A Deeply Personal Analysis Of The Ancient Magus Bride

[@BonsaiPop]

Thank you for watching and don't forget to go to tinyurl.com/FIGIBRIDE to wishlist your Chise and Elias statue. Pre-Orders open on April 27th at 10am Eastern, so set an alarm and use code POPAMB to get $35 off your statue! Figurama sells out super fast so set an alarm so you don't miss out!! Also don't forget, everyone who comments by April 25th will have a chance to win a free Chise and Elias statue! We'll announce the winner in a community post on the 26th and respond to the comment for next steps, so keep a look out in case you win!

[@Manjibutt]

I loved this video, and it's encouraging me to go back and rewatch the series. i only watched the part of the first season that was available when it aired in 2017, but i am thankful for you reminding me. I think i'm at a point now where I am ready to truly experience the show in its entirety

[@chellastation]

🕯🙏

[@Bb-te3hg]

A romance that is actually about the relationships and emotions between individuals instead of a self-insert fantasy is surprisingly rare.

[@Bellsbear64]

I love love love fantasy but it's hard to find ones like this! I highly recommend Frieren. Not at all self insert, all about the relationships Frieren develops over her long life and how difficult it can be to basically outlive anyone she cares about (main character is an elf) and how she is trying to move on and remember them. She ends up kinda taking in the daughter of one of her old friends who passed away and training her as a mage, theyre both very powerful mages. They don't focus on combat too heavily, you can tell it isn't the main focus... but when they DO have a fight... it is so incredibly good!

[@emilyfarfadet9131]

I live with Chronic pain, and this series means so much to me. Pain isolates you from others, it eats into your life. You start to feel you are a burden, a disappointment, 'cursed'. We live in a world where most people believe they are 'in control' of their health, and when you have your health fail- people can subconsciously blame you for your condition. Next thing you know you are trying to will yourself to be fine- to fight through the pain- to appear just as capable. You become cruel to yourself, and the world itself begins to feel like a part of the cruelty. You really need the kindness of others to get through that, to see yourself and the world as they are. To remember your limitations and accept them. This series felt like a bandage on a deep wound, it helped me through some very harsh and lonely times. It reminded me to reach out and accept help when I needed it, and to keep fighting for connection in spite of past disappointment.

[@zianawind2970]

Your writing is very beautiful. I truly believe you touch on an extremely important point of human nature that is often ignored, stigmatized, misunderstood and overlooked. No matter your will, your genius, your love , strength, faith etc.. sometimes we are in beyond our capacity and it is not up to us or others to “change” the condition we are in. Allowing, accepting, learning even through the fight and the frustration is at times exactly what we are meant to be experiencing. It is a real art, truly a masterful challenge to go through life accepting our imperfections yet loving what we are in spite of because of and beyond them. My best wishes on your journey

[@SistahPunkStudios]

This series grew and matured so much with its audience. I knew when it first debuted there was so much more to it, it’s so sadly beautiful and motivating seeing Chise become a full self determined character

[@tinaalves6503]

Non solo Chise è maturata, anche Elias, nel arco del College è incredibile come lui riesca ad aprirsi e farsi pure degli amici.

[@broodo1]

This series ranks up there with Violet Evergarden, Clannad, & Grave of the Fireflies with the heart wrenching emotional moments. The cat arc still traumatizes me 😭

[@tinaalves6503]

Yes

[@PhilipMcCrotch]

The Ancient Magus Bride is pure magic. The world is so incredibly captivating, the characters are perfectly endearing and Elias has a funny laugh. Absolute perfection

[@alliesfrench]

“You can never really know what a valley is until you look out over one and behold it.” My gods, Bonsai Pop. You have me in TEARS with that one. JFC what have we lost as a society when we’re more interested by the screens in front of us, than the beautiful valleys around us?

[@matthewt5573]

As a child that was more or left to fend for themselves after the age of 10 because of a bipolar mother and an absent father, Chise's story of finding a home couldn't have hit me harder if it tried.

[@c.witzling1508]

About a decade ago, my son hauled me, kicking and screaming, into anime, successfully turning me into something of an otaku. As a now-octogenarian grandma, I certainly don’t *need* such an impressive piece of work, but it would absolutely galvanize me to organize and declutter in order to properly display Chise, Elias and their world for others to appreciate, and me-and said son-to drool over! I’ve likewise come to appreciate your perceptive and cogent videos (recommended by the same son, of course), which enhance my understanding and enjoyment of anime, so many thanks for these.

[@skyefox]

"I can't believe I'm looking forward to waking up" OOF that one got me.

[@blancherries]

The Ancient Magus Bride is one of the most amazing, fantastic yet realistic and dark series I've had the pleasure to stumble across, I'm so so happy to see you guys talk about it! It's been a life-saver for so many people, including myself. Last year I almost lost my life for complications related to a deep lack of self-care, and spent many days in the ICU. When you're in there, you have neighbors that are fighting for their lives too, and you get to see some get better and leave, and others lose the battle. You hear their screams and pain, as they hear yours. In a sense, I found that so strangely comforting, a sort of communal bond, getting happy or sad for them. It was an eye-opening second chance at life that made this video resonate with me so much!

[@cat_faerie]

This series has touched my heart in so many ways. I started reading shortly after my grandma passed away in 2017. The episodes/chapters with Nevin telling Chise not to envy the dead made me cry and cry and cry. It helped me look at my grief and loss in a new way and has helped me heal over the years since my grandma has been gone. Thank you so much for talking about this beautiful and wonderful series. Much love. ❤

[@WayfinderSol]

Not only is this series one of my absolute favorite, but it came to me at a time of isolation and worsening mental health. Chise’s story brought magic back in my life and gave me the strength to keep fighting day to day to the day I finally made the best decision for myself and moved. This show is a wonderful tale.

[@RealKuro]

Ancient Magus Bride is an Anime that has touched my soul like few have done so before. It very much always gave me the same feeling as the Frieren Manga (specifically the first 20 chapters). It doesn't need words or dialogue to masterfully convey a feeling directly into your soul. It would truly be a blessing to have one of those beautiful statues to always remind me of those feelings.

[@bomjman8161]

I feel like ancient magus bride isn't talked about enough, even though it's universally loved, so thank you very much for making a video about my favorite anime

[@TrillyThough]

This video dropped two days after the funeral of my sister-in-law and her unborn child. Needless to say, this shit hitting different.

[@xx_cringeyxd_xx6953]

This show just feels like it hits right to the soul, I love seeing others experinces and perspectives of it because it helps put into words the intense yet unnamable feelings I have towards it. The depth of its world, its characters, its music, everything. What a perfect series.

[@Lorkynn]

This is one of the series that just instantly clicked with me. As someone that constantly struggles with their own mental and physical, and their own self-worth, Chise and Elise both are extremely relatable characters. Yamazaki Kore-Sensei also has been on recorded saying that the characters aren't chained to the story, but the story is chained to the characters. It's always written in the mindset of "How would So-and-So approach this situation, and how will it affect them." The OVA series "Those Awaiting a Star" is a must watch as well, and is what initially got me into the series. Seriously though, great video, and you have my condolences.

[@TheShyEnby]

I stumbled across this series randomly in college. Once I found it, I was hooked. It was one of those anime’s that a lot of people in my life had never heard of, but it was also something my wife and I bonded over since she adores Elias 🥰🥰 I’m so happy you covered this

[@jeancarlocastro7455]

Honestly, Chise's journey through utter disillusionment with life to starting to construct her new outlook in life, was so inspirational. It's a bit cheesy to say, but 2020 was that year for me, after a lot of sudden changes in a life you feel you can't escape from, remembering this type of stories took me a long way.

[@yeri1906]

The ancient magus bride was both a beautiful and painful watch for me, Chise felt very relatable at times

[@Kleed44]

I hope things are going a bit better for you Mike, and I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending positive thoughts your way and to the whole Bonsai Pop crew 🫶🫶

[@casper6986]

The series came into my life at a time I wanted no more than to end everything; my getting to gripes with my mental illnesses and dealing with guilt for my past mistakes for when I’d be in a better position in life than I am now. Now I’m managing pancreas issues and depression mixed with anxiety that I attempt to overcome with my own mental fortitude alone every time I drift into darkness I somehow find a way out of said darkness. As well as learning of my birth a little more left Me more broken than ever before.

[@MagentaCooly]

I was also struggling when this show first aired. My grandpa was dying from dementia and I was trying to keep my feelings together while also being peacekeeper between family members as everyone was coping. I was cat sitting for a friend when I saw the episode with the old man and the fairy. I was alone and suddenly all of the feelings that had been put on hold came out. I began sobbing on the couch. My friend's cat (who had not come near me the two days I had been there) came right up to me and sat on my lap. We stared at each other for a few moments, then I wrapped my arms around her and continued crying. She actually let me! And purred while I did! I'll never forget that happened. The show kind of feels important to me now because of that. Even though that was a very sad and devastating time, a special little moment got to happen in the middle of it. Just thought I'd share.

[@fdiw]

God I love this series and thank you for talking more about the archetypes and the metaphor that this anime was about instead of the literal story. Found it really healing when after a failed suicide attempt I was trying to figure out how to live. Re-examining it now is a much older adult with my own family and everything that I didn't think I would ever have it resonates so deeply. The complete lack of self love to the point of wanting to be sold into slavery because at least feeling useful is some tiny fraction of love felt so true. That we walked away from those dark points but we're still shaped by them and figuring out what life can mean we want to mean after is a real journey.

[@BonsaiPop]

CONGRATULATIONS! You won the statue (yes, really!) Please email us at [e-mail] with the subject “amb statue comment winner” so we can get your information!

[@readstoomuch2070]

I remember crying so much while watching the first season because I could relate so much to Chise's emotional and mental state. I was drowning in overwhelming grief and loss when I watched season 1, and I'd wake up every morning wondering why I was still alive and wanting to end it all, because I wanted to be with those that I lost. I remember uncontrollably SOBBING when Nevin showed Chise how beautiful life is and told her not to envy the dead. There's so many other things in the show that had me ugly crying, like when Chise said she couldn't believe she was looking forward to waking up, and hoping I would wake up feeling the same one day. I'm still healing, but I'm doing better than before. This show was and is still soooo healing and comforting to me, and I keep it very close to my heart.

[@bad_monk7104]

Among the shonen and Isekai I usually watch from season to season, the best way to describe Ancient Mangus Bride is as a huge palate cleanser( hope that makes sense). It was so refreshing to watch and it tackled so many uncomfortable issue in an interesting way. Not to mention the soundtrack, opening, and animations. Everything about the show is so alluring. Happy to see you covering it on the channel. Also hope you been good man.

[@yeho8]

I absolutely loved every part of Ancient Magus Bride, and especially its care and thought towards the world building and its inspirations Might just have to rewatch it now

[@zerotohero14]

Now that I finished the video, I never realized how much this series helped me through some of my most difficult times. I can still remember having many a good, cleansing cry watching the first season after my grandma passed. You all are amazing storytellers and thank you for bringing how personal this series is to the forefront.

[@jennifernoble8066]

I came here thinking I'd put this on in the bg and I was completely absorbed. I'm sorry to hear about your recent losses. This video really made me turn to look outside my window and contemplate going for a walk and seeing a friend. Because you're right. I'm in survival mode too and when I had a few panic attacks earlier this year, I realized that I didn't know what it was to relax. I still don't think that I do. Thank-you for the heartfelt video.

[@Zebrohz]

Genuinely needed this right now. As always, amazing work my good sir. Thank you for everything you, and everyone at Bonsai Pop, have done.

[@noirangel6416]

Ancient Magus Bride is one of those few anime that can lift my spirits on a bad day and never get bored of. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JordonVirtue]

Sorry to hear about your losses brother. Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your (and the whole team) videos each time you make em.

[@WolfofBende]

Thanks Mike. I needed this. Lost my mom few months ago and I know that I've been stopping myself from grieving or feeling despite being the closest person to her in the family. I needed this to break my heart and make me feel again.

[@Rawkr57]

Thank you all again for everything you've done for the community. It's been great to see you both grow yourselves and the channel and I'm for one glad to be here for the ride!

[@hectorsantiago3713]

I have to say man I really do fucking appreciate this kind of in-depth analysis about the human condition and how basically we live to essentially find ourselves and fight our inner demons to actually find the quote on quote true self. Going in deep with Carl Jung analytical psychology which I love. And to top it all off you talking about such a heavy topic like your significant others disease is a whole other level of expression that must be really hard for you to even talk about let alone say it in front of everybody on KZbin. Not only are you a connoisseur of good cultured anime but you are an individual that has faced a lot of hardship and has persevered throughout it all in spite of everything. Hearing these kinds of videos makes me glad to think that there are people like you not because of you being a full-on weeb but as a person as a whole.

[@JustBenUnofficial]

I absolutely fell in love with this series from when I first saw the prequel OVA absolutely amazing!

[@haley8926]

Ancient Magus Bride is an anime that I will always love. No matter how many times I’ve watched this series, it always moves me. I love the characters, the use of magic, the world building, the design of the characters and backgrounds, the shot composition.. just all of it. Thank you for taking the time to share with us how much magus bride means to you

[@Arrakis1331]

Hey Bonasi Pop! Your content has been the absolute best out there for me for a while now and I’ve always enjoyed your content. This video in itself was very insightful just into what it is being human much less what the show is all about. Great job!

[@HaileyBerryman]

I'm really happy to see such an in depth video on this series. I've loved and found comfort in The Ancient Magus Bride for many years. This story is so fearless in showing the absolute worst that were all so capable of, but still be able to show that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm happy to see it's touched someone else so deeply. Great video! I'll definitely stay tuned for more.

[@sJebi]

I really needed those words, thank you Mike, thank you Tyler ❤

[@rileyninja9733]

Wow, you did an incredible job with this video this served to deepen my understanding of the story but mostly about myself and the experience of the world. I also learned more about the theologies that are interwoven in the story. I was nervous to watch this video because The Ancient Magus' Bride means alot to me but i ended coming out of this loving the show more and myself. So many things i might have known at one point but needed a reminder. I truely thank you for this video

[@joelreedy7949]

A wonderful, video all around. I am glad that revisiting Ancient Magus' Bride has given you some new perspectives on grief and mourning, and I hope that it has given opportunities for catharsis and healing.

[@heli0ns]

Oh I'm so glad you're giving Magus Bride some love. It's such a hidden gem that a lot of people pass by. I've loved it ever since the first season began airing and it quickly became a very important piece of media for me.

[@jbschroll]

Man you guys never cease to impress me. This again was a phenomenal video. Im a nurse and worked for a year in hospice nursing. It was a true honor getting to know and care for someone and their families however soon the finality we were approaching came. That being said the reason I left was the hurt of constantly getting to know someone and having them ripped away and being left to sympathize and empathize with their loved ones. The human experience is truly something special no matter how brief, please enjoy the ride and I hope you and your loved ones get through this time with fond memories of those you have lost.

[@kieranroche597]

Ancient Magus Bride is so good. I was sold during the third episode when the old dragon got to see the sky again before he died. Such a beautiful moment, the show is so good. Can't wait for season 3

[@sorcerousfang]

I relate a lot to Chise, so this show is one I hold rather close. Thank you for highlighting so many of the things that make this series so beautiful. The way you connect any series you cover to the deepest parts of humanity never ceases to amaze me.

[@jenavevesnowolf13]

As someone who went through a great deal of loss and hardship throughout life, eventually finding a peaceful place and dealing with the echoes of that trauma and overcoming self worth issues akin to chise's, what you said was so relatable. Wonderful analysis. It gave me hopeful, cathartic tears towards the end. I wish you the best moving forward with your struggles. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@raize221]

Such an excellent distillation of what makes this series so special. When I first watched the show it resonated with me, but there's no way I could have explained exactly why at that time. This video really shined a light on why the characters were so relatable and is a great example of the ability of anime, and fiction in general, to work as a lens to inspect our shared humanity by casting us into the fantastical.

[@FujiMomozane]

honestly i really needed this. i've been going through some bad things and this show and video have really given me some hope.

[@heathen98]

Within the first few episodes of this show, I knew it was something special. One of those anime that just stick with you years on for one reason or another. Few pieces of any media examine so beautifully and thoughtfully the themes of loss, love, and self as Ancient Magus Bride. I have never before watching, and may never again, get to experience a story that touches the same places in my heart as this one.

[@PorscheT1]

I've always found the relationship between our mental state/current circumstances and the media we consume at those specific times to be quite interesting. I've watched shows that, at an "average" time in my life, would have seemed fairly inconsequential. However, I've had the blessing of viewing some particular anime at very distinct moments in my life, which allowed me to not only sort through my own feelings, but to also really appreciate the artistry and thoughtfulness of the series. I still reflect on the poignancy of those moments years later. I've actually only seen a few episodes of TAMB, but after watching your video, I am excited to start over and view it with a fresh outlook. Thank you for making these videos.

[@michaelcooke6585]

Man I have been watching this channel for over 2 years now and I still just get so hyped when you drop a new video! I appreciate everything you do!

[@Freki666]

Thank you for this video and your personal analysis to this -for me- masterpiece. All the feelings, symbolism, story, plot and character development makes it really special to me. I really felt with Chise right from the start when I started watching it. And especially the last ~ 8 mins of your video were the most important one for me. For everyone reading this: Take care of you and your loved ones.

[@senaruryuin2773]

This series has always been really special to me- I often am not inspired to go and read the manga for an anime I happen upon, but this was one I just had to seek the manga out, the story is beautiful and full of hope and wonder. Absolutely one of my favorites of all time!

[@missallykay83]

This series was one of my absolute favorites! It really struck me in ways I did not expect. Loved it so much!

[@kubebrick7275]

So glad to see you do a video on one of my favorite series! I have always felt so close to Chise, very very happy to see others enjoy her story!

[@walkwithoutrhythm9858]

This series is absolutely stunning to look at. I've adored this series ever since i first saw it years ago. In so happy to see you making a video about it.

[@jdolce7898]

I came back to say I think this has been the best Bonsai Pop video in recent memory, and I love all the videos. I'd be thrilled if this could get more views.

[@Plot_Armor_]

Magus Bride was one of my first anime I watched back in 2017, and I enjoyed it but didn't really understand it. But now a few years later, and much more mature, watching the second season while it was airing ignited something inside of me and Magus Bride quickly became one of my favorite anime of all time. It certainly is a special work of passion and art. Thanks again and always for all the content you all put out for us.

[@Plot_Armor_]

Also, don't know if this may mess something up, but I changed my @ handle to something that was not created back in the early youtube days when I was a kid. Regardless, once again thanks for all the great work you do.

[@AnimeKnight627]

I can't tell you how greatful I am of how you broke down every reason I fell in love with this anime. I watched it when I was a freshman in college, when I felt the most alone. Anime was an easy getaway but the Ancient Magus Bride always stuck with me. Fantastic video

[@sw33g3r3]

Great video, I’ve never seen the Magus Bride, but I’ll probably have to check it out! Also, Mike, have you ever considered doing a room tour? Your collection of games, figures, etc looks freaking awesome! I think I speak for a decent chunk of subscribers to this channel when I say it would be cool to see a video of your collection and gaming set up

[@vincentxnguyen]

I appreciate the fact that this series delves into not only Chise’s journey of self love and acceptance, but her becoming a guiding light for others to do so as well

[@2011multisam]

This is the first video you've made that I've decided not to watch to avoid spoilers. I normally don't mind but I'm just a few episodes in and I can already tell that this is a special show that I need to experience myself. Naturally I will come back and watch this once I'm done

[@MusicFreakKatz]

I'm glad more people are talking about this manga/anime. The story had captivated me right in the beginning and the animation for the show is GORGEOUS. The sorrow I feel for Chise is intense, learning her story broke me. One of the many characters I adore that I wish find happiness in their stories. Also, the opening "Here" by JUNNA means a lot to me, because of not only the meaning and how I relate to it. But because JUNNA is the singing voice for Mikumo, from Macross Delta and another series I'm a huge fan of.

[@Kayla4217]

The way you write scripts is so engaging and makes me really empathize with your story and how you interact with anime titles as a result. Thank you ❤️

[@n3g093]

I have a somewhat similar background to yourself and I'm so glad you made this video. I had to stop halfway through to watch both seasons. Despite being clean for 11 years now, watching Chise's journey felt so validating. It was uncanny when a certain character stated "I don't know what my preferences are." I've heard similar from many who had just began recovery.

[@XBenDX]

I've been trying to get some friends and family members to watch this forever. Maybe I can get them to watch this video to help convince them. This is my absolute favorite anime and I'm glad you're finally releasing a video about it❤

[@CrazyPete316]

This has been in my watch queue for years. After listening to this video I think it’s time to finally watch it.

[@yellowolff]

This show has been one of my all time favorite anime. Not only cause it has fey in it but because the characters really carried this story. I would never be able to relate but I do relate to the fact that I've been seeing life with new eyes now. It's been about 2 years since I started therapy to get over my ptsd, depression and anxiety. It's all still there i also take medication to help me function. It has been a real game changer and I never thought I would be able to see anything so clearly and brightly as I do now. I love nature and have started adventuring. ❤ Things that I couldn't do before now I do them with ease. To me that is a big accomplishment. ❤ love yourself and enjoy life to the fullest.

[@scribbled1990]

I'm really glad you put this out, I don't think this type of thing, talking about life and death, is touched upon enough and this manga and anime also helped me while I was struggling, hell I still am. This was also cool because it felt like almost a bday gift for me and helped to remind me to keep pushing forward so, even though I know this wasn't specifically for me, thank you.

[@marctrusso36]

This series is one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for giving this show the respect it deserves. 😊

[@morpheus9330]

This series has been chose to my heart for so many years now. Thank you for sharing your side of it.

[@dylanehooverlibrarian7026]

I am impressed by Ancient Magus Bride's ability to use the imaginative reinvention of British Isles folk traditions to explore how damaged, diminished people can learn to become more complete by accepting community and learning tradition. The folk magic Chise learns is a means of connecting to those around her, and in turn learning to see her own value through those people. The way that fae are euphemistically called "neighbours" is at once a classic folkloric nod and show the kind of relationships she wants to cultivate. They live near her, are interested in her, and still have their own unknown agendas - but also give her a framework for coming to accept her own wounded sense of self. The bit with the old dying dragon made me cry so very much - some's value isn't simply atomized, but rather comes from the care they receive from others as well as give to then. It's so darn good!

[@snow3910]

the unravel ost + a magus bride video is something I didn't realize I wanted

[@monkey238]

“It just works”

[@Runo1923]

The only bad thing about the series is that its a monthly manga. You cannot wait until the next chapter comes.

[@Tea_Mist]

@BonsaiPop This is going to be a lot more personal than I should likely put on the internet but here we go. When I found The Ancient Magus Bride I was excited. I’m a redhead who loves myth, legends and lore from all over the world. So seeing an show with a character I could easily imprint myself upon and not only were they encountering the things I’ve always seen as magical and wonderful, but in a way that didn’t make them feel like Disney plushies. The neighbors are just as trustworthy as the real people we encounter everyday, they’re as deep and nuanced as humans are. I had always loved the older fairy tales because of this, is why I have always loved Greek and Roman mythos so much because the Gods acted…human. Far easier to understand and believe in that an all powerful being that ignores us as we suffer and expects us to praise them when things are good. I was excited to experience this story expecting maybe a gray story with wonderful music and beautiful artwork. I don’t think I could have been more wrong… I grew up without a father, and a mother who’s ‘best’ would be considered by most their worst. I grew up learning how to make myself not feel, learning not how to do something just how not to do something while never learning the things I needed to know to be considered a well rounded adult. This was the 90s, so even when I reached out, and when those that were meant to help didn’t and nothing was done for the child I once was… It left one feeling bitter and angry, and then nothing. For so long I felt nothing. Like a hallow hole of a person. I did not know myself let alone how to be an adult or, at the time, a child. I did not know my favorite color, something any child should be able to blab out instantly in asked, it wasn’t until I was far into my 20s that I realized what simple information about myself was. Pink, blue and grey if you’re wondering. So when Chise was allowed to explain their background, seeing their family and how it fell away my heart broke for her, I felt that abandonment. Even know as an adult I understand that hurt people hurt people. I understand the why my mother did what they did, I understand why my father did what he did ect. But that does not mean it does not hurt, it does not absolve them of their sins. It does not mean I have to forgive, or forget, but it does mean I can move on. It means I can amputate those branches of myself. Does it still hurt? Of course. It takes very little to remind me that where others have a parental comfort. It means I have to remind myself that I am no longer that child, I am now in the shoes of the parent, and I have a child that I refuse to let feel those feelings I had been nurtured in. Again, I learned what not to do, not what I should do. As I got older, and as I continued to watch the show, I realized I was closer to Elias than Chisa. I had healed as much as I was going to about my abandonment, about my past… It was my present I had to work on, and there were so many emotions I didn’t understand, so many adulting things I did not know, even some very basic things. I had to be grown up as a child, but not as a grownup I have to be now. So relearning I have to do. It’s slow, its gross and I mess up far more than I care to mention. But if not for the people around you, the family I have found and made I would not be the person I would be today. I would not have been able to feel the anger and hate I once had enough to be able to let it go, I would not be able to feel what real love is, loneliness, jealousy, want, and care. For so long I had been unfeeling that I didn’t even realize I had grown numb. Now I’m in my 30s I am still getting better, I’m more me than I have ever been. I have protected mine from the horrors I had grown up in. I have learned and become better, I am not perfect, and I will never be perfect, but all I can do is try and be better than I was yesterday. This is why I love this anime, it feels like my life in a different flavor making it so much more digestible. Allowing me to see some of the still prickly parts of myself and letting me sand them into smooth. Thank you for covering The Ancient Magus Bride.

[@ImNotAWitchImYourWIFI]

i dont think i will ever be able to not watch one of these reviews and not feel something powerful. i have faced a lot of loss this year, not in so much as death, but missing my brother who passed in 2018, and losing family that have turned away for various reasons, including betrayal, and other terrible things. we keep going. no matter what we've faced. and i dont want to waste the time i have left feeling terrible. its hard living with chronic depression and anxiety. but i want to keep going. Thank you for still going too.

[@davidtalavera9138]

I love your videos and this one really hit home for me. Its crazy how some anime can come to you when you need it the most, much love 🖤

[@astro8885]

I don't watch anime, but you are making it sound incredible. I have gone through such things, and what you say brings it all back, back to such. I look back at what happens, I look at it with my old soul and smile. Thank you.

[@jdolce7898]

"That's all I have to say" he says, after dropping so much wisdom. Your video should be seen by millions.

[@don_shoti804]

My condolences my friend and im rooting for you as you going through ya situation but thank you for your perspective and introducing me into a wonderful show

[@greenhollyknight4846]

It is nice to see you guys cover this one. Also sorry for your loses and I totally appreciate that someone else understands the way I feel after loosing my grandmother. You have also given me another way to look at the anima and the manga's I own. Mom and I are still making our way through season 2 so thanks for not spoiling it for us. I also would like that statue for my own, I feel that they did and awesome job with it just like the one the did for Alucard. Still wish I had the money to but it when it came out but you know, bills. See you in the next video.

[@shinyglaceon1890]

When a person writes a story, they say it often reflects that person's soul. This show is a true treasure. It's art alone makes it stand above a lot of other shows. The depth of the characters designs, the landscapes and backgrounds, the well constructed musical palettes. Along with the fact that they set moods and tones well. Then you have the great story telling. In some ways I could never tell where it was going. Whether someone would live or die, some scenes left me sitting at the edge of my seat. Overall though I just love the characters and the development they under go. I appreciate how cute that all the scenes are. They go through a lot of growth. Even the antagonist in the show I love to hate. Good writing, drama, love, action, art, and symbolism these are in my opinion all the things that make up this wonderful series.

[@poppybat]

thank you for this heart felt video on a series thats incredibly important to me. I always enjoy seeing notifs for bonsai pop vids but this one is special.

[@Pinky_flcl]

This anime is one of the first ones that got me really hooked on the magical universe genre. Ty for covering it.

[@tedweird]

I absolutely adore Ancient Magus Bride, and it's always the top of my list for recommendations, not least because it bridges a lot of gaps. It's beautiful, both visually and musically, Chise and Elias are so very different from typical protagonists, the world is vibrant and full of wonder. I've never seen such a great adaptation of mythologies surrounding Eastern fae, or a show that dealt with depression like this. Add on top of that a great cast, both allies and enemies, and you have one of my most favorite anime ever I've never bought an anime statue before, but I am so very tempted this time...

[@Mathue360]

You've perfectly encapsulated the feeling that I get when I watch this anime. The dual nature of characters is what hooks me every time.

[@Raleos121]

The way that they show Elisis being a half fae and not easily able to understand even basic emotions is something that has helped me feel some degree of normal since being put on ADD/ADHD meds when I really shouldn't have been in elementary school stunted my ability to connect with other people and emotions other then the same way he observes humans, it has helped me not only accept that but even start to work to understand them even slowly feel more then rage, depression and what I can only explain as feeling nothing.

[@Darth_Feneris]

That's at least twice now that you've made me cry. I just lost my man 3 months ago. And I have not been coping with this properly.. But i felt again tonight and i cried like id just lost him again and i felt and it was real.. thank you... Because you're right We have those deep dark feelings because we felt such deeply pure feelings too. I don't know where along the road I managed to forget that or managed to stop believing it.. But it's weird how the most random video popping up on a KZbin feed can connect to one's soul. Pull them out of a deep dark place to show them where the light is

[@edleemu]

Well said sir. I’ve watched this series so many times. The show is emotionally taxing. I watch it because I see the spectrum of emotions within the context of the show and makes me feel. Your words help me explore those feelings. Thanks

[@JoshuaHenelyThornhill]

One of my favorite animes EVER EVER talked about deeply by one of my favorite storyteller from this forsaken platform known as KZbin. I wholeheartedly thank you and admire you for doing it Mikey Mike !

[@seboy7261]

Those figures always look so good. On another note my wallet is crying

[@GhormleyPablo]

Man, I can't wait to dive into this. A coworker recommended this series, but after watching this review it's definitely a priority.

[@excisoul6406]

This story hit hard in so many unexpected ways. Always appreciate a journey that makes me face my own demons and fears. Props to Bonsai Pop for putting out this video. Hope happiness finds the entire team.

[@IchigoSweetie3]

My partner, the sweetest girl in the world really adores this series. When I saw a video about you doing this, I immediately had to click on it to hear your take ❤ it was beautiful. She has tried to explain it to me and I had a hard time understanding it a bit from her wording. She herself has a hard time trying to explain things… she also reminds me of the main girl a lot with her self-sacrificing nature and how bad her family life with her own mother to this day is. I have to pull her back and be like no hon it's ok. She listened to the video and said yes this is what I mean with this whole story and I was super happy I finally understood it.. Thank you so much for this guys ❤ I love these videos, you keep my work days great. I even listened to these so many times. Your Cross-game one and 2 hour Kenshin video are my favorites of all time 😊

[@wadewilson1126]

Watching this on the anniversary of a friend's passing. Came here for the content, got free therapy again. I love this channel! Been looking for an awesome anime to binge. This one should do beautifully.

[@Tyroneology]

Tyler if I don’t win the statue that’s okay but it would be magical if I did. For anyone wondering Figurama makes the best there is, my Dorohedoro statue is in my top 10 of personal possessions

[@Blondierae]

This show will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing

[@guidofedeli851]

I'm really sorry about your losses Mike. I love TAMB, so glad the series is getting the recognition it deserves.