kosaveen-1

Shigurui (2007)

A sumptuous feast.

This epic historical anime about conflict goes beyond the medium itself. I will try to be objective with my limited abilities. Hiroshi Hamasaki the genius behind Technolyze decided to adapt the first thirty two chapters of shigurui before giving up the project entirely. Now why watch an incomplete series, anyone might wonder. This partial attempt at adapting one of the most dramatic stories ever told is one of those rare instances where its failure to completion can be seen as a greater achievement than most successful adaptations of other stories out there. The literary scope of this project alone merits a one time viewing. The content maybe quite distasteful to some but I would quietly urge the casual viewer to please NOT simply take in the graphic violence at face value and instead look at them as symbols to what may unravel the conflict between the two principal antagonists. Unlike most hero worshiping stories out there, this story has no heroes, only villains with a unique sense of morality and justice. These are stories that can be endlessly dissected and with every viewing this new found perspective can serve aid you decipher a little of that vast unknowable known as Japan. The style of the anime is very decadent. And very much like the politics of Japan during the Edo period - was vastly tumultuous. This story serves as an allegory to that time period through the choices its antagonists makes and its consequences they eventually face. The anime has flawlessly taken in the elements, details and nuances from the manga, and taken it to the next level. The greatest achievement in my opinion was the foreshadowing of the events to come were executed to perfection, like a well aged single malt whiskey. These details can only be noted from repeated viewing. I have watched many animes in my thirty three years of existence, but at that moment when I finished watching the 12 episodes and then later eventually finishing the manga, I have never felt more alive and relevant. In conclusion - WATCH IT NOW!