|
 (Studio Pierrot/Madman)
Packed full of guilty pleasures, but few anime aren’t.
Bleach is the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who can see ghosts, and a Soul Reaper called Rukia Kuchiki. Ichigo has a high spiritual energy, and tormented spirits called Hollows are attracted to him, with intent to devour his soul. Soul Reapers (Shinigami or ‘Death Gods’ in the Japanese) are mighty spiritual samurai who slay the monstrous Hollows, and send their pacified souls to the Soul Society (Heaven). When Rukia is wounded trying to protect Ichigo from a Hollow, she transfers her power to him, and he is thrust into the role of a Soul Reaper.
Bleach is a major hit in Japan and America, and it’s not hard to see why. The production is first rate, if fairly safe in its execution. The plot manages to give a lot away fairly quickly, and this can seem cheap at times – new characters, abilities and weapons are introduced very regularly – but it makes for gratifying viewing. The humour is well placed, and genuinely funny in its childishness. It also goes a long way to balance the – at times – nauseatingly inspirational overtones to the script, which attempts to explore moral ambiguity, or at least contrast good and evil, but really only ends up flitting between clichés.
That said, none of this detracts too much from the appeal of Bleach, which is still quite an intriguing tale of spirits and those who can see them. It’s no Death Note, but at least there’s swordplay.
***½
JAKEB SMITH
|
| Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged. |
|
Be first to comment on this article
