What makes it different from others?

good back-story, and good acting

How wonderful it is to see this fine actress carry a film and carry it so beautifully.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

I discovered this anime series last year on Crunchyroll, and immediately fell in love. I now have the series on DVD, and just re- watched it again with my sister, who is also now in love. I must say, that I cried and wept several times during the series. The most depressing part is that the series ends on a serious cliffhanger - unfortunately there was never a season 2. :(Guin is the ultimate hero - the swoonworthy warrior who is full of wisdom, compassion, resolute strength, and honor. He is someone I would pledge my sword & shield to without hesitation if I were a knight or soldier in this world of Guin Saga.The animation is lovely, the music is beautiful, the characters are incredibly well-developed, and there is much mystery, masterful story-telling and the human struggles of right & wrong, good & evil, loyalty & betrayal, etc. If I could give this series 20 stars, I would. I also bought the first book in the series, and will read as much as I can because I am obsessed with finding out how this saga ends...