in it -- a treat in itself, and one I personally love.

And on a last note: This anime has thirteen episodes. For those wondering why the thirteenth isn't available at the moment, this archive is a double from "Chouyaku Hyakunin Isshu Uta Koi" (http://www.anime-access.com/anime/C/Chouyaku_Hyakunin_Isshu_Uta_Koi_%28TV%29). The atm missing thirteenth episode can be found there.

Cheers.~ (show less)