Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple review: A fascinating story and deep characters

Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple - Movie Review and Recommendation

Overview

Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple is an animated feature film based on the manga of the same name written by Kafka Asagiri and illustrated by Harukawa 35. It was released on March 3, 2018, directed by Takuya Igarashi, written by Youji Enokido, and animated by Bones. The film is positioned as a sequel to the TV anime series, and is an original story developed with the cooperation of the original author.

■ Story

The story is set six years after the "Dragon Head Conflict" that broke out in the underworld of Yokohama. Incidents of supernatural powers using their powers to take their own lives in a mysterious "fog" occur all over the world. The Ministry of Internal Affairs' Special Task Force on Supernatural Powers calls this the "Serial Suicide Incident of Supernatural Powers" and asks the Armed Detective Agency to capture the mysterious supernatural powers user, Shibusawa Tatsuhiko. However, shortly afterwards, Dazai Osamu goes missing, making the story even more tense.

■ Characters

The characters in this work are mainly people with supernatural powers who are named after famous authors. The main characters are introduced below.

Atsushi Nakajima

Ability name: Moon Beast. He has the ability to transform into a giant tiger, and after being saved by Dazai Osamu, he joined the Armed Detective Agency. Although he has a timid personality, he is kind-hearted and can take bold actions to protect others.

Osamu Dazai

Ability name: No Longer Human. A member of the "Armed Detective Agency" and a suicide enthusiast. He has an easy-going personality, and his previous job is said to be "one of the seven mysteries of the detective agency."

Ryunosuke Akutagawa

Ability name: Rashomon. A member of the Port Mafia, he is a Grim Reaper-like figure with a cold expression and a black cloak. He is feared even within the detective agency.

Nakahara Chuuya

Ability name: To the tainted sadness. A senior member of the Port Mafia, he hates Dazai Osamu. Although small in stature, he is agile and a powerful user of martial arts.

Izumi Kyoka

Ability name: Yasha Shirayuki. An orphan raised by the Port Mafia, she is taking refuge in the Armed Detective Agency, a group of people with special abilities. Although she only knows how to kill people, she gradually opens up.

Kunikida Doppo

Ability name: Dokubo Ginkyaku. A member of the "Armed Detective Agency," he is a strict and strict person. He is constantly struggling because he is partnered with the free-spirited Dazai.

Edogawa Ranpo

Ability name: Super deduction. A member of the "Armed Detective Agency" and a great detective. He is known for his sharp observation skills and confident personality.

Junichiro Yazaki

Ability name: Makisetsu. A member of the Armed Detective Agency, she is a clerk who handles odd jobs. Although she may seem soft, she has an honest and gentle personality.

Kenji Miyazawa

Ability name: Rain or Shine. A member of the "Armed Detective Agency," he has a pure and unsuspecting personality. The people of the town call him "Ken-chan."

Akiko Yosano

Ability name: You shall not die. A member of the Armed Detective Agency, she is an excellent in-house doctor. Although she is an indispensable member of the agency, which is known for its rough work, some employees fear falling into her hands.

Naomi Tanizaki

Junichiro's younger sister, she works at the detective agency. She doesn't have any special powers, but she is known for being overly affectionate towards her brother.

Yukichi Fukuzawa

He is the president of the Armed Detective Agency and a man of dignified character. He takes command and leads his employees when necessary.

Mori Ogai

Ability name: Vita Sexualis. The head of the Port Mafia and a former doctor. He has a calm and logical way of thinking, and dotes on a girl named Eris.

Ellis

She is a beautiful girl who is loved by Mori Ogai. Her presence adds depth to the story.

Sakunosuke Oda

Ability name: Perfection. A member of the lowest rank of the Port Mafia, he is a skilled fighter that even Dazai respects, but he has a principle of not killing people.

Ango Sakaguchi

Ability name: Depravity Theory. A secret agent for the Port Mafia, he has an intellectual appearance and strong mental strength.

Fyodor D.

Ability name: Crime and Punishment. He is the leader of the underground bandit group "Rats of the House of Death," and is called a "demon" by Dazai. He worked in the shadows and tried to weaken the guild.

Tatsuhiko Shibusawa

He is a mysterious person with supernatural powers, and is suspected of being involved in a series of suicides involving people with supernatural powers. His existence is the central mystery of the story.

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of this work. The main staff members are introduced below.

original work

Kafka Asagiri

Screenplay cooperation

Kafka Asagiri

comics

Harukawa 35 (Published in KADOKAWA's Young Ace)

director

Takuya Igarashi

Screenplay

Youji Enokido

Character design and chief animation director

Nobuhiro Arai

Effects animation director

Takashi Hashimoto

Mechanic Design

Fumihiro Katagai

Prop Design

Naomi Kaneda

Sub-character design

Hiroki Kanno

Art Director

Yumiko Kondo

Assistant Art Director

Kumano Hatsumi

Color design

Goto Yukari

Director of Photography

Tsuyoshi Kanbayashi

edit

Shigeru Nishiyama

Sound Director

Kazuhiro Wakabayashi

music

Taku Iwasaki

Sound Production

Glow Vision

Music Producer

Terunari Yoshie

producer

Chiaki Kurakane and Junichiro Tamura

Animation Producer

Mari Suzuki

Animation Production

Bonds

distribution

Kadokawa Animation

Production

Bungo Stray Dogs DA Production Committee (KADAKAWA, Bones, Lantis, Clockworks, Kadokawa Media House, Bandai Namco Live Creative, Movic, Sony Music Communications, Glovision, WOWOW)

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for this work are also attractive. We will introduce them below.

Opening Theme

"Deadly Drive"

• Lyricist: Kisho Taniyama
• Composer: Masaaki Iizuka
• Sung by: GRANRODEO

Ending Theme

"we"

• Lyricist: PON
• Composer: PON
• Song: Luck Life

■Review

"Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple" is a wonderful work that maximizes the appeal of the original while developing a new story. Below is a detailed review of its appeal.

Story and development

The story of this work is positioned as a sequel to the TV series, but as an original story, it brings out new appeal. The suspenseful development of the mystery of a "series of suicides by people with supernatural powers" and the disappearance of Dazai Osamu draws viewers in. The story progresses quickly, the supernatural powers of each character are used effectively, and it is visually very enjoyable. In addition, the story, which was written with the cooperation of the original author, will satisfy even fans of the original work.

Characters and acting

The characters in this work are mainly people with special abilities, named after famous authors. Each character's personality is well-drawn, and the love triangle between Nakajima Atsushi, Dazai Osamu, and Akutagawa Ryunosuke is one of the highlights. The voice actors' performances are also excellent, and they express the characters' emotions realistically. In particular, Miyano Mamoru's performance as Dazai Osamu is exquisite, as he plays the carefree character.

Visuals and performance

Bones' animation production is known for its beautiful visuals and dynamic direction. Their technical skills are fully displayed in this work, and the battle scenes between people with special abilities are particularly impressive. The scenes in the fog are both eerie and beautiful, making a visual impact. Director Takuya Igarashi's direction faithfully recreates the worldview of the original work while bringing out new charms.

Music and Sound

Taku Iwasaki's music is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The music especially in the battle scenes heightens the tension and excitement. In addition, GRANRODEO's "Deadly Drive" and Luck Life's "Bokura" are the opening and ending songs, respectively, and are songs that symbolize the theme of the story. Under the direction of sound director Kazuhiro Wakabayashi, the sound effects and voice direction are also realistically drawn, enhancing the viewer's immersive feeling.

■Recommendation

"Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple" is a work that is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like action and mystery. Below are some recommended points.

Recommended for fans of the original

This work faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original while developing a new story, making it a must-see for fans of the original. In particular, the original story, written with the cooperation of the original author, further deepens the appeal of the original.

Recommended for action fans

The combat scenes between supernatural powers are dynamically drawn thanks to Bones' technical skill, making this a must-see for action fans. Each character's supernatural powers are used effectively, making it a visual treat.

Recommended for mystery lovers

The story revolves around the mystery of a series of suicides by people with special abilities, and is recommended for mystery fans. The story progresses quickly, and you can also enjoy the element of solving the mystery.

Character Appeal

The individuality of each character is well-drawn, and the love triangle between Nakajima Atsushi, Dazai Osamu, and Akutagawa Ryunosuke is one of the highlights. The voice actors' performances are also excellent, and the characters' emotions are expressed realistically.

Music and Sound

Taku Iwasaki's music and Kazuhiro Wakabayashi's sound direction are important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The music especially in the battle scenes heightens the tension and excitement. In addition, GRANRODEO's "Deadly Drive" and Luck Life's "Bokura" are the opening and ending songs, respectively, and are songs that symbolize the theme of the story.

Conclusion

"Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple" is a wonderful work that unfolds a new story while maximizing the appeal of the original work. It boasts high quality in all aspects, including action, mystery, character appeal, music and sound. This work is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like action and mystery. Please experience its charm at the theater.