The World is Still Beautiful

The anime, The World is Still Beautiful (Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii), introduces viewers to a unique geopolitical fantasy setting defined by elemental control. The narrative centers on Nike Remercier, the fourth princess of the small, rain-controlling nation known as the Rain Dukedom. Following a political arrangement designed to secure peace and prevent annexation, Nike is dispatched to the powerful Sun Kingdom to marry its formidable ruler. To her surprise, the legendary Sun King, Livius I (Livi), the conqueror who brought the world under his dominion in just three years, is revealed to be an arrogant and stubborn young boy who barely looks older than twelve. The core conflict arises from their vastly different expectations and personalities: Nike, a free-spirited and powerful rain summoner, clashes immediately with the cold, pragmatic, and lonely young monarch. The story meticulously charts their evolving relationship, moving from initial hostility and mistrust toward genuine understanding and affection. Set against the opulent backdrop of the Sun Kingdom’s court, the series explores themes of duty versus personal happiness, cultural assimilation, and the burdens of immense power thrust upon a child. Nike’s ability to call the rain, often through song, is a central magical element, symbolizing her connection to her heritage and her emotional state, which frequently challenges the Sun Kingdom's arid environment and sun-worshiping traditions. As they face internal political machinations and external threats, Nike teaches Livius empathy and joy, while Livius offers Nike protection and a purpose, culminating in a powerful, age-gap romance that drives the series' emotional and political stakes.

The World is Still Beautiful presents a structurally sound shoujo fantasy that successfully balances courtly drama with intimate character study. The animation, primarily handled by Studio Pierrot, utilizes vibrant color palettes, particularly evident in the depiction of the Sun Kingdom's architecture and the fluid, magical sequences when Nike summons the rain. While the overall visual execution is competent, certain sequences exhibit minor inconsistencies in character models during high-motion scenes, though these do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The music, especially the vocal track associated with Nike's rain song, is exceptionally utilized, serving as both a narrative device and an emotional anchor. The pacing of the series is generally effective, allocating appropriate time to both the political intrigue surrounding Livius's reign and the development of the central romance. Character development is arguably the show's strongest element. Nike is portrayed as a grounded, resilient heroine whose assertiveness prevents the relationship dynamics from becoming overly subservient, while Livius's transition from a guarded, tyrannical child to a more compassionate ruler feels earned and genuinely motivated by Nike's presence. The voice acting performances by Maaya Uchida (Nike) and Nobuhiko Okamoto (Livius) are crucial, lending necessary depth and complexity to their contrasting personalities. Thematic exploration focuses heavily on the nature of leadership and the bridging of cultural divides, handled with maturity, preventing the inherent age difference in the relationship from becoming overly sensationalized and instead focusing on mutual respect and emotional growth.