I enjoyed watching this anime, but I did have a few problems.

First, the story line was confusing. It had way too many details too keep track of, and this would, for most people, force you to re watch/skim previous episodes.

Second, the anime was a little to feminist for me, and this is coming from me, a female. I was never a feminist and let the stuff blow over, but this anime put it in your face and it got annoying at times. So if your a feminist, this is perfect for you!

Finally,I think the main character needed a reality check!
She had plenty of great guys groveling at her feet, but she didn't choose a single one, as if she was saying that she was too good for them. Guess what, most of those guys were everything a girl could want! It seemed like she had some fantasy for a perfect guy, but there isn't one! NO ONE is perfect!

I give this anime a four star.

..I've watched the first season of this anime and I was sooooo discouraged with its ending!! why did shuurei and ryuuki didn't end up together.???? I really love to see them end up together... and so that's why I'm recommending that you watch its second season for its much more sweet and it shows some hints that shuurei has actually feelings for ryuuki..!!! And by the way, I'm from the Philippines and I watched its second season through a pirated dvd.. haha!! But I was so upset with the dvd for it doesn't have the ending of it.. .. I was already on the part wherein ran shuuei was going back to ran province.. .... So I really expect that all its episodes will be posted here on crunchyroll ... ...

Saiunkoku Monogatari is a great story!!! Its a combination of romance, comedy and everything you'd ever look for..

P.S. This is my first time to write a review.. So I'm really sorry if I didn't explain my side very well.... .. I really recommend that you watch Saiunkoku Monogatari..!!! I'm sure you'll love it..!! And oh, it's manga can be read at mangafox.com ... Enjoy reading it !