English Dub Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts: “A Boy of Love and Hate”

Overview: Leonhart (Ray Hurd) catches up to Ilya (Clifford Chapin) and Sariphi (Emi Lo) in hopes of rescuing her from him.  

Our Take: Ilya’s capture of Sariphi hones in on the tragedy that befell him and how that’s shaped his hatred for beastkind. Strong direction with effective cutaways and gruesome sound cues provoke the sheer cruelty of what transpires to his family. While not detrimental, Sariphi spelling out his emotional journey moments after is too heavy-handed and detracts slightly.

Leonhart’s wounds from their battle allows for a natural evolution for Ilya. Sariphi’s pain and fear evokes a powerful development for Ilya in realizing his own lack of humanity through her pain. Leon fighting for Sairphi and their shared connection also helps demonstrate the decency in beasts. Thankfully, Ilya’s transition is gradual, maintaining a level of disdain for the species while slowly learning there’s more to them. 

The resolution sets the stage for Sariphi’s and Leonhart’s hope and continued mission for a better future for both races. Their shared table with Jormungand, Amit, Bennu and the others is a sweet, wholesome sentiment to drive the concept home and end on.