Crunchyroll effectively promotes A Centaur's Life as a cute slice-of-life anime, but it also tackles dark themes of discrimination and racism. The sudden shifts in tone create a powerful impact on the viewer without compromising the innocence that is expected from slice-of-life series.
The majority of A Centaur's Life, originally titled Centaur's Worries by Kei Murayama, revolves around the daily life of the main character, Hime, a centaur. Through her interactions with family, classmates, and their families, Hime learns about the complexities of living in a world where various humanoid species coexist. The series explores how these different groups interact with each other and the special accommodations society has in place to promote diversity. A Centaur's Life handles these topics with a sensitivity rarely seen in other, more serious anime series.
A Centaur's Life Shows World Building is Key to Tackling Serious Subjects
From the very first episode, A Centaur's Life subtly hints at a society that is not as innocent as it appears, alluding to a problematic justice system that seeks to compensate for a dark past. These comments, however, are casually mentioned and do not disrupt the overall tone of the series, leaving viewers slightly unsettled. It is only when a member of a secluded human subspecies integrates into this inclusive society that these random instances take on a more significant meaning. Nevertheless, A Centaur's Life manages to maintain a positive and optimistic atmosphere by subtly highlighting the differences between these subspecies and the complexities of fostering inclusivity.
The episodes in which the show effectively delves into the unique characteristics of each species revolve around diversity and inclusivity. For instance, in episode seven, the development of certain aspects of human anatomy is explored by comparing the variations in hormone production to the fictional evolutionary processes of each subspecies. Moreover, the episode addresses issues of unfairness and preferential treatment experienced by certain individuals, such as how the number of siblings can affect one's freedom, both from a real-life perspective and through a fantastical lens that examines how the size of a particular subspecies allows them to participate in certain activities more safely.
A Centaur's Life Perfectly Blends the Literal and Figurative
A Centaur's Life, streaming on Crunchyroll, handles diversity and tackles real-life issues such as racism and discrimination, giving the innocent slice-of-life series a fresh perspective. The overall tone of the show, along with Hime's large size compared to her smaller friends, affects her interactions with different parts of society. The series skillfully blends literal and figurative elements, making it relatable for viewers who have experienced similar situations in their own lives.