Maria Watches Over Us (2004– ) User Reviews

Nice sweet Yuri anime

[Irishchatter · 8/10 · 12 April 2018]

I quite enjoyed this anime, it was pretty simple enough to follow. It wasnt always girly girly, it was really all about the lives of being a school girl in a boarding school and finding who you truly love. Although I wouldn't call this yuri anime my favourite as Strawberry Panic is but the girls were likeable. Yumi and Sachiko definately should've been more loveable to each instead of Yumi trying it out on other girls in my opinon. However, I wouldn't let that throw me off because this series was actually not that bad!

I definately recommend this anime, 8/10!

Complicated

[Mysterygeneration · 6/10 · 18 January 2024]

I have a complicated past with this series. I ended up watching every season even though I just started watching it because some people were complaining about another show stealing a very well-known sequence from Maria-sama ga Miteru.

Right now, this is my favorite TV show. However, I didn't particularly enjoy it at the time; I watched it all very quickly, and I don't think that's how this series was intended to be viewed. I made a lot of mistakes the first time, which led to the impression that the characters were observing other people inanely. For example, it's simple to binge-watch those slice-of-life school comedies if you're only looking for a few laughs, but Maria-sama ga Miteru offers rich interpersonal relationships, believable characters, and a character development that makes it worthwhile to take your time.

Overall, the seiyuu are excellent and do a great job of expressing the emotions and ideas of the characters. The animation, on the other hand, could have been better; some scenes appear a little artificial or even mechanical, but generally, I don't believe it takes away much from the series, and I liked the artwork.

Unlike most f/f shows, this one is intriguing and unique. For lovers of melodramatic minor character lesbians, this is a must-watch because of the delicious subtextual f/f and canon content.

However, I think that even for people who aren't very into f/f or don't like it, Maria-sama ga Miteru would be entertaining. If the excellent characterisation is what you're looking for in anime, then that should be enough to lure you in. To put it another way, if you're inclined to view it that way, this series doesn't necessary focus on f/f too much. That's the allure of subtext.

Oh, and in case it counts, the setting-a private Catholic all-girls school-and the series name don't center on religion. It essentially just revolves around a bunch of young ladies and the relationships that develop between them, which I suppose puts it squarely in the shoujo genre.

Therefore, Maria-sama ga Miteru is not suggested for people who just like to see two females in ridiculous, compromising scenarios or for those who just like panty shots. (Please watch the seinen series for that fanservice content; this does not contain any fanservice.) Those who enjoy a lot of action should not watch this, in my opinion, as there isn't much of it. This is also not for you if you need a grand narrative to keep your interest because it's slice-of-life with a strong dramatic undertone. This is for fans who have been waiting impatiently for a series with, at last, compelling characters.

Maria Watches Over Us

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 20 August 2013]

Set in the Lillian Girls' Academy, a Catholic school, this Shojo anime follows protagonist Yumi Fukuzawa; a first year student. It is a tradition at the school that older girls adopt younger ones as their 'petite sœurs' (little sisters) and Yumi is surprised when she is invited to become the petite sœur of Sachiko Ogasawara; a member of the prestigious student council. This is soon the talk of the school as it looks as though Yumi will turn her down! Once she finally accepts the offer she grows closer to Sachiko as well as getting closer to the other members of the council and their petite sœurs.

Over the course of the series Yumi and the other girls act in a fairly natural way although the way the school is run is obviously a little bit unlikely but that doesn't matter as it serves the story well. It is clear that the various pairs have feelings for each other but this is never gratuitous; these are romantic relationships rather than blatantly sexual ones. The cast isn't too large meaning that all the main characters can be well developed over the course of the series. The character designs are distinctive meaning one is never confused about who is who and the animation is pretty good. One of the strengths of the series is the way is believably captures teenage anxieties with the girls wanting to fit in and gain the approval of the others and showing minor jealousies without them becoming melodramatic. It is obvious that this series is aimed at girls but that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed by male viewers… I certainly enjoyed it more than I expected.

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

Maria Watches Over Us (Series Two)

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 24 October 2013]

If you haven't watched the first series; just titled 'Maria-sama ga Miteru', yet, you should as it serves to introduce the characters and show the relationships between them. If you have seen the first series you'll have a good idea what to expect. It is approaching the end of the school year at Lillian High School and the girls are getting used to the fact that some of their friends will be leaving soon; this includes 'Rosa Gigantica', Sei Sato, although we still see her in later episodes as she attends the college attached to the school. The biggest change is the introduction of Toko Matsudair; a distant cousin of Sachiko and a possible rival for Yumi. Her presence leads to Yumi getting downcast for the second half of the series as she feels her relationship with Sachiko is crumbling and she can't seem to figure out what to do to save it.

Having enjoyed the first series I expected to enjoy this one too… and I did; in fact I think I enjoyed this more; whether that is because it is actually better or because I already cared about the characters I can't really say. The animation is just as good as before, which is hardly surprising as it was made by the same studio. Once again the drama is emotion rather than action oriented and the relationships continue to be highly emotional without hinting of any sexual element. The story progressed nicely and dealt with school friendships in a believable way. In summary if you enjoyed the first series you are almost certain to enjoy this and if you didn't I don't imagine you'd consider watching more anyway!

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

Maria ga miteru.

[diaz-karina112 · 10/10 · 25 January 2024]

My favorite series of all times. It's not only a yuri. It's a story of love, fun and perseverance. It's a catholic school where girls are figuring out who they really are. This is how I found out I was a lesbian. From this series I started editing yuri manga including citrus. I was inspire by Sei. She was my favorite character in the series if you have truly seen the series you will know why. It's elegant and beautiful. The roses 🌹 pick a sister and is their choice weather they wish to pursue a relationship with them or keep a valid friendship. Sei and Shimako have a thing going on but Sei's heart is and belongs to Shiori. The cousin is just in the way of Yumi and Sachiko and wish he would have move out of the way completely out of their relationship. There is also heterosexual relationships in the anime between one of the roses and a zoo keeper. It's an anime for all woman around the world. Coming of age anime. It was thanks to this anime that I realize I was into girls only. This day I see this anime with my girlfriend. I feel like this is anime you will miss out in life if you don't watch it's incredible. All the way to the fourth season. If I had a chance to watch all over again I will.