Joran The Princess Of Snow And Blood “Daybreak” Review
Joran The Princess Of Snow And Blood “Daybreak” is the sixth episode of the Joran anime. The majority of the episode showing us the events leading up to Sawa being poisoned in episode 5.
Sawa’s Return
Following Asahi for most of the episode, the beginning shows her getting the poison from Makoto. And Makoto explaining that the pills will only give the illusion of death. They’re to trick the organization into thinking Sawa is dead so that Asahi and she can go into hiding outside Tokyo. Asahi is pretty much the OG here. She follows Makoto’s instructions down to the very second. Rescuing Sawa just in time for her to wake up, meaning she can now live again a new life.
Asahi explains everything but it’s clear Sawa is still a tad reluctant. The only time she ever seems to calm a little is around 3/4 through the episode when she tells Asahi her real name for the first time. Meanwhile the Shogun is in a meeting with everyone in the upper echelons of the city. Including Kuzuhara. Whilst he mostly sits silently and listens, he has a private conversation with the Shogun pertaining to the blue blood. And the Shogun does more than hint that he’ll do anything to purify it. Perhaps as a form of energy? Something so powerful imbued with his soldiers would certainly make him formidable and pretty much untouchable.
Double Agents
Kuzuhara is seen later, helping small children stay warm in the cold. But most importantly killing two soldiers who’re about to murder rebels on the street after they’ve graffitied the wall with anti-establishment slogans. Putting very much into question where his loyalties really lie. Up until now, he’d seemed unwavering in his support of the Shogun and the corrupt establishment. But now it’s looking like he’s been “doing a Makoto” the entire time. It’s likely that he knew Sawa wasn’t dead and allowed her and Asahi to get away.
Speaking of poor Makoto. She’s in another country with the blue blood and the pills the doctor gave her. She’s having delirious visions though. And is stumbling her way through the woods. What happens to her is left open. Possibly for next episode.
Review
Honestly, loved this episode. This is how it’s done! The story was slow but informative with no shortage of twists and emotional segments. The fact that Sawa is starting to genuinely warm to the idea she can just be a sister to Asahi and leave the killing behind. And more than likely will be dragged back in is heart wrenching. The rug is going to be pulled from her again and it hurts to think about. Whilst she was “dead” her thoughts were of Makoto and Elena. Having a normal day and Elena’s baby being Asahi. She cares so much for those around her but it’s only shown when the killer in her is killed.
This episode alone was enough to make my opinions of certain characters shift completely. Makoto has become tragic and Kuzuhara a secret hero. Perhaps. This is pretty much “Plot Twists: The Anime” so I wouldn’t be shocked if more surprises are on the way. The theme running through the episode of re-birth is fitting for everyone, as they all become almost completely different people. This is a well directed, beautifully written episode and I can’t wait to see where episode 7 takes us!
