As straight up adaptations, 'Simsala Grimm's' episodes are generally likely to disappoint. On its own terms, there is enough to make one intrigued into checking it out. Have always found judging something as a standalone a better and fairer way to judge and it does make the viewing experience more enjoyable that way generally. The series' version of the Brothers Grimm story 'Jorinda and Joringel' is no exception
'Simsala Grimm' is inconsistent, some great episodes but most are between above average to very good. Misfires are few, but did find 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp' very mediocre at best and 'Beauty and the Beast' did disappoint without being terrible. Generally the series deserves more credit as a standalone as it does fare well on that front. It is a good way to introduce youngsters to the stories if not done already, though they are likely to enjoy it more than older audiences, though older audiences should find the different spins on the stories interesting. It was great to see a nice mix of the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. The 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' anime from the 80s also does this very well, perhaps even better. On its own merits (again best forget about expecting something faithful), 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out.
'Jorinda and Joringel', based on an interesting Grimm Brothers story without it being one of my favourites of theirs, is another above average episode, if not a great one.
Did find again that the character designs are somewhat derivative and dare it be said recycled, anybody who has seen many of the previous episodes will see a lot of similarities in the character designs between those and this, especially Joringel.
Less than great writing has been seen in the series (especially 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp', the latter being my least favourite of the series), with 'Jorinda and Joringel' not being without its corny moments, though these are fleeting. Like some episodes of especially Season 3, there are some occasional moments that feel like filler that doesn't add an awful lot to the narrative, especially in the early stages.
Having said that, 'Jorinda and Joringel' fares well. Doc Croc and Yoyo do serve a point here and they play helpful roles, not feeling like wasted filler generally, though one can question whether they are entirely needed within the context of the story. Both are also likeable characters. Hard to tell who's my favourite between resourceful Doc Croc and adorable Yoyo. 'Simsala Grimm' generally does very well characterising the original characters with some misfires, like the Prince from 'King Thrushbeard' and almost everybody in 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp'. 'Jorinda and Joringel' does it well, with rootable titular character and a formidable and never too cheesy or scary foe.
Again, enough of the traditional animation is pleasing, the finesse is not always there or the imagination, but there are some lovely and never flat colours and it's nicely detailed. The music fits well (likewise with the never hammy or bland voice acting) and the main theme is catchy. Have always really liked the once upon a time approach to the intro.
The story is charming and involving, with enough of the original story to recognise. There is less corny writing than other episodes in the series while not being completely devoid of it. Generally, the pacing is not too bad, with it not feeling too rushed or dull, nothing is convoluted yet it doesn't feel overly simple
Concluding, not bad at all. 7/10
'Simsala Grimm' is inconsistent, some great episodes but most are between above average to very good. Misfires are few, but did find 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp' very mediocre at best and 'Beauty and the Beast' did disappoint without being terrible. Generally the series deserves more credit as a standalone as it does fare well on that front. It is a good way to introduce youngsters to the stories if not done already, though they are likely to enjoy it more than older audiences, though older audiences should find the different spins on the stories interesting. It was great to see a nice mix of the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. The 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' anime from the 80s also does this very well, perhaps even better. On its own merits (again best forget about expecting something faithful), 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out.
'Jorinda and Joringel', based on an interesting Grimm Brothers story without it being one of my favourites of theirs, is another above average episode, if not a great one.
Did find again that the character designs are somewhat derivative and dare it be said recycled, anybody who has seen many of the previous episodes will see a lot of similarities in the character designs between those and this, especially Joringel.
Less than great writing has been seen in the series (especially 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp', the latter being my least favourite of the series), with 'Jorinda and Joringel' not being without its corny moments, though these are fleeting. Like some episodes of especially Season 3, there are some occasional moments that feel like filler that doesn't add an awful lot to the narrative, especially in the early stages.
Having said that, 'Jorinda and Joringel' fares well. Doc Croc and Yoyo do serve a point here and they play helpful roles, not feeling like wasted filler generally, though one can question whether they are entirely needed within the context of the story. Both are also likeable characters. Hard to tell who's my favourite between resourceful Doc Croc and adorable Yoyo. 'Simsala Grimm' generally does very well characterising the original characters with some misfires, like the Prince from 'King Thrushbeard' and almost everybody in 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp'. 'Jorinda and Joringel' does it well, with rootable titular character and a formidable and never too cheesy or scary foe.
Again, enough of the traditional animation is pleasing, the finesse is not always there or the imagination, but there are some lovely and never flat colours and it's nicely detailed. The music fits well (likewise with the never hammy or bland voice acting) and the main theme is catchy. Have always really liked the once upon a time approach to the intro.
The story is charming and involving, with enough of the original story to recognise. There is less corny writing than other episodes in the series while not being completely devoid of it. Generally, the pacing is not too bad, with it not feeling too rushed or dull, nothing is convoluted yet it doesn't feel overly simple
Concluding, not bad at all. 7/10