Nothing's really new with this week because, like the previous ones, my schedule is loaded. I was really exhausted at the end of the week, but of 'course there's no room for dilly-dallying because there's a lot of things I still need to do. So before I plunged again into the ever-tense schoolwork, I just want to share an anime series that I binge-watched yesterday. I'm still a little hung up on the theme of the previous anime I've watched, so I ended up watching a historical anime with samurai again. However, this one is really bloody—and I'm totally not exaggerating it.
The amount of gore and mature scenes in that anime was something that really made me uncomfortable at first because it's been awhile since I watched an extremely bloody anime, so yeah... It's been a shocker for me. But nevertheless, it's something that's utterly intriguing because everyone in there can either kill or be killed. It's the survival of the fittest, and only one will emerge victorious. So now join me as we plunge into the story of the two swordsmen who both have the same dream in Shigurui.
About the Anime
Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a seinen anime that premiered in the summer of 2007. This aired from July 19, 2007, to October 11, 2007. This anime series was licensed under Funimation and was animated by Madhouse. Its genres are action, drama, and suspense. Since it's set in the Japan Edo period, its themes obviously include historical, samurai, and adult cast—but unlike the previous anime I've watched, this time it has psychological, gore, and martial arts. In total, it has 12 episodes, and it was based on the completed manga written by Norio Nanjou and illustrated by Takayuki Yamaguchi.
Back in the Kan'ei Year 6 (1629 AD), matches for several samurai were held at Sunpu Castle. Many opposed such matches because they used real swords instead of the wooden ones. They detest unnecessary bloodshed, so some attempted to show their strong rejection against it. However, since it was hosted by Shogun's Iemitsu's younger brother, no one was able to really stop it. So on the 24th of September, the same year, a lot of samurai marched inside the castle, but the main highlight of these matches isn't the duel of fully abled ones.
Standing in the midst of the garden were one-armed and blind swordsmen. The people around them were puzzled because what could be fascinating between the matches of these not-full-abled swordsmen? But as soon as they both drew their swords, they felt the tension. With both of them having disadvantages, one can't easily judge who will win. Some of them were even intimidated by their unreadable swordsmanship. Their peculiar swordplay sure made the tension rise, but little do the spectators know that it's not only the heat of their match that was fueling them. Their hatred for each other was something that stemmed seven years ago.
Both of them were once disciples of Iwamoto Kogan, but many things happened in between those seven years. They have lost a lot along their way to that match, but the unbending determination of a samurai was still in them. With their ambitions crushed along the way—it's only their honor that remained. The end of their long-standing rivalry was long overdue, and that match is sure the one who will determine who will be the victorious among both of them. Is it the one-armed swordman or the blind swordsman? Well, I can't say, but one thing is certain: the one that will win is sure deserving.
It was indeed bloody! The whole anime really emanates tension and a foreboding mood. It's a slow-paced one, but for me, I can really enjoy it because it depicts how detailed the plot could be. It isn't just focused on the POV of the main characters; it also explores some minor ones. It's amazing how each character was depicted uniquely and almost realistically. I'm not really a geek in Japanese history, but by the looks of it, I know it's greatly inspired by the dark side of the Edo period. It really showed that the Edo period isn't all about extravagant clothes and majestic sights because what lies behind those beauties were the grotesque realities. Realities that women were treated as mere objects for birthing children and not all samurai were honorable at all.
Further, the explicit use of brutality and sexuality was something that quite made me uncomfortable at first. It's been a long time since I watched this kind of anime genre, so somehow it took me a couple of episodes to get used to it. Almost the entirety of this anime was basically a flashback of what happened seven years ago, so at the end of it felt quite hanging on what really happened next on that match. Anyway, what happened in between those seven years was something that will fill your curiosity on why the tension between those two samurai mounted up like that. The whole plot was heavy and dark, and I think I can't remember any lighthearted scenes that were portrayed. Each episode was portrayed in a deliberately slow-paced manner, but I think that's added more to the anticipation.
As for its artstyle, I was really astounded at how well they set the historic mood of that anime. The colors that they used really suit the feels of that anime. They really used a neutral palette that exuded classic vibes, and I like how they showed the anatomy details during the scenes where the characters felt bloodlust. It really looks cool, and it added to the intensity that those scenes give off, and Madhouse isn't really shy about showing blood, and this time they included human entrails. The animation is also gripping, but what really captures me are the small details that they incorporate all across the series. From creasing of eyebrows and delicate lip movements to the small, mysterious smile of the characters who usually don't smile—they really did those to enhance the psychological part of the anime. Those were just little details, but I'm amazed at how those things enhance the cinematics of the anime.
Its soundtrack also did well in enhancing the Edo period feels of the anime. By the way, this is the first time I watched an anime without both the opening and ending songs. There are opening credits that include a strong instrumental that felt like the prelude of a match, but of 'course it died down the moment the episode officially started. The ending song and background music were subtle, and they're definitely one of the things I like in this anime because its subtlety really adds to the intrigue and anticipation that you'll feel while watching it.
Also, like their art, its soundtrack also did pay attention to small details. You can never expect that even an unsuspecting sound of noisy cicadas can be a foreshadowing of something sinister. The voice actors also did well in portraying the voices of the characters. I really felt the emotions, and it's really fascinating listening to them utter the techniques or swordplay they use. The seriousness in their voice just added to the intensity of the scenes they portrayed, and it's so cool.
Overall, my personal rating for this anime is 8.9/10. The ending somehow fell short of my expectations. I felt that the whole tension dropped when I saw that their fight didn't end on the last episode. I thought I would finally see their whole fight on the last episode, but I find the last fight scene anticlimactic. The punishment scene gave off more tension on me compared to the last battle in final episode, but it sure gave a decent end and start of something new. It was a meaningful ending, but it felt lacking.
Anyway, the whole series did not disappoint in showing the brutality and elegance of the Edo period. From the artstyle to the sound effects of the series, all of those were utilized well to portray well the Edo Japan. However, be warned that this anime isn't appropriate for all—especially for those who have sensitive stomachs. The details were shown without reservation, from the blood and guts up to the details of decapitated limbs or body parts. Also, there are sexual scenes that may be highly inappropriate if you can't overlook at it. It made me uncomfortable at first, so I think a warning would be enough if you're not into them. But if you're prepared to plunge into the brutal and merciless part of the Edo period, then you definitely need to try watching Shigurui.
Before I end this review, I gladly share with you its trailer, so—
Have you watched this anime before? Or is this your first time seeing it? Well, I'll be glad if you share your comments about it. That's all for now, minna-san! I hoped you enjoyed reading my review.
Arigatou and tanoshinde ne~
The pictures that didn't have source were screenshots from the anime while the last picture was edited in Canva.