LogFAQs > #967237017

3/10: DISAPPOINTING TIER

230. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion
https://myanimelist.net/anime/35834/Angolmois__Genkou_Kassenki
Summer 2018 (12 episodes)
My Score: 3/10, MAL Score: 7.13/10
Best Character: Teruhi-hime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdN4XDLa64o

Premise: Mongol hordes are invading Japan, and the battle begins on the island of Tsushima. A ragtag band of convicts assembles to fight them, led by disgraced samurai Kuchii Jinzaburou.

The Good: I like the historical era this is set in, and there are a few neat moments where the defenders use strategy to overcome their numerical disadvantage. Teruhi-hime was fine.

The Bad: An anime like this either needs spectacle to sell the battles or to lean into the historical aspect. Angolmois doesnt really do either. The animation is never impressive, so when the characters start pulling off impossible moves it looks silly rather than cool. It also doesnt have much real-world history other than the fact that the Mongols did, in fact, attack this island. The worst part about Angolmois, however, is that it feels like a prequel to a much larger story. Sorry to spoil history, but the Mongol invasion doesnt end on Tsushima. The season ultimately goes nowhere and then asks the viewer to head over to the source material if they want more.

Overall: Angolmois reminded me of a Korean movie I like quite a bit, Musa. Its also about convicts fighting the Mongols, only it tells a complete story and, in my opinion, does a far better job of it. Instead of watching Angolmois, which didnt really have anything going for it and ends at a disappointing spot, I recommend just watching Musa.