The Apothecary Diaries S1 & S2 - Review
source
Spoilers Ahead!
Hi everyone, Recently I’ve been watching an anime recently that I have avoided on several occasions. Because the trailer didn’t impress me when I watched it. “The Apothecary Diaries is the name of it.” Well, my choice of anime is a little different, though. I don’t watch a lot of historical stuff or anything that is related to medicine.
However, I thought the trailer’s music selection was appropriate; it was a good one indeed. It appeared to be a mystery-solving story. I could not evaluate based on the trailers, but still, I was not familiar with it when it initially came out. I realized that first season trailer, it wasn’t to my liking.
However, this year in April, I was free and didn’t have anything to do. I felt like watching something that I’d avoid, and I started season 1 of the anime called “The Apothecary Diaries.” I didn’t know they also released season 2 recently. I don’t like to wait for seasons. So, when a new anime comes out, I would wait till their 2nd season. Because it takes me only a few days to finish an anime series if the episodes are not that long.
Let’s move into the anime for now. Well, when I started to watch season 1, I saw the main character, “Maomao.” She is a sharp-witted apothecary and very fast-forward. She is the main protagonist and is not like the other anime characters, where the girl character is always naive and knows nothing and doesn’t know how to take her own stand, but Maomao is an incredible character, in my opinion. Mamao knows how to take her own stand; she is self-independent; she doesn’t need anyone. I love to see this type of bold character; she is the greatest female protagonist that I’ve seen so far. Female protagonists in most anime are weak and do not hold strong personalities; I don’t like to see girls being weak. I want girls to be independent. Maomao is the type of girl who never lets my hopes down. I love her character very much. Mamao is far more intelligent than her age; it always felt like she was a grown-up lady. Her past was painful; that’s the reason she is so strong. However, Maomao’s sarcasm and curiosity have made me like her character the more. Her observing skill makes her an amazing, refreshing lead.
The second character I like the most is “Jinshi.” I feel that he needs more screen time; he is truly a great character, but the story bounds within Maomao only. Mamao and Jinishi’s dynamic is really good. I like the fact that the anime does not force the characters to fall in love out of nowhere. The subtle moments between them makes the anime more attractive to watch because their relationship feels so real.
If I talk about visuals in The Apothecary Diaries, then I’ll be happy to give it a 10 out of 10. The oriental decor is perfect and noticeable. The sets are always detailed and more than what I had expected. Jinshi, Maomao, and other characters are given memorable designs. I am really attracted to the artwork of this anime. The details of kimonos, flowers, and hairpins in this anime are amazing. To be honest I loved every part of this anime. Vibrant colors made it look more beautiful to watch, and it was soothing for my eyes. The directing choice made for the visuals in the anime is mind-blowing.
This anime has changed my point of view on that; I don’t always need action or thriller types of anime to watch. Mystery-solving type of anime is enough to keep me hooked, such as The Apothecary Diaries. Every episode solves a new piece of the puzzle, and it’s unlike typical historical dramas. I’ve watched season 1 in 2 days only, and it was worth it every second. This anime is something else, more than power struggles or romance-related animes. I would say that this anime is well-written, so you might like it more than those flashy action animes.
When I started season 2, I was very excited because when I finished season 1, I really wanted another season. Season 1 was released in 2023, and Season 2 was released in 2025. The trailer is a little bit predictable, but I was not quite sure about it. I really appreciate the hard work of Natsu Hayuuga the Creator of this anime.
In this season I saw how Mamao and Jinshi’s relationship was evolving, and I kind of longed for this kind of development as the anime explored the gradual pace of social progress. The political and scandal types of plots don’t surprise me anymore, but this anime is beyond something else. Even though the series is known for its slow-burn plot, I don’t know how I have liked it this much. Season 2 has not ended yet; there are only 13 episodes at this moment, and I find myself eager for more. I don’t like to wait but I’m still waiting for their new episodes.
THANKS FOR READING 🌷
I've a question for the readers have you watched the anime or not? If you did then what would you rate? And if you didn't then will you watch it?
Long live Mao Mao!
This is one of my favorite anime right now. The excellent blend of history with drama, mystery, and romantic comedy is perfect. I also say this because of the excellent way they develop their characters, just as they do with the story, which takes its time without making it seem like it's going slow, at least to me.
Good review.
I think season 2 is going to be better because you know the chemistry between Jinshi and Maomao is increasing 😋.
Thank you for your precious time 🌷
Congratulations @zoe01! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain And have been rewarded with New badge(s)
Your next target is to reach 100 replies.
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPCheck out our last posts:
Thank you
You've got this @zoe01! Keep putting in the effort and you'll reach your target in no time.
I started watching a couple of weeks ago and am thoroughly enjoying it. I am up to date now and waiting for the latest episode.
It's a good one so, I think everyone will like it if they start to watch it.
Thanks for sharing your opinion. 🌷
Very good review, I like your writing skills. Study well too.
Thank you uncle 🌷
Hello and welcome @zoe01! The Anime Realm team here 😊.
We want to thank you for choosing this community to publish your manga and anime related content.
Don't forget to check the rules and the suggested community guidelines post. Also, always keep in mind the importance of visiting and supporting other users' posts, those will allow us to keep growing as users and as a community.
We hope to see you soon. Greetings!
Thank you very much for your warmth welcome 🌷
After completing Solo levelling i was looking for another anime to start watching, i guess i'd try this.
In my point of view solo leveling is ultra legendary. I am eagerly waiting on season.
The Apothecary Diaries has no action like solo leveling but hopefully you will like it.
I still have it on my list of anime to watch hehe I heard it was well received, although I have spoiled the funny scenes of MaoMao, like when she ate poison haha someday I hope to see it 😊
There are many short videos online you must have seen some of it. Trust me when you will see the anime, you will love it more.
I totally agree with you, "The Apothecary Diaries" is so good! I saw it too and absolutely loved it. At first, it didn't seem to grab my attention that much, maybe because of the historical background, but whatever! Once I started, I couldn't stop. Maomao is the best, right? It's so refreshing to see a protagonist who's so intelligent, sarcastic, and doesn't let anyone get to her. No damsels in distress, she just figures things out. I love her curiosity and how she observes everything; she draws you in immediately. And Jinshi... oh, Jinshi! That dynamic he has with Maomao is brilliant. It's not the usual forced romance; it feels super natural; those little moments between them are worth their weight in gold. And visually, wow, it's beautiful. The details of the kimonos, the palace settings, the colors... everything is spectacular, a 10/10, as you say.
I'm glad to have your opinion on this matter, you have read my post with full focus, and that's impressive. Thanks a lot for your support and time.
I love this anime so much, visually it is beautiful and I love the characters 😭 Good Post! 💗.
Thank you for the appreciation ☺️
I also love this anime and I Ship Jinshi and Maomao a lot.
There's so much hype around this anime but I actually didn't knew what it was about until now with your review. People tend to focus on the spicy stuff xD and that's cool, but now I have a better idea if what to actually expect about the story and I sounds very nice and entertaining. I should definitely give it a try.
Nice post! ✨