Animecritics

NOTE: Please bear with the huge post. I didn’t want to post these up until I until I completely caught up and finished it. Not to mention, I did these reviews backwards. ^^; Also, ALL these episodes will have screen caps soon, promise. 

Romeo X Juliet II
Il segreto
“A Promise” The Secret ~The Scent of Memory~
Destined, a young girl and a young boy meet each other for the first time in a garden near a beautiful waterfall. Though, their meeting is cut short when Romeo’s friend Benvolio enters and informs our young hero that his father is calling for him.

Juliet attempts to run out of the ball, but is stopped by guards. Luck may have it that Francisco comes to escort her out, bearing the crest of the Farnese family.

Romeo returns inside and luck seems to be against him. His father announces that Romeo and Hermione are to be wed as an arranged marriage.

As a new day breaks, Juliet’s 16th birthday has finally arrived. The day that she is promised that she will learn the truth about her past, but also her future. What is it exactly? And when she goes to a place to pick flowers, she meets up with the young man she met the other day at the rose ball. Giving them a chance to talk.

[Nyanto's Thoughts: This has to be the best way for them to introduce Juliet's character. I am still surprised with how well Gonzo is handling this series. It's one thing to make a direct Play to Series/Movie, but to completely change around the story and STILL make it enjoyable? Not many companies are capable of that. Voice acting, Music, Art, Story Direction. It's all here, fantastic series that I'm sure everyone can enjoy [While I am typing this, I have already seen up until episode 16]

 Romeo X Juliet III
Attrazione
“The Dawn of Love” Attraction ~Cruel Mischief~
Juliet now knows who she actually is, and when she learns of her fate and her past, she collapses in the rain.

After she wakes up, Juliet tells Cordelia about the man who she loves, a young noble named Romeo. Cordelia doesn’t agree with her seeing him and tells her as such, making her promise she will never go to meet I’m again.

In town, the Red Whirlwind continues to help the town by providing rations, which are distributed by the doctor Lancelot. And while Juliet is confined inside, Romeo continues to circle around the place they promised to meet each other everyday, in hopes of seeing the one he loves.

Some how, the soldiers in town found out that Lancelot was helping the Red Whirlwind and captures him. Attempting to squeeze out information by torture, but just as it starts to get ugly, the Whirlwind himself appears. Cornered by soldiers, Romeo appears to help the Whirlwind and Lancelot out.

As the three of them fall into a canal, will they survive? Why is Lancelot so surprised to see Romeo? And what will Juliet do when she learns Romeo’s TRUE name?

Romeo X Juliet IV
Una timida fanciulla
“Bashfulness” Timid Maiden ~Wet by the Rain~
Juliet learns that the one she loves is actually the son of the Montague family, after herself and Lancelot were saved by him.

The friar in town, seems to be leaking information of the Red Whirlwind to the soldiers under Montague’s command. And the search for their mysterious hero heightens, and everyone wonders where the justice has gone in Neo Verona.

When Romeo and Juliet try to get away from everything that is happening, they run into each other and ride on Cielo. Flying into a rainstorm after awhile in the air, they decide to take shelter in an abandoned cabin until the dry off. But, that may have some dire consequences, when Romeo realizes who the ‘Boy’ actually is.

[Nyanto's Thoughts: Any fan of Romeo and Juliet pairing [who isn't? Well, I am a little CurioxJuliet XD] But, this episode will make the average fangirl squeal with delight. Again, the romance between them does not seemed as rushed as in the play [Which is why I never liked the play, really] and the story direction is interesting.]

Romeo X Juliet V
Si alza il vento
“Whirlwind” The Wind Rises ~Blazing Resolution~
The small time that Romeo and Juliet spent in the cabin together, Romeo learns of the secret that she has been hiding. She is actually disguised as a boy! Romeo raises the question as to why she is dressed as a boy, but she refuses to answer.

Meanwhile, Juliet’s comrades are worrying about what might have happened to her. Romeo drops off Juliet and she tells him that they will meet again. And she quickly returns home.

In town, all food is being rationed until the Red Whirlwind has been caught. Soon enough, they capture men in town who are suspects. Lancelot, upon seeing this begins to take matters into his own hands. Telling Juliet that she has to live for the sake of Neo Verona, to give everyone the chance at a brighter future.

Dressing up as the Red Whirlwind, he takes the stage in an attempt to rescue those who will be captured.

Will Lancelot be able to free them? What about Juliet, will she be able to cope with the fact that the very man who had kept her secret for so long may not survive?

[Nyanto's Thoughts: ....I don't have any.... But, I have to put something here. Fantastic episode yet again, I watched all previous episodes before doing this one. So I know what happens, but this is really a different turn events for the story.]

 Romeo X Juliet VI
Speranza
“Hope”  ~The Entrusted Tomorrow~
The Red Whirlwind makes his grand appearance once more, but, is it REALLY the true Red Whirlwind? He frees the captured men and returns them to their rightful families. But, setting himself aflame, he makes a sacrifice at the cost of his life in order to protect the people of Neo Verona, and the star that will bring hope to all.

Juliet finds herself unable to cope with this new turn events, blaming herself for the death of their comrade. And Romeo wanders to the scene, only to find out that the Red Whirlwind had died. He finds Juliet in good health, but learns that she is actually the true Red Whirlwind.

As if the tragedy won’t stop, Benvolio’s family has been banished from the keep! Romeo is torn apart by the departure of his good friend. And Juliet learns, that bandits will be attacking them at any time and attempt to assassinate the family, covering up all trails.

Just when it seems that they are done for; Juliet, Curio, and Francisco arrive on the scene take down as many bandits as they can. When Juliet is taken down and is almost killed however, a man in black appears, riding a black Pegasus.

Who is this man? And why is Montague after the life of Benvolio’s family?

[Nyanto's Thoughts: TYYYYYBAAAAAAALTTTTTT~! <3 hehe, sorry. I seriously squealed when I saw him. -coughsendfangirlnesscough- I will admit, I DID cry with this episode. The first 10 minutes had me bawling, the death of the 'The Red Whirlwind' was very tragic. I don't think there was one light hearted moment in this one, and more questions were raised than answered.]

Romeo X Juliet VII
Il Tocco delle tue Mani
“Warmth” The touch of your hands ~Just For You~
In an attempt to rescue Benvolio and his family from being murdered. Juliet, Francisco, and Curio are over thrown by the numbers of the assassins, and at the last moment when the end seems near for them all, a man with dark hair, riding a black Pegasus appears. What’s more, he seems to know who Juliet is. He takes off into the sky after helped defeating the killers, leaving only his name: Tybalt.

Romeo is saddened by the fact of Benvolio is no longer within the keep and goes out for a ride on Cielo. Who leads him to a mysterious graveyard filled with irises. Romeo later travels to his mother to ask him about a defaced grave he had come across. But, he learns something that he may tear his relationship apart, the name of the one he loves.

Meanwhile, Benvolio and his family are taken under the wing of the remainders of the Capulet house. Provided shelter and learning of the who their saviors really are. Benvolio tries to adjust to his new life, but he struggles with the simplest chores.

But, now is not the time for worrying. The Flower festival is vastly approaching, and a chance meeting between Romeo and Juliet happens.

Juliet tries to run away from Romeo, but why? Romeo desperately runs after her, but when he finally catches up, what will happen? And now that they know the truth about each other, will they ever be able to love each other the same way again?

[Nyanto's Thoughts: I think the highlight for me in this episode, is finally getting to hear Lena Park sing "You Raise Me Up" in English. She has a beautiful voice, and it flowed nicely with the dramatic scene that took place near the end. Can't give away too much, so pull up a seat and watch it. :3]

 Romeo X Juliet VIII
La via piu’ facile
“Indulgence” The Easiest Path ~What is Justice~
Under the sky lit by fireworks, Romeo and Juliet share their first kiss. But, is this love truly not to be? The son of the Montague house and the daughter of the Capulet house. Two houses that could never co-exist…or could they?

Juliet practices diligently everyday to become stronger, confused at what she should do in her current situation. Can she really attempt and kill the very person she loves? Or what’s more, his family?

Benvolio is brought to Curio, the last place where anyone would try to find him. Though, living as a peasant may be more of a challenge than Benvolio thought, and Curio and Francisco’s intentions for treating him so kindly may be deeper than first thought.

Romeo confesses to Hermione that he has another woman that he loves, and that the love and arrangement made by his father can’t be.

Confessions, Revenge, and a mix of emotions from both sides. What will happen when a man finds out about Juliet’s secret? After the death of Lancelot, will she find the courage to seek out the revenge by murdering a once thought to be comrade? And what will happen when Romeo spots Tybalt and Juliet together?!

[Nyanto's thoughts: Very amusing episode, and the ending had me gawking at the screen. Poor Romeo. Animation quality is still top notch, music and voice acting don't waiver either. There are quite a few funny moments, including the whole part with Curio, Francisco, and Benvolio. ^^]

 Romeo X Juliet IX
L’incrocio
“Rally Cry” The Crossroads ~Clear of Doubt~
After Romeo had spotted Tybalt and Juliet together, he is confused about her feelings for him. At the same time, Juliet is wondering if she will ever be strong enough to take on the Montague house.

Juliet soon arrives at a rally of supporters of the Capulet house to plot their strategy to bring down the Duke of Neo Verona. She swears that she will fight along side her supporters until peace is obtained in Neo Verona.

Though, it seems that there is a traitor in between the Capulet rising. He relays information to an ex-solider for the Duke, and just when you think it can’t get worse, they invade and begin to slaughter all within the building.

What will happen when the slaughter begins? And what will Juliet do now? What about Romeo, who is still wondering about the love they share?

[Nyanto's thoughts: There hasn't been much from the action department until recently in RxJ, but action is one of Gonzo's specialties. And they do it really well. The thing I like the most though? Some anime series tend to render their 2-D drawn characters into 2-D Computer Graphics to make it easier. I remember there were a few instances in Utawarerumono that did this, and I happy to say that RxJ has MINIMAL CG. ^^]

Romeo X Juliet X
Lacrime
“Tears” Tears ~That I Met You~
Tybalt helps Juliet escape the raid during the meeting with the survivors and supporters of the Capulet house, thanks to the help of Francisco. And when Tybalt and Juliet reach a dark area of Neo Verona to hide, she ignores all orders and runs out of her room to attempt and find her missing comrades.

The duke of Neo Verona is angered by the fact the Carabinieri was unable to catch the sole survivor of the Capulet family, and proposes to the court that the search for her becomes more rigorous. Romeo, in an attempt to help his love, proposes that the sins of the Capulet house and Duke Capulet’s daughter are pardon.

What will the court respond to this proposal?

Being weak and left in the rain unconscious, the church takes in Juliet. The same church where Romeo’s mother resides!

What will Juliet’s mother do when she realizes that this is the same girl that her son is in love with? And when Romeo finally learns the truth about the Capulet family, will he be able to face the one he loves in the face ever again?

[Nyanto's Thoughts: I have to say, Juliet kinda ticked me off in this episode, but you can understand why she acts the way she does. The balcony scene is also in this episode, but, it's a LITTLE different, yet creative, how they pulled it off. XD Tybalt is as awesome as ever, great episode and a building block for the next episodes to come.]

 Romeo X Juliet XI
Il giuramento
“Vows” The Oath ~Bright Morning Blessing~
After Juliet barely escaped the raid of the Carabinieri, was rescued by Romeo’s mother, and met up with Romeo for the first time in a long while. Romeo and herself run off without telling a soul, trying to escape the fate that their families have set for them.

Along the way, they run into the forest where the Pegasi roam wild, finding a chestnut filly that is injured. As they tend to the wounds of the Pegasus, Romeo and Juliet are attacked by hunters, the ones responsible for injuring the poor animal. Yet, defeat them with ease.

After saying farewell to a good friend and exchanging vows in a church, what will this couples next obstacle be?

[Nyanto's Thoughts: Oh geez, I cried so badly with this episode. T_T I don't want to spoil TOO much, though my review may have done that already. ^^; So I will stop.]

Romeo X Juliet XII
Un porto sicuro
“Rest” A Safe Harbor ~Just As We Are~
Romeo and Juliet have at last found peace, away from the eyes of their family and friends. Exchanging vows in a run down church, they begin to live a new life in a small town that appears deserted.

In their quest to find provisions, Romeo and Juliet go into a nearby forest and search the area. As they tread further, they come across two huge tree roots. Learning from an old man nearby that the world is supported by the roots of these two trees, but one of them has died. And he profosises that the other won’t live for much longer.

When the town that was visited by the couple last episode starts being attacked in search of the, what will they do? The town is set a blaze and it doesn’t look like the Carabinieri is going to give up on their search. Maybe, the peace that Romeo and Juliet have finally found is about to be over.

 Romeo X Juliet XIII
Il battito vitale
“Pulsebeat” The Vital Heartbeat ~Guided~
Juliet has been caught by the Montague family, and meets up with very man who slaughtered her parents and has taken over Neo Verona. The duke informs Juliet that she will be executed in two days, and she pleads that in exchange for her life that the rest of the Capulet house will be let free.

Hermione is worried about what Juliet’s motives for getting so attached to Romeo are and decides that she needs to ask her these questions.

While everything is happening inside the keep of Neo Verona, Curio and Francisco plot a way to rescue their leader. Storming the palace, they go in search of the only daughter to the Capulet house.

Even though they have managed to get this far, will they be way in over their heads? Romeo finally meets up with his true love, but their meeting may not last long.

[Nyanto's Thoughts: A VERY exciting episode, kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. And Romeo is such a sweetheart. This is one of the best episodes in my opinion. ^^]

 Romeo X Juliet XIV
La sfida
“Burden of Duty” The Challenge ~In These Arms~
Juliet, Curio, Francisco, and Antonio make their way out of Neo Verona towards Mantua. Where William’s mother has a summer house that could keep Juliet hidden for the time being. And while Juliet makes her escape, Romeo is exiled from the keep to take control of the Grandisca Mines. A place where they send prisoners to work off their debts and crimes.

Though, he is not really welcomed with opened arms. And as he is led around the mines, he learns of the horrible conditions that these people are working under. Although no one seems to like him, one prisoner seems to hate him more than the rest. A boy named Petruchio.

Romeo has now decided he will work and live as the rest of the people at Grandisca. But will he be able to keep up? And what happens when Petruchio falls ill? And will Romeo ever be accepted by the miners?

[Nyanto's thoughts: This episode...made me cry. At the end of the episode when you hear the reason why Petruchio is at Grandisca for punishment, I swear my eyes almost fell out. I can't believe it! T_T Anyway, fantastic episode. Romeo-centric with some Juliet tossed in the beginning and middle. If you forgot what happened in the other episodes, there is a small recap at the beginning. Told by no one other than Willy himself.]

Romeo X Juliet XV
L’alba dei cambiamenti
“Oneself” The Dawn of Change ~The Path to Take~
After losing his new friend Petruchio, who fell ill and was succumbed by the sickness. Romeo collects Petruchio’s belongings in a vow to bring them to his family once he returns to Neo Verona.

Continuing to work in the mines, Romeo tries his hardest to fit in and do his part. As a cave in takes place while he is working though, he is told that he should return home before he dies. And Romeo realizes he is really weak if he can’t keep up.

Back in Neo Verona, the search for Juliet continues. Gaurds continue to run amok in the city in search of the Capulet’s daughter, with little success. Every single lead they receive ends up being someone else. And while this is happening in Neo Verona, the real Juliet is escaping that very place.

As Juliet is haunted by visions of the tree and Escalus and collapses.
A tremendous cave in takes place in the mines that leaves many injured.

What will happen now that the mines are almost completely destroyed? Romeo makes a promise to the prisoners, but will he be able to keep that promise? Or is it all talk? What about all the prisoners that are still trapped in the mines?

[Ending: Goodbye, Yesterday by Mizrock]
[Nyanto's thoughts: I REALLY liked this episode. Very Romeo-centric, but it still involved Juliet in a way. The story direction still has me hooked on the series, I don't think that Gonzo could have done anything to make this series any better than it is. If you still haven't started watching it, hurry up and catch up. It's not going to be a long series, and it is worth every bit of your time. We even get a little BenvolioxCordelia moment in this episode XD so cute~ And let's not forget the new ending theme, "Goodbye, Yesterday" by Mizrock. It's a really nice song. Though, I preferred the animation of Cyclone over this one.]

 Romeo X Juliet XVI
Lontano dall’ amat
“Alone” ~Far away From the Beloved~
Hermione, worried about the latest incident at the mines, pleads Mercutio to appeal to the duke and attempt to bring Romeo back to the keep. Mercutio assures her that Romeo is fine, though he can not do anything about bringing the young prince of Neo Verona back. With this, Hermione tells him she is going to go to the mines herself, and darts off.

Meanwhile, Juliet and her party make their way to Mantua, a town bordered and surrounded by mountains and forest. Even though, they are running away and all the events that have occured still loom over them, Juliet remains hopeful and continues to think of Romeo.

When Juliet’s party finally does arrive in Mantua, they have a run in with Hermione, who had ended up there under after losing her carriage and getting a ride from a local. How will this meeting between the Fiance and Romeo’s true love end up?

[Nyanto's thoughts: I couldn't help but noticed that the art seemed a TAD bit different in this episode. It's not a bad thing necessarily, since the animation quality is still beautiful, but it's just weird to see it. Other than that, a very enjoyable episode. Though, Hermione really is working on my nerves. -_-"]