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Maria-sama ga Miteru  Maria-sama
ga Miteru Production: Rondo Robe/Studio DEEN Rating: 12+ Currently Unlicensed Maria-sama ga Miteru (or Marimite for short) tells the story of Yumi Fukuzawa, a new first year student at Lillian School for Girls, an exclusive Catholic all-girl school. Instead of traditional Sempai/Kohai system like most public schools in Japan, Lillian School has a "soeur" system (Soeur is french for "sister"). The older classmates usually takes a "soeur" in the form of a younger classmate and guides them through school until it is time for the younger classmates to take a soeur of their own. In the middle of this is the Yamayurikai, which is the Lillian equivlant of the Student Council. The Yamayurikai is headed by the Three Roses: Rosa Gigantea (White), Rosa Chinensis (Red), and Rosa Foetida (Yellow).. Each Rose has an "en bouton", a soeur who will eventually take over for the current Roses, and under the boutons is the "petite soeurs", who are usually first years.... Got all that? For awhile now Yumi has secretly admired Sachiko Ogasawara, whom is Rosa Chienesis en bouton. Sachiko is a quiet, reserved student from a 'high-society' family, whereas Yumi doesn't hide her feelings from others, the type that shows her emotion on her sleeve, and her family is of the middle class. One day an incident happens that causes Sachiko to choose Yumi as her petite soeur out of pure luck, but as much as Yumi likes Sachiko, she decides not to accept her rosary (A necklace that symbolizes that you are someones' soeur). Sachiko was trying to find a petite soeur so she could get out of playing the lead role in the Student Coucil's play, and by finding Yumi, she thought that she would be able to get out of it, but when Yumi rejects Sachiko's offer, it sets up a bet between them that Sachiko can get Yumi to accept her rosary. From there, the story sets on as Yumi continues to interact with members of the Yamayurikai and becomes friends with each. Marimite is a fun little series with lots of drama and bits of comedy here and there. But it's not for everyone. First off, this series deals with girlxgirl relationships. Relax, it's not as drastic as you may think, and it's actually quite tame compared to your standard hentai title. As these girls have a sister relationship, nothing is really explicit...although there are a couple relationships where romantic interests are a possibility. Overall, it's nothing too offensive, especially if you seen shows like Utena or Battle Athletes. Another possible offender is the heavy religious overtones. The title of this show basically translates to "The Virgin Mary is Watching Over Us". Each day, the students pray in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary, and the school is a Catholic school. They don't force the issue of religion here, and aside from a couple scenes taking place in the church and the said praying, you almost forget its a catholic school. Also, the story may seem to dull for some who prefers fast-paced action stories, while the focus here is drama, there is little need for fast-paced storytelling. But don't let these deterrants stop you from checking this title out. The spotlight of the show is Yumi of course, she's like the total complete opposite of Sachiko, and the others for that matter. While everyone else seems lady-like and reserved, Yumi is quick to blurt out how she feels and her facial expressions rarely leave any imagination as to what is on her mind. Sachiko is real fun to watch as well, although reserved and quiet, she is easy to get tempered and very quick to get jealous as well. If I could relate any film to Yumi's and Sachiko's relationship, I'd say it closely resembles Disney's Lady and the Tramp. The other girls also have unique relationships with each other, but to find out more, you'll just have to watch 
Overall, Marimite is a great series if you love your drama (and sometimes melodrama). However, I can't really recommend it for everyone due to the religious and shoujo-ai overtones, but if you can look past those, its a sure bet you'll enjoy it. Final Grade B- |