English Dub Review: Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia “All That Is in the Heavens and All That Is in the Earth/The Roses That Bloom in Safar”
Overview (Spoilers Below):
All That Is in the Heavens and All That Is in the Earth
Sitara, a young slave girl, is sold to a family of scholars, where she begins her journey of knowledge.
The Roses That Bloom in Safar
As nomads sack the city of Tun, Fatima and Sitara hide in the basement and wait for the others to return.
Our Take:
Based on the manga series, “A Witch’s Life in Mongol”, written and illustrated by Tomato Soup (yes, that’s the artist’s real name), Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia centers on a slave girl who learns that knowledge is power. Though hesitant at first, the girl, Sitara, gradually studies the art of knowledge to survive 13th-century Persia. With Muhammad as her guide, Sitara learns that knowledge can banish the fear stemming from ignorance. However, her studies were interrupted by the invading Mongols, who captured the city’s people and stole the family’s copy of Euclid’s Elements. For these episodes, the series takes inspiration from Iranian history, notably the Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire between 1219 and 1221, as well as the influential figure in the Mongol Empire, Fatima. Personally, I’m not a huge history buff, especially when it involves a country that tends to make its residents’ lives a living hell. But I do have a soft spot for learning about historical aspects I didn’t even know existed, thanks to specific shows and movies.
Jaadugar is no exception, as it explores this historical period from the perspective of its young protagonist. After watching its first two episodes, I can see it being another such case where the show delivered a story worthy of its historical background. While their length hampers the emotional impact they’re aiming for, the episodes offer a pretty solid beginning to Sitara’s journey that’s full of knowledge, joy, and hopelessness. However, what really impressed me was the animation, which showcased a unique approach to the anime format through its character designs, color palettes, and representation of Iranian culture. It’s also worth noting that it’s produced by none other than Science Saru, the same company behind “Dandadan“ and the 2026 adaptation of “Ghost in the Shell”. It’s a rather distinctive style compared to those shows, and while it may not be as ambitious and striking as “Dandadan”, its presentation did its job at capturing the serenity and heartbreak of Sitara’s journey. In short, Jaadugar has an opportunity to leverage its distinctive presentation and thematic nuance to become an underrated gem in the historical anime genre.
