Saint Seiya Shou Vostfr Ddl

Remember the playground battles, trading shiny cards of Pegasus Seiya, arguing about which Gold Saint would win in a hypothetical clash? Remember the raw, almost primal energy of the original Saint Seiya, the way it bypassed logic and went straight for the heart? Now, imagine that energy, channeled through a predominantly female cast, and filtered through a modern anime lens. Is Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō just another spin-off, a pale imitation riding on nostalgia? Or does it offer something genuinely new, a fresh perspective on a beloved universe?

Contains list of: Original title: Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō (聖闘士星矢 セインティア翔) Director: Masato Tamagawa Actors: Aina Suzuki, M.A.O, Inori Minase Year: 2018-2019 Genre: Action, Fantasy, Magical Girl

Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō runs parallel to the original series' storyline, focusing on a group of female Saints known as Saintias who serve Athena directly, protecting her from threats while the Bronze Saints are occupied with other battles. The story primarily follows Shoko, a young girl who becomes the Saintia of Equuleus after her sister Erda disappears. As Eris, the Goddess of Discord, resurfaces, corrupting people and sowing chaos, Shoko and the other Saintias must master their Cosmo and fight to protect Athena and the world.

Review

The first thing that strikes you about Saintia Shō is its visual style. While it aims to capture the essence of the original character designs, it inevitably possesses a cleaner, more contemporary look. The art style, while technically proficient, sometimes lacks the gritty, almost baroque quality that characterized the hand-drawn animation of the original series. This isn't necessarily a flaw, but a deliberate stylistic choice that reflects the shift in anime aesthetics over the decades. The animation, especially during fight sequences, can be a bit inconsistent; some moments are breathtaking, showcasing the dynamic Cosmo energy and devastating attacks, while others feel somewhat stiff and less impactful.

However, where Saintia Shō truly differentiates itself is in its exploration of its characters. The original Saint Seiya, while filled with memorable protagonists, often relegated its female characters to damsels in distress or secondary roles. Saintia Shō, on the other hand, centers on the Saintias themselves, giving them agency and depth. Shoko, the main protagonist, is relatable in her determination to find her sister and her initial struggles to master her Cosmo. She's not just a warrior; she's a young girl grappling with loss, responsibility, and the weight of her destiny. The other Saintias, such as Mii of Dolphin and Xiaoling of Ursa Minor, also have their own unique backstories and motivations, making them more than just palette swaps of existing characters.

The series also touches upon interesting themes. The presence of Eris, the Goddess of Discord, provides a compelling antagonist, representing not just physical threats but also the internal struggles and anxieties that can tear people apart. The Saintias' fight against Eris becomes a metaphor for battling inner demons and overcoming personal weaknesses. The notion of sacrifice, a recurring theme in the Saint Seiya universe, is explored with a particular emphasis on the Saintias' unwavering devotion to Athena. They are willing to give up everything, including their own lives, to protect her and maintain peace.

The voice acting, in both the original Japanese and the French dub (Vostfr), is generally strong. The voice actors bring a palpable energy to their performances, capturing the characters' emotions and conveying the intensity of the battles. The soundtrack, while not as iconic as the original series' themes, effectively complements the action and drama. It blends familiar orchestral scores with more modern electronic elements, creating a soundscape that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

However, Saintia Shō is not without its shortcomings. The pacing can be uneven at times, with some episodes feeling rushed while others drag on. The plot, while intriguing, occasionally suffers from convoluted exposition and reliance on established Saint Seiya lore, which might make it difficult for newcomers to fully grasp. Furthermore, while the series makes an effort to flesh out its characters, some of the supporting cast remain underdeveloped, feeling more like plot devices than fully realized individuals. And let's be honest, the transformation sequences, while visually appealing, do stray into the magical girl territory, which might not appeal to all Saint Seiya purists.

The Magical Girl Element: A Double-Edged Sword

The inclusion of magical girl elements, particularly in the transformation sequences and the emphasis on the Saintias' appearance, is perhaps the most divisive aspect of Saintia Shō. On one hand, it adds a visual flair and a sense of empowerment, reinforcing the idea of these young women embracing their strength and beauty. On the other hand, it can feel somewhat out of place in the context of the Saint Seiya universe, which has traditionally been more focused on martial arts and epic battles. Whether this element enhances or detracts from the overall experience is ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, to simply dismiss it as pandering would be a disservice to the thoughtful way the series explores female empowerment within the constraints of its genre.

Is it worth watching?

Despite its flaws, Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō offers a worthwhile experience for fans of the Saint Seiya franchise, especially those interested in seeing a female-centric perspective on the universe. It's not a perfect anime, but it's a sincere attempt to expand upon the original series' mythology and explore new themes. Think of it as a remix of a classic song - it may not surpass the original, but it offers a fresh take on familiar melodies. If you're willing to overlook some inconsistencies and embrace the magical girl elements, you'll find a surprisingly engaging and emotionally resonant story. It offers a nuanced perspective on heroism, sacrifice, and the power of female bonds.

Where to download? Where to watch online?

Obtaining Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō with French subtitles (Vostfr) requires a bit of digging, as official streaming options may vary depending on your region. Generally, you can check Crunchyroll, which often carries simulcasts and subtitled versions of anime. However, availability of Vostfr might differ. Some fans resort to finding DDL (Direct Download Link) sites or torrents, but be aware that downloading copyrighted material illegally can have legal consequences. Furthermore, ensure any site you use is reputable to avoid malware or viruses. A quick search for "Saint Seiya Saintia Shō Vostfr DDL" or "Saint Seiya Saintia Shō Vostfr streaming" should provide you with various options. Always prioritize legal and safe viewing methods. Consider purchasing the Blu-ray or DVD release if available in your region to support the creators and enjoy the series in the best possible quality.

Ultimately, Saintia Shō is a fascinating, if somewhat flawed, addition to the Saint Seiya canon. It dares to reimagine the familiar narrative through a new lens, offering a unique and compelling perspective on the world of Athena and her Saints. Whether it fully succeeds in its ambitions is debatable, but its willingness to experiment and challenge established conventions makes it a worthwhile watch for dedicated fans. Just be prepared to accept it for what it is: a different kind of Saint Seiya story. One that invites us to reconsider the battles fought, the sacrifices made, and the very definition of heroism within this beloved universe. And maybe, just maybe, to rediscover the thrill of those playground arguments, only this time, arguing about which Saintia is the strongest.