4/5 IT'S SO HARD SOMETIMES
  by Sesho (Pasadena, TX USA)
As Youko strives to consolidate her power, facing squabbles among her own councillors, she begins to feel like maybe she is not qualified to be queen. As in all leaders of organizations, if the leader lacks confidence, the organization ends up running them instead of the other way around. Meanwhile, we are introduced to the stories of two other girls about Youko's age which transpire in other parts of the Twelve Kingdoms. First, there is Suzu, originally from Japan who was brought here by one of the periodic storms. Not able to learn the language she is taken in by a travelling acting troupe. When she finds out a noblewoman watching the show can speak Japanese, Suzu begs her to take her away. The noblewoman agrees and makes her immortal but humiliates and tortures her with mental abuse for 100 years.
Another girl having trouble in the Kingdoms is Shoukei, a proud princess who is sheltered from the true nature of her father, King Hou. Hou has went so psycho, that even the most minor offenses by his people are punished with death. Hundreds of thousands are executed. Until the people rebel, killing the king, while Shoukei is knocked down to being a servant in a poor village.

This is the beginning of a new story arc which will trace the parallel tribulations of the the three girls. While there is a little too much whining for my tastes, the characters are interesting and are treated realistically. This anime feels more like an epic novel than a cartoon. Great show.

4/5 new storylines; continued quality
  by Terry Dawson (Appleton, WI USA)
The sixth installment of Twelve Kingdoms finds Youko trying to learn the difficult job of being queen. She discovers that the squabbles and intrigues of her advisors leave her with no easy answers and few good choices.

At the same time, we are introduced to two completely new characters, young women of a similar age to Youko, Queen Kei, but each tragic in their own way. One is another earth girl, whose experiences in the Twelve Kingdoms have been a long history of hardship and bondage. The other had been a princess, but as daughter of a deposed despot, she is forced to live a hard life among those who hated her family.

Each of these three young women hopes for something better, wanting to be understood and appreciated. The viewer is left with the feeling that their lives will entangle as the story unfolds. The good writing and character development, as well as the beautifully designed animation, make this highly enjoyable viewing. A worthwhile DVD extra is a good interview with the producer about the thought behind the creation of the series.

5/5 A New Story...
  by M. Randall (Allen Park, MI)
This volume begins the story of a new book in the twelve kingdoms. we get introduced to 2 new characters who are going through simuliar situation as youko did when she first came to this world. back with youko's story, she is struggling with being the queen. this dvd is merely a prelude as to the story to come. expect a new enemy, alot of character development, and even the return of asano in the coming volumes.

the special feature on this disc is a 15 minute interview with the producer of the show. nice!

4/5 A wicked and escaping drama
  by Jason M. Hubbard (Las Vegas, NV United States)
"Twelve Kingdoms" seems to be an anime television series of several changing faces. It's separated into different Books, each one of a rather different nature.
In my last review, I had said that Chapter Four: Reunion had a "cute side" to it. Chapter Six: Oppression, however, is hardly cute at all. This is the most desperate and despairing story yet in the series. It sways away from the series' action/adventure roots and instead engages in heated and intriguing political drama.

This chapter is about three young women in the world of the Twelve Kingdoms:
Youko Nakajima, the star of the first Book, finds it difficult to be the queen of a kingdom, struggling to overcome the complying attitude she developed in trying to be a "good girl" back in Japan.
Suzu, who's also from Japan, finds it hard to adjust to life in the Twelve Kingdoms upon being swept away there. She is forced into a long life of servitude.
Shoukei, a former princess, is also finding it hard to adjust to her new life after her father and mother are dethroned.
I have a feeling these women will meet soon, but I guess we'll have to wait until the next chapter to see that happen.
There are thrills and chills and even the occasional beheading in this chapter, but it's more like a Charles Dickens book, full of despairing drama. It's not so much "good guys vs. bad guys." I can't say it's a wholly enjoyable viewing, but it is wicked and inspiring. The artwork once again is wonderful to behold, and the English voice cast has put in a superb job. If you want to try some anime that is intelligent and vastly different than your typical slasher and superhero shows, give this one a try.