Even though a more than adequate review has already been written for this anime by Ryokitsuki, I thought I might write one anyway because A.) I already watched it and B.) perhaps someone might benefit from a second opinion.
In my search for the perfect horror anime I have come across the bizarre (Paranoia Agent), the disgusting (Blood) and the boring (Witch Hunter Robin; and although I have been discouraged by many failed attempts (Death Note) I have not given up on the possibility that a perfect anime horror either exists or will be made soon. I will continue to search.
Jigoku Shoujo is not a perfect horror anime. It can be repetitive and redundant, unintelligent and derisive, uninspired and overly-poignant. Despite all these flaws I cannot seem to get past the fact that it is genuinely a good anime. Quite good actually. How good? Let’s see.
Story
Ryokitsuki put it best when saying that the show was “episodic”. Think of it as a collection of short stories with a common theme. Now this is where Ryokitsuki and I are going to start differing in opinions: I feel the show shines in it’s short story brilliance. It’s at it’s weakest when everything ties together. It feels like an after thought to me.
Likes - the dark almost defeatist attitude of some of the stories
Dislikes - could have been more in-depth when it came to fruition.
Likes - the dark almost defeatist attitude of some of the stories
Dislikes - could have been more in-depth when it came to fruition.
Art
Above par. Some of this imagery is quite brilliant actually and Hell Girl has a an eerie quality that lingers, especially towards the end of the show. Other characters can be uninspired at best but for the most part it’s a quite good show.
Likes - Hell girl
Dislikes - the carriage with a face on it’s wheel. And people think I’m random.
Likes - Hell girl
Dislikes - the carriage with a face on it’s wheel. And people think I’m random.
Sound
Another difference between Ryokitsuki and myself is here. I do not feel the opening sequence fits the feel of the show. Not even a little bit. It’s a good song but it’s a little too pop and upbeat in style. It does not fit well. Aside from that, the ambiance set by other musical scores is quite nice.
Likes - the general feel presented by the music
Dislikes - I don’t really dislike the opening theme but I think it would be better suited for another anime.
Likes - the general feel presented by the music
Dislikes - I don’t really dislike the opening theme but I think it would be better suited for another anime.
Character
New characters are presented in nearly every episode. (Hence episodic) Those characters are well drawn and interesting enough for one episode and in some cases you wish they were longer. There are only three characters that really carry over. Of those three one is Hell Girl and the other two are a father and daughter. There are three other characters that supposedly play a part in the show but the writers deemed them unworthy of our affections and therefore didn’t write anything for them. So you have a face with no personality. Kind of like a cardboard cutout.
Likes - Hell girl. At first she’s boring but they develop her into something frightening.
Dislikes - The other three with Hell Girl. They seem interesting but seeming is all you get.
Likes - Hell girl. At first she’s boring but they develop her into something frightening.
Dislikes - The other three with Hell Girl. They seem interesting but seeming is all you get.
Enjoyment
I get an odd sense of satisfaction from watching this anime. Perhaps it’s because often times things don’t work out. Maybe it’s because this show really goes the extra mile in painting human beings as evil. Bottom line is I did enjoy myself, but I can’t shake the feeling that not everyone would.
Likes - the hopelessness and depravity of it all
Dislikes - catch phrases. I can’t stand em.
Likes - the hopelessness and depravity of it all
Dislikes - catch phrases. I can’t stand em.
In Conclusion
There is a comparison going on between this show and Death Note. Though I understand the comparison it’s kind of like comparing an apple to an apple core that’s been shot out of a buffalo’s butt. Sorry to be so crude but I couldn’t help it. Jigoku Shoujo is good and if you liked Death Note you’ll probably like this. Personally I enjoy this show much more.
And you might take notice, that though Ryokitsuki and I have a difference in opinions here and there we both agreed on two things: 1.) this show is worth watching 2.) our overall score
And you might take notice, that though Ryokitsuki and I have a difference in opinions here and there we both agreed on two things: 1.) this show is worth watching 2.) our overall score
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