Note: Alps no Shoujo Heidi is the Romaji title to Heidi the Girl of the Alps. I will shorten said title to Alps no Shoujo most of the time. About half of the review contains thematic analysis which will be marked accordingly as I consider them significantly spoilery while only plot spoilers will be in spoiler tags. Theres a tldr by the end. As always feedback is really appreciated On with the review All things will work for good To those who trust in Me I come with healing on my wings To save and set thee free. Johanna Spyri in her book Heidi All in all not quite what it seems Going into this work I wasnt expecting to experience something nearly as remarkable as it ended up being. It was a series that i first came in touch with at a tender age so for some reason I thought surely it wouldnt surpass the typical coziness of slice of lifeish country routine representation. Even my peers on the website who had better memory of Alps no Shoujo than me led me to believe that my seemingly weak line of thought was right and that I was better off not touching it with surgical gloves or Id be disappointed. After watching the first episode however I felt the need to reprogram myself. It was a cozy experience for the most part like anticipated sure but it had something else. A significant basis for some potentially interesting drama yet to unveil was being built. An ambitious network in its own way On one hand Alps no Shoujos strait narrative makes it so the series has this sense of humility through which the emotional core takes shape as its structure makes you feel right at home and like you can take one event at a time. On the other hand I would compare the narratives thematic sense to that of a psychological piece for how much the series developments and insights rely on the manipulation of variables such as the settings nature and characters disposition and how every main piece seems to symbolyze a philosophy or way of living. Despite this most of the drama occurs and is solved in the portrayal of our characters daily routines. Slowly but never fragmented Alps no Shoujos ideas are developed thoroughly. Both episodically and in an overarching maner this 52 episode long spiritual journey up the Alps knows how to mature its ideas in a way that is steady and true to self aiding itself with all levels of hardship and wholesome recompenses many times interleaved with meadows of tranquil. A portrayal that follows an organic current Though offering a lot of food for thought abrasive and preachy might as well be considered obsolete words in this series dictionary and that means its still a great watch even if youre indifferent towards its message. It takes its own time accommodating you to the setting which as always might be a turn off for some and good news for others. In my opinion the pacing isnt a problem if you appreciate solid characterization and understand the need for it for an aspiring character driven narrative. I dont recall fillery content arcs or episodes that I would remove from this work except for one which I will tackle later. Besides I think its a piece of media that knows how to exalt the little moments and it feels like its proud of that. 300https://i.ur.com/eL33F1W.jpg A thematically connected and diverse cast of characters The more I write on the thematical analysis segments the more every element in the story feels meticulously planned out and I honestly wished everyone could read the spoilery content of the review. The characters offer a refreshing variety of perspectives and personalities that when mashed together deliver enjoyable interactions and pertinent conflicts. I feel like even the series layout by itself is so well put together you cant help but think about this piece of media outside of the watch itself. beginning of thematic analysis part 1 A group of stagnated individuals One of the images the series outputs to many is this idealization of the humble way of life lead by those living in the mountainside and while it is true to an extent on a closer inspection we are able to witness how the cast already living in the Alps at the beginning meets Heidi in what Id consider stale moments of their lives. Firstly we are presented to a seemingly mad at life old man that lives isolated from the community at his own free will. Later on Peter makes his debut and though its hard to decipher in the first meeting he has a hard time being responsible and most of the time throughout the Winter just skips school. Also he is quite neglective of his relationship with his grandmother who is forced by her lack of vision and mobility to keep herself within the routine. Now concerning the Frankfurt setting Klara is another key character at unfolding the series crux message since her initial representation is that of a fragile dim lit child that is very dependent on others be it physically or emotionally. She is surrounded by people that help her in excess because of her physical condition and that even without ill intent end up worsening her state. Even Klara herself acts as a caged bird at times when at one point seeking solace and avoiding facing a world of pain inconvenience and loneliness which is a painfully relatable situation for me. 300https://i.ur.com/gk6ApZQ.jpg Most of these characters even living in an healthy environment missed something to feel spiritually active while Klara lived surrounded by an atmosphere that perpetuated her condition and needed both a change of setting and a trigger to evolve. How the child spirit can bring more life to an already very lived in setting Heidi is what I like to call the embodiment of the child spirit. These types of characters can be really endearing so long as their actions feel justified by their background social role and/or present environment. To be honest I was expecting her to be more restrained in her nature at first taking into account her troubled past but It makes sense for her to be happier in her present environment and her position as a child brings this inevitable energy to her surroundings. I really appreciate narratives that make use of a characters aura to change others while at the same time if possible looking inward and changing themselves. Heidi incorporates the child spirit really well and shows how that type of character can be healing and transform a stale environment. But what makes her so moving? She is responsible and likes to take things into her own hands whenever she can and when she cant shes open to learning which leads spectators to feel inspired. She knows how to appreciate what she has at all times and finds joy in getting out of her comfort zone which I think is fundamental in creating an uplifting atmosphere too. Sociability and independence As much as the Human being has individuality and should cherish it we are also social creatures and one concept cant exist without the other. To acknowledge we are sociable its necessary to comprehend that we have barriers and independence and sociability work that way too in my mind. While Alps no Shoujo is to me about how autonomy is key to happiness it also offers some insight onto how being accessible is important to lead a healthy life. Independence doesnt necessarily mean to close off from the world. When a childlike aura is inserted in the midst of individuals that either have difficulties interacting with others Peter are simply not integrated in a group Klara lack a sense of enjoyment in what they do Peters Grandmother or all of the above AlmOnji interesting developments are sure to occur. Heidis granddad is one of my favorite characters after Heidi herself 300https://i.ur.com/pRktmSA.jpg Contrariwise independece seems to be a result of how inconvenient an environment is as its a characteristic only the main characters of the Alps share while Frankfurt characters are portrayed as either physically Rottenmeier or physiopsychologically dependent Klara on others at first even if the latter is more open to change due to being still very young. As much as a lot of media like to idealize individuals as being able to reach their goals from which they will never decline most of us tend to have a more complicated relationship with our petty feelings. As much as Klara can be annoying at times I think if we stop and think about it we too are annoying and imperfect in our journeys to reach our objectives. end of thematic analysis part 1 As an adaptation With Takahata as director one can anticipate thoughtfulness in the managing of emotions as he can easily handle disparate feelings such as coziness and despair while his Ghibli companion Miyazaki shows an eye for making nature shine through in whatever he puts his hands on. Visually not the most consistently slick of animation works but most of the art looks so good that you end up forgiving the lack of fluidity in movements at times. not a spoiler just a little video to illustrate what I mean The japanese soundtrack while limited in quantity aged well and its use doesnt stick to formulaic tendencies aiding the series in portraying a decent emotional palette. My favorite track is Yuugata no Uta. https://open.spotify.com/track/3FNdFUWPtfHuTEGfHIfepk?si=LAYGizdhTIGVwaK3Y0HyoQutmsource=copylink https://youtu.be/UL0OnX8OpU Side note: I havent read the source material so I wont be commenting on it or what the adaptation mightve changed. Though to my knowledge it did alter a semikey moment or two. Episode 7 and why this series is not a 10/10 for me As much as I wanted to not be negative about this series on this review I feel like I should tackle this issue since its too big to ignore and its not about technicalities it concerns an idea by itself that clashes with my fundamental values. Besides Im also here to try to convince you that though the message of this mini arc aged poorly you should continue with the series as it doesnt influence its future quality. start of thematic analysis part 2 This episode basically tries to make a statement on how just like love is important in animal education discipline is also key. While there is nothing wrong with that intent the series goes about it in a way I dont agree with portraying how threatening is fruitful in exercising order. end of thematic analysis part 2 In conclusion Start of thematic conclusion Alps no Shoujo Heidi is in my eyes a moving depiction of independence and sociability as key factors to thriving individuals showing how inconvenience propelled by childlikeness brings about prosperity. end of thematic conclusion Its a series that nourishes its ideas with respect for the narratives natural flow and with the intent that the viewers have a role in interpreting part of the works message by their own eyes. Alps no Shoujo feels timeless both as a heartfelt adaptation and as an emotive insight into a healing community. A narrow narrative provides the series with a familiar feel while thematically its a work that nurtures my love for psychological pieces though it has a balanced sense of exposition and it approaches its ideas mostly in an iyashikei like manner. Special thanks : 220https://i.ur.com/s2bfv3V.jpg . .. ... just kidding