Review of the dark historical drama "Jinsuke's Ear": A masterpiece depicting the capital at the end of the Edo period?

Jinsuke's Ears: A Historical Drama in the Dark / A tile print from the Kyoto area at the end of the Edo period

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

August 2, 1995 2 episodes

■Frequencies

25 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 2

■Works

©Sunrise

■ Story

■ Main staff

■ Related works

■ Review

"Yamiyo no Jidai Geki: Jinsuke no Mimi/Bakumatsu Rakuchu Kawaraban" is an OVA released by Sunrise in 1995, a short series consisting of two episodes. This work succeeds in drawing in viewers with its unique storytelling and character portrayal while maximizing the appeal of period dramas. Below, we will provide a detailed analysis of each episode and an evaluation of the work as a whole.

■ "Jinsuke's Ear"

"Jinsuke's Ears" is the story of a short ronin named Jinsuke Hayashizaki who takes on the task of exterminating spirits. Jinsuke struggles to save a village girl from being sacrificed. This episode deeply touches viewers by incorporating the traditional element of "extermination of spirits" in period dramas, while also depicting the friendship between Jinsuke and Yaemon Yamada, and the love affair between Jinsuke and the girl.

Jinsuke's character has courage and wisdom beyond what one would expect from his appearance, and his actions and decisions drive the story forward. In particular, the scene in which he uses a secret medicine that makes monsters invisible is a visually striking and important scene that symbolizes Jinsuke's wisdom. His combination with Yamada Yaemon is also excellent, and the cooperation of the two adds excitement to the climax of the story.

Ryosuke Takahashi, who wrote and directed the show, has skillfully recreated the atmosphere of a period drama while constructing a story that modern audiences can relate to. Takateru Miwa's artwork is meticulously drawn in detail, from character design to backgrounds, and is visually beautiful. Takashi Kudo's music plays an important role in enhancing the tension and emotion of the story.

■ "Bakumatsu Kyoto Newspaper"

"Bakumatsu Rakuchu Kawaraban" is set in Kyoto at the end of the Edo period and tells the story of Okoma, the daughter of a newspaper publisher, who becomes interested in Shinsengumi member Okita Souji and follows him. This episode skillfully incorporates historical background and depicts the daily life of the Shinsengumi from Okoma's perspective, as well as her own growth.

Okoma's character is curious and proactive, and seeing the Shinsengumi members from her perspective is refreshing. In particular, the gap between the image of Okita Souji and his actual appearance provides viewers with laughter and emotion. Also, the appearance of the man wearing a fox mask adds a mysterious element to the story, drawing the viewer's interest.

Imanishi Takashi, who wrote and directed the show, offers viewers a new perspective by depicting the daily life of the Shinsengumi from Okoma's point of view, while setting the story against the backdrop of the history of the late Edo period. Shioyama Norio's drawings realistically portray the scenery of Kyoto at the end of the Edo period and the expressions of the Shinsengumi members, enhancing the visual appeal. Kudo Takashi's music plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the story.

■Evaluation

"Jinsuke's Ear: A Historical Drama in the Dark / Bakumatsu Kyoto Newspaper" is a work that successfully draws viewers in with its unique storytelling and character portrayal while skillfully incorporating traditional elements of historical dramas. Although the stories of each episode are different, the common themes of "courage" and "friendship" are depicted, deeply moving viewers.

In particular, "Jinsuke's Ear" elevates the traditional element of monster-fighting into a story that modern audiences can relate to, while "Bakumatsu Rakuchū Kawaraban" offers a new perspective by depicting the daily life of the Shinsengumi from Okoma's point of view while skillfully incorporating historical background.

Thanks to the cooperation of the main staff, Ryosuke Takahashi, Takashi Imanishi, Koki Miwa, Norio Shioyama, and Takashi Kudo, the film is visually beautiful and has a deep story. It is praised for providing a story that modern viewers can relate to while reaffirming the appeal of period dramas.

■Recommendation

"Jinsuke's Ears: A Historical Drama in the Dark Night / Bakumatsu Rakuchu Kawaraban" is recommended not only for fans of historical dramas, but also for viewers interested in storytelling and character portrayal. In particular, "Jinsuke's Ears" elevates the traditional element of demon slaying into a story that modern viewers can relate to, while "Bakumatsu Rakuchu Kawaraban" offers a new perspective by depicting the daily life of the Shinsengumi from Okoma's point of view while skillfully incorporating historical background.

Furthermore, thanks to the cooperation of the main staff, Ryosuke Takahashi, Takashi Imanishi, Koki Miwa, Norio Shioyama, and Takashi Kudo, the film is visually beautiful and has a deep story. It is praised for providing a story that modern viewers can relate to while reaffirming the appeal of period dramas.

Also check out the related film "Yamiyo no Jidaigeki Oinosaka/Shitai wo Miru." It's also produced by Sunrise, and you can fully enjoy the charm of a period drama.