Reviews & Ratings for
"Poltergeist Report: Yuu Yuu Hakusho" More at IMDbPro »"Yû yû hakusho" (original title)

23 out of 23 people found the following review useful:
A fantastic and original action-adventure anime., 4 October 1999
Author: Clara Leung from New Zealand

Yuu Yuu Hakusho is one of my favourite japanese animes. Like many other anime, it was first released as a manga (comic), written by the talented Yoshihiro Togashi.

The story revolves around a juvenile delinquent, Yuusuke Urameshi, who, in the first minutes of the anime, DIES saving a child from a traffic accident. Wandering around as a spirit, confused as hell, he meets Botan, a ferry-girl who guides spirits to the Reikai (spirit realm) after death. She informs him that his death was totally unpredicted and unexpected, a mistake, so is given a second chance at life by Enma Daiou (Lord of the Dead), by undergoing a series of challenges and tasks, thus becoming a Reikai Tantei (Spirit Detective). One of Yuusuke's first tasks is to recover 3 treasures stolen from the Reikai. Two of the thieves, Kurama and Hiei, are later 'punished' by having to also to do services for the Reikai and become spirit detectives, but of course later they become best friends.

Yuusuke's attack is a Rei-gun (spirit gun), a bolt of energy shot out from one finger with his hand shaped like a gun, capable of great destruction. He also uses his fists a lot in a fight, being more physical than, say, Kurama. He mightn't seem too bright, but often surprises even the most experienced opponents with his actions. He can be arrogant, but brave, determined, he adopts a happy-go-lucky, reckless attitude that often gets him into strife but comes out stronger for it at the end. He thrives against stronger opponents, being able to increase his power tenfold in a short period of time with hard training. In the end it's always his childhood sweetheart, Keiko Yukimura, who's his inspiration.

Kurama is a youko (fox demon) reincarnated as a human, the (now) teenaged 'Minamino Shuuichi' (his human name) is a top-student and perfect son. He uses his youki (demonic energy ?) to manipulate plants, his preferred weapon is the Rose Whip, which can slice, dice, and chop away his opponents. In times of extreme danger, when angered, or in other special circumstances he can revert to his youko form, thus becoming MUCH more powerful. He's good-natured, kind, polite and best friends with Hiei - he's the only one who can make fun of him and get away with it. ^.^

Hiei is a fire demon with a Jagan ('evil' third eye) giving him the ability to use the 'black fires of the Makai' (demon realm) in attacks like the Jaou Ensatsu Kokuryuuha (a huge firey black dragon, which normally stays as a purple tattoo winding around his arm, which can easily annihlate enemies). Hiei has a dark past, abandoned as a child, he was raised by a band of thieves. He has no qualms about killing anyone, and went to the Ningenkai (human realm) to search for his long-lost twin sister. Hiei's really short, with a grumpy demeanor, he has a trademark scowl and often answers a short, distainful 'Hn' when questioned. He can be arrogant and is always eager to fight. Hiei and Kuwabara can't seem to stand each other, constantly bickering and at each other's neck, but deep down they're friends.

His longtime arch-rival Kuwabara Kazuma (who constantly tries to best Yuusuke at fighting, and constantly gets a royal whipping) later becomes his best friend, joining him as a Spirit Detective. Kuwabara shapes his reiki (spirit energy) into a weapon, the 'rei ken' (spirit sword). Kuwabara may seem loud, annoying, and not as 'attractive' as the other three, but he definately can't be underestimated. Like Yuusuke, he was a juvenile delinquient at school, having an arrogant and tough-guy macho attitude, but inside he's a big softie, caring and unconditionally loyal to his friends, possessing a huge inner-strength, in the end he also proves he's as smart as anyone else, maybe even smarter, when he studies hard to get into university.

The four have many adventures together, like competing in the Ankoku Bujuutsukai, a (martial arts?) tournament, facing foes like Toguro, later Sensui. Though some may say the animation isn't exactly exceptional, its plot sets it apart from the rest. The characters are highly developed, the heros have flaws and develop, and the villians aren't always the clear-cut baddies who are totally evil, but they have their own agendas, which often don't turn out to be 'evil' at all. Actually, the whole defintion of 'evil' and 'demons' are turned inside out and upside down, as two of our heroes are demons themselves. The theme of friendship, comradeship and even love is prevalent, Yuusuke overcomes seemingly impossible obstacles, changing and growing from a young, undisciplined drop-out to a truly admirable hero who never lets down his friends, and becomes immensely powerful. Among it are many interesting sub-plots about the other characters, there being a large number of 'minor' characters, offering refreshing scenes every episode.

I personally feel the second movie 'Poltergeist Report' didn't do the anime or manga series justice, as the plot was a bit serious and lacked the comedy in the original series. By all means, do watch it, but people who haven't seen the anime may not understand why Yuusuke has these powers, or why Hiei and Kurama are fighting on Yuusuke's side if they're demons. I don't think I enjoyed the movie that much because the villain, Yakumo, was totally devoid of the separate agenda and 'human side' that YYH showed as a series, like the excellent opponent for Yuusuke, Sensui, with his multiple personalities and reasons behind his (albeit deranged and destructive) actions. Hinageshi was totally unnecessary, I feel, Botan was portrayed as too serious, Keiko too much of a damsel in distress, Genkai too harmless... but after all that criticism, I think that all YYH fans should see this movie, and non-fans should see it because it's the only easily obtainable English form of YYH, and also it may help you decide whether you want to search for more YYH.

I HIGHLY recommend YYH, go see it! ^_^

7 out of 8 people found the following review useful:
Yu Yu Hakusho, 20 June 2006

Author: (seven7777777@sbcglobal.net) from United States

Yu Yu Hakusho is the most awsomest show in the whole entire world!!!

It's about 14 year old yusuke urameshi who gets hit by a car while saving a little kid since it was a good deed he is given a test to return to life. He passes the test and becomes the Spirit detective of earth. Meaning he has to protect the world of the living from evil or bad demons who threaten the humans in the living world. He has help though, from his friends kuwabara, kurama and Hiei.

It is divided into 4 saga's and 5 boxsets. The first saga is the Spirit detective saga, the second the dark tournament, the third the sensui saga and the fourth and final saga the three kings saga.

2 out of 3 people found the following review useful:
Introducing the Characters of the Show, 30 May 2003
Author: Zeorymer from New York, USA

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

***MILD SPOILERS*** YUSUKE URAMESHI-Juvenile Delinquent who died when he pushed a toddler out of the way of an oncoming car, taking the hit himself. Given a second chance at life, he becomes a Spirit Detective. Able to channel his spirit energy in the tip of his finger, and fire it off as a Spirit Gun.

KAZUMA KUWABARA-Yusuke's rival, and another juvenile delinquent. Driven by a strong sense of duty, honor and loyalty, he wants in on the action when he learns of Yusuke's new after-school job. Can form his spirit energy into a sword, eventually becoming so powerful it can slice through dimensional walls.

SUIICHI MINAMONO/YOUKO KURAMA-Basically referred to as Kurama, whether in his human or demon form. See, Kurama used to be a legendary bandit in the Spirit World, but he was one day seriously wounded and inhabited a human fetus to survive. This boy's name was Suiichi Minamono, planning to go back to the Spirit World ASAP, he became attached to his human mother and decided to stay human, for now. He employs various plants to battle, with effective results.

JAGANSHI HIEI-Owner of the Jagan Eye. Another demon, he is originally introduced along with Kurama and another demon as thieves. Hiei is very skilled with his katana and his fire-based demon powers.

GENKAI-An old martial arts master who eventually takes Yusuke as her student, Genkai trains herself vigorously, and her students even more so. Calls Yusuke 'dimwit'. She used to be a Spirit Detective, but later retired. She is drawn back into the business through her association with Yusuke.

KOENMA-The ruler of Spirit World, at least until his father returns. Often appears as a toddler, but he can also become a teenager at will. Sucks on a pacifier constantly, in both forms.

BOTAN-A rather cheerful Grim Reaper, she acts as Koenma's agent and courier into the Human World. Nonetheless, she is very strong-willed, employing various weapons and devices to help herself and her friends.

KEIKO YUKIMURA-Yusuke's wanna-be girlfriend, even though neither of them will admit it. She plays a large role in bringing Yusuke back to life, and later provides a good slap where needed.

YUKINA-Ice demon and resident healer. Kuwabara has a crush on her, and she is secretly Hiei's sister, although she doesn't know that and Hiei is forbidden from telling her. She is very shy and timid, and she loves animals. Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei rescue her from some captors who were exploiting one of her more unusual talents, her tears form crystals that can sell for unlimited amounts of money.

3 out of 5 people found the following review useful:
The best anime series ever. Plus, Kurama, the coolest anime character ever!, 28 June 2003

Author: SSJAniFan from Pine Valley, California

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

CONTAINS SPOILERS ABOUT YYH! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

This show beats every other anime show to the ground. Cowboy Bebop, Evangelion, Inu-Yasha, Dragonball Z, Ranma, Slayers, Lupin the 3rd, none of them compare to this excellent masterpiece.

The show starts out with Yusuke being killed, saving the life of a kid. He gets rewarded for this out-of-character act by getting to come back to life, but Koenma, ruler of Reiki, or Spirit World, is interested in him further and makes him a Spirit Detective, which has him fighting monsters, demons, and..... more monsters. He teams up with his former rival and two other reformed demons, and the true direction of the series begins.

YYH probably has many genres, but the main one it has is fighting. Characters will beat each other up until they're near death. Thankfully, unlike DBZ, these fights will NOT last 20 episodes. They each go on for about 1-3 episodes. Be warned, the second saga in YYH(episodes 26-66) is REALLY bloody, so if you hate even animated blood you may want to avoid it.

YYH's biggest strength is it's characters. Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, Hiei, Genkai... these characters are handled with great care, and treated so that we can actually relate to them. Heck, even the villains are more than just standard destroy-the-world stuff. With great characterization, Inu-Yasha is just about the only rival in this particular category.

Scenes can be really emotional. One big standout for me is in episode 47. In it, Yusuke is dying, unable to handle the spirit power passed onto him by Genkai, begs Puu, Yusuke's "other" self who is linked to him(and thus is also dying), to forgive him for failing the both of them. It's really good, and I actually found it hard to not shed some tears. Wow. Now that's good. An anime almost causes me to cry. That's definitely unusual.

Be warned, the animation in the first few episodes is pretty weak, but it gets better. Also, I like the music, especially the opening theme(Smile Bomb). It really reflects what's going on. And while not by Yoko Kanno standards(the composer of Escaflowne and Cowboy Bebop), it's definitely worth listening to.

BOTTOM LINE: You must watch this anime. It is one of the best. Also, my comments on the English version will be separate from this.

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