Very well executed

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

I discovered this anime series last year on Crunchyroll, and immediately fell in love. I now have the series on DVD, and just re- watched it again with my sister, who is also now in love. I must say, that I cried and wept several times during the series. The most depressing part is that the series ends on a serious cliffhanger - unfortunately there was never a season 2. :(Guin is the ultimate hero - the swoonworthy warrior who is full of wisdom, compassion, resolute strength, and honor. He is someone I would pledge my sword & shield to without hesitation if I were a knight or soldier in this world of Guin Saga.The animation is lovely, the music is beautiful, the characters are incredibly well-developed, and there is much mystery, masterful story-telling and the human struggles of right & wrong, good & evil, loyalty & betrayal, etc. If I could give this series 20 stars, I would. I also bought the first book in the series, and will read as much as I can because I am obsessed with finding out how this saga ends...