The appeal and evaluation of Onihei: That Man, Hasegawa Heizo: A deep look into this masterpiece of period drama

The appeal and evaluation of "Onihei: That Man, Hasegawa Heizo"

"Onihei: That Man, Hasegawa Heizo" is an OVA released by Victor Entertainment on February 22, 2017. The work is based on a novel by Ikenami Shotaro, directed by Miya Shigeyuki, and produced by Studio M2. It is a short, 40-minute episode, but densely packed, depicting the exploits of Hasegawa Heizo, who maintained peace in the Edo period.

Background of the original work and anime adaptation

Ikenami Shotaro's Onihei Hankacho is a series that centers around Hasegawa Heizo, an Arson and Theft Control Officer from the Edo period, and a total of 79 chapters were published between 1967 and 1988. This series is highly regarded not only as a historical novel but also as a human drama, and has been adapted into various media such as television dramas, movies, and stage plays. Onihei: That Man, Hasegawa Heizo is an animated version of one of the most popular episodes.

Story and Characters

The story of this work depicts the struggle of Hasegawa Heizo to maintain peace in Edo. Heizo appears to be a calm person on the surface, but behind the scenes he is a demon-like figure who uses his cold-hearted judgment and drive to defeat evil. As the story unfolds, Heizo's own past and relationships are revealed as he pursues the bandit gang.

As for the main characters, the voice actor playing Hasegawa Heizo stands out. He skillfully expresses Heizo's calmness and passion, and has the power to draw the viewer in. The companions surrounding Heizo are also unique, and each character, especially the police officer Amari and the police officer Kimura, are vividly portrayed.

Animation and performance

The animation by Studio M2 realistically recreates the atmosphere of the Edo period. The attention to detail in the background art and character designs allows you to fully enjoy the atmosphere of a period drama. Director Miya Shigeyuki also managed to keep the heavy atmosphere of the original intact, conveying a sense of tension especially in the battle scenes and psychological portrayals.

The music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this work. The background music is mainly Japanese-style melodies that are typical of period dramas, and has the effect of stirring emotions as the story unfolds. Especially in the climax scene, the music and visuals work together to draw the viewer in.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Onihei: That Man, Hasegawa Heizo" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original work, but also to those who are experiencing the world of Shotaro Ikenami for the first time. With a short but dense storyline, charming characters, and beautiful animation and music, this work is a must-see for fans of period dramas.

In particular, the film has been praised for its portrayal of Hasegawa Heizo's humanity and the depth of the relationships he has with those around him. The balance between Heizo's cold-heartedness and compassion is exquisite, deeply moving to viewers. Another point not to be missed is the background art, which realistically recreates the customs and culture of the Edo period.

Related works and recommendations

If you enjoyed "Onihei: That Man, Hasegawa Heizo," we also recommend the following related works:

• The "Onihei Hankacho" series (TV drama) - The versions starring Koshiro Matsumoto and Kichiemon Nakamura in particular are known as masterpieces that delve deeply into the character of Heizo Hasegawa.
• "Onihei Hankacho" series (film) - Many film versions have been produced, and the one starring Takakura Ken is a must-see.
• "Onihei Hankacho" series (stage play) - In the stage version, you can feel the humanity of Hasegawa Heizo through the live acting.
• "Onihei Hankacho" series (novel) - By reading the original novel, you can delve even deeper into the world of Shotaro Ikenami.

summary

"Onihei: That Man, Hasegawa Heizo" is a masterpiece animated from Shotaro Ikenami's masterpiece. This work, which realistically depicts the humanity of Hasegawa Heizo and the customs of the Edo period, is a must-see for fans of period dramas. This is a work that I would definitely recommend not only to fans of the original work, but also to those who are experiencing the world of Shotaro Ikenami for the first time.

This OVA is a short but dense storyline, with charming characters, beautiful animation and music, and will deeply move viewers. There are many related works, so you can get even deeper into the world of Shotaro Ikenami, so be sure to check them out.