In answer to a question on my last post: this blog will not only review
series, but all reviews will be related to Japanese creations.
Movies? Animated (Miyazaki films) or otherwise Japanese (Ghost Train). Games?
Probably anime-ish (Persona). Music? Japanese (Ayumi Hamasaki). I'll also
review conventions I attend.
Now then, on to the review.
Jigoku Shoujo Anime Review
“Happy” is not a word that exists in the storyline of Jigoku Shoujo. This series opens up dark and stays that way to the very end.
There are times where it seems as if something may end well, but don't be
fooled: Jigoku Shoujo will teach you a lesson in sadness again and again.
The basic premise is that if someone is causing you trouble to the point
that you feel hatred for them you can access the Hell Correspondence at
midnight and enter their name. If you do this, Enma Ai (Jigoku Shoujo, Hell Girl) will come to you.
She is
capable of sending your tormentor to Hell. However, in exchange, you have to
go to Hell when you die.
You will be given a straw doll with a red thread around its neck. Pulling
the thread sends your tormentor immediately to Hell.
Each episode is completely disconnected from the others, until about midway
through, when there is some form of connected-ness.
Of course I can't really detail that, because it would be spoiler-y. I'm
pretty sure you don't want that.
The Characters: Jigoku Shoujo
The major players in each episode vary greatly depending who wants to send
whom to the pits of Hell.
However, there are several consistent characters
Enma Ai, obviously, and her helpers Wanyuudo, Hone Onna, and Ichimoku Ren.
The only one of these characters you receive the history of in this season
is Ai (spoilers!). Then, about midway through, the characters Hajime and
Tsugumi Shibata are introduced.
Hajime is a reporter who begins investigating the Hell Correspondence with
the intention of stopping it, while Tsugumi is his daughter who sometimes
sees through Ai's eyes.
Ai is well-drawn, as are Hajime and Tsugumi; the other three are not allowed
nearly enough room to grow, though it is pleasant to see how they are
dedicated to Ai.
The Music: Jigoku Shoujo
I am a firm believer that music can make or break anything, be it a TV show,
an anime series, or a movie.
For Jigoku Shoujo, the background music does its job admirably.
Composer
Yasuharu Takanashi did a master job at capturing the feelings required for
the Jigoku Shoujo anime with his music.
Much of it is dark, if not outright, then in undertone. Listening to it
without the series can get a little bit creepy sometimes.
I love letting Ake ni Somaru, my favourite piece used consistently in the
series, in a pitch black room.
Conclusion?
Do not watch (Jigoku Shoujo Netflix) this series if you're only into light anime. However, much as
Jigoku Shoujo may not be a happy series, it will make you think.
If you were in the shoes of the character who is troubled, what would you
do? Would you pull the thread?
There will be times when you scream “Pull the
string!” and times when you know beyond a doubt it wasn't worth it.
There will be times many of them when you have your heart broken by this
series. There will be times when you question if what Ai is doing is right.
Will there be times when you laugh? Maybe, if you're anything like me. I
suppose it depends. But this series is definitely one to pick if what you're
looking for is a series that can be described as “thought provoking”.
My rating: 8/10
Fascinating, with perfect music and a beautiful, completely
fitting style of animation.
The only reasons I refuse to give it a 10/10 are
the lack of development for Ai's helpers, and episode 18.
Fan Art: Jigoku Shoujo (Hell Girl)
Jigoku Shoujo | |
| Episodes | 26 |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Supernatural, Mystery, Psychological |
| Aired | October 5, 2005 to April 5, 2006 |
| Directed by | Takahiro Omori |
| Producers | Aniplex, Studio Deen, SKY Perfect Well Think |
| Opening Theme | Sakasama no Chou by Snow |
| Closing Theme | Karinui by Mamiki Noto |
0 comments
Post a Comment