Anime — Seirei no Moribito

Anime of the first volume of a popular Japanese fantasy series, done in beautiful, flowing animation by Production IG; and it's obvious that this is the same studio who did Ghost in the Shell : Stand-Alone Complex.

Balsa, a spear wielding bodyguard rescues Chagum, the Second Prince, when his palanquin tumbles into a river, bringing her into the meshes of Imperial intrigue, and, ultimately, the lies upon which the Empire was founded, centuries before.

Generally low-key, low magic, and pastoral, with just a few spear fights — and definitely none of the stereotypical anime buckets of blood. Highly recommended.