"Dark Side Blues" Review: The Allure of the Abyss and the Power of Storytelling

"Darkside Blues": A masterpiece anime film depicting the darkness and hope of the near future

Released on October 8, 1994, "Dark Side Blues" is an anime film based on the original manga by Hideyuki Kikuchi and Yuho Ashibe. Set in a near-future world, the film depicts the conflicts of the people living in a society ruled in the name of peace. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this film, as well as recommended points.

Overview

"Dark Side Blues" is a theatrical release, co-produced by Akita Shoten, Toho, and JC Staff. It is distributed by Tokyo Theatres, and its Eirin number is 114290. It is a one-episode film of 84 minutes, and is directed by Junyasu Furukawa.

story

In the near future, 90% of the world has been ruled by PC Corporation in the name of peace. In the remaining territorial area of ​​Kabukicho, Shinjuku, members of the delinquent group "Messiah" who live there, Mai and Kenzo, are suddenly confronted by the handsome adult Darkside. Darkside explains that he has returned to "fix" the world. Standing in their way are the terrorist Tatsuya, the nurse Seri, and other people whose lives intersect, and a quiet but fierce battle begins.

cast

The main cast includes a star-studded cast of voice actors, including Natsuki Oo as Darkside, Kotono Mitsuishi as Mai, Akio Otsuka as Kenzo, Maya Okamoto as Celia, and Yasunori Matsumoto as Tatsuya. Other voice actors supporting the unique characters include Nozomu Sasaki as Katari, Hideyuki Hori as Guren, and Masako Katsuki as Tamaki.

Main Staff

The production was handled by Masamichi Fujiwara, Hirokazu Takahashi, and Tomoyuki Miyata, with planning by Haruo Nari and Tetsuro Orita. The script was written by Masayori Sekijima, music by Kazuhiko Toyama, character design and general animation direction by Hiroshi Hamasaki. Additionally, mechanics were handled by Shinya Takahashi, art direction by Chisato Sunagawa, director of photography by Akihiko Takahashi, and sound direction by Fusanobu Fujiyama. Key animation was handled by many talented animators, including Toshiyuki Tsuru, Takeshi Koike, and Katsushi Omi.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Dark Side Blues" was written by Keizo Horiuchi, composed and arranged by Norio Nonaka, and sung by Keizo Horiuchi (HOLLY). The ending theme "Paradise Lost" was written by Mitsuko Shiramine, composed by Takeshi Ike, arranged by Kazuhiko Toyama, and sung by Natsuki Ou. The soundtrack was released by Toshiba EMI.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Darkside Blues" is a work that depicts social contradictions and human conflicts in a dystopian setting in the near future. In particular, the presence of the character Darkside and the meaning of the "correction" he brings about are thought-provoking. Also, the growth of characters such as Mai and Kenzo and the changes in their relationships are not to be missed.

Visually, JC Staff's careful drawings and the background art that realistically depicts the near-future world are impressive. In particular, the depiction of Kabukicho is realistic and leaves a strong visual impact. The music, too, is powerful and uplifting, with Kazuhiko Toyama's powerful soundtrack, which also reflects the theme of the story.

While depicting social issues, this work does not forget universal themes such as hope, friendship, and love. In particular, as symbolized by the word "correction" in the dark side, it will give you an opportunity to reexamine yourself and the state of society.

Recommended points

Here are some reasons why we recommend Dark Side Blues:

• Deep themes : Set in a dystopian near future, this work depicts social contradictions and human conflicts. As symbolized by the dark side's word "correction," it gives us an opportunity to reexamine ourselves and the state of society.
• Awesome Cast : The characters are played by a stellar cast of voice actors, including Natsuki Ou, Kotono Mitsuishi, and Akio Otsuka. Natsuki Ou's performance as Darkside is particularly impressive.
• Beautiful visuals : JC Staff's meticulous drawings and the background art that realistically depicts the near-future world are impressive. The depiction of Kabukicho in particular is realistic and leaves a strong visual impact.
• Powerful Music : Kazuhiko Toyama's powerful soundtrack sets the tone for the film, and the theme song reflects the theme of the story.
• Universal themes : While depicting social issues, the show also includes universal themes such as hope, friendship, and love. The growth of the characters and the changes in relationships are also not to be missed.

Related information

Darkside Blues is based on a highly acclaimed manga by Hideyuki Kikuchi and Yuho Ashibe. In addition to the anime film, you can get a deeper understanding by reading the manga. Director Junyasu Furukawa has also worked on many other projects, so his other works are also worth checking out.

In addition, fans of this work are also recommended to watch anime movies set in the near future and works that deal with social issues, such as "AKIRA" and "Ghost in the Shell," which are known as masterpieces depicting near-future dystopias.

Conclusion

"Dark Side Blues" is a masterpiece animated film set in a dystopian near future, depicting social contradictions and human conflicts. The gorgeous cast, beautiful visuals, and powerful music enhance the appeal of the film, and it is a work in which deep themes and universal themes coexist. Please give it a watch, including the original manga.