"Dororo" Review: A masterpiece anime that combines period drama and horror

Dororo - A story of demons and humans in the Warring States period

The TV anime series "Dororo", which aired in 2019, is based on the original manga by Tezuka Osamu and depicts a fierce battle between demons and humans set in Japan during the Warring States period. The series was animated by MAPPA and Tezuka Productions and directed by Furuhashi Kazuhiro. The series aired from January 7 to June 24, 2019, with a total of 24 episodes on TOKYO MX and BS11.

story

In the Warring States period in Japan, Kagemitsu, the lord of the country of Daigo, makes a deal with twelve demon statues in a temple hall in hopes of prosperity for his territory. As a result, Kagemitsu's heir is born with missing parts of his body and is thrown into the river as an unloved child. Time passes, the demons fulfill their promise with Kagemitsu, and peace returns to the country. Meanwhile, the abandoned baby is found by a doctor named Jukai and named Hyakkimaru. Hyakkimaru goes on a journey to recover his body that was stolen by the demons. During this time, he meets the young thief Dororo and they begin traveling together. Dororo is saved by Hyakkimaru when he is attacked by a demon, and the two support each other as they fight against the demons.

Commentary

"Dororo" is a work that combines the harsh reality of the Warring States period with the fantasy element of demons. The main character, Hyakkimaru, fights the demons with a strong will, despite the pain of having part of his body taken away. Meanwhile, Dororo, despite her young age, has a strong personality and supports Hyakkimaru. The human drama depicted through the relationship between these two and the battles with the demons is what makes this work so appealing. Also, don't miss the story development that reflects the historical background from the original work to the present day.

cast

The main cast of this film is as follows:

• Hyakkimaru: Hiroki Suzuki
• Dororo: Rio Suzuki
• Biwamaru: Mutsumi Sasaki
• Daigo Kagemitsu: Naoya Uchida
• Tahomaru: Shoya Chiba
• Longevity: Akio Otsuka
• Sewing: Chie Nakamura
• Narration: Mugihito

In particular, the performances of Hiroki Suzuki as Hyakkimaru and Rio Suzuki as Dororo expressed the emotions of their characters so realistically that they deeply moved the audience. The narration that livened up the battles with demons and the human drama was also impressive.

Main Staff

The following staff members were involved in the production of "Dororo".

• Original author: Osamu Tezuka
• Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
• Series Composition: Yasuko Kobayashi
• Character design: Hiroyuki Asada
• Character design: Tomo Iwataki
• Art director: Mari Fujino
• Color design: Osamu Mikasa
• Director of photography: Yoshihisa Oyama
• Edited by: Mutsumi Takemiya
• Music: Yoshihiro Ike
• Sound Director: Kisuke Koizumi
• Sound effects: Shizuo Kurahashi
• Animation production: MAPPA, Tezuka Productions
• Produced by: Twin Engine

In particular, director Kazuhiro Furuhashi faithfully recreated the worldview of the original work while developing a story that would resonate with modern audiences. Character designer Satoshi Iwataki also created attractive visuals for Hyakkimaru and Dororo, creating a strong visual impact. Music composer Yoshihiro Ike provided a grandiose sound that evoked the atmosphere of the Warring States period, deepening the worldview of the work.

Main Characters

The main characters of "Dororo" are as follows:

• Hyakkimaru : He is on a journey to recover his body, which was stolen by 12 demons at birth. He is blind, but perceives the presence of others as a flame-like light, and fights with a sword attached to his prosthetic arm.
• Dororo : He is kind at heart, but at the same time, he also has a cheeky and strong side. After being saved by Hyakkimaru when he was attacked by a demon, they began traveling together. He hates samurai who oppress the people.
• Daigo Kagemitsu : Lord of the land of Daigo and father of Hyakkimaru and Tahomaru. To prosper his territory, he made a deal with 12 demons and offered his son Hyakkimaru as payment. As a ruler, he has a very calm and determined attitude.
• Tahomaru : Kagemitsu's son and successor. Hyakkimaru's younger brother. Unlike Hyakkimaru, he grew up without any hardships in the Daigo mansion. He has an honest personality and respects his father for leading the territory to prosperity.
• Jukai : A doctor who found Hyakkimaru after he was sent away on business. He is also Hyakkimaru's foster parent and godfather. He gave Hyakkimaru an artificial body and the skills to fight and survive against monsters.
• Nui no Kata : The creator of Hyakkimaru and Tahomaru. She blamed Kagemitsu for offering Hyakkimaru in a deal with the demon god, and for many years she had been thinking about her abandoned child in her heart.
• Biwamaru : A mysterious blind monk. He lives a carefree life like a hermit, but he cares about Hyakkumaru and Dororo and sometimes helps them. Like Hyakkimaru, he can recognize the presence of others as a flame-like light, and fight with a sword hidden in his biwa.

These characters are portrayed supporting each other and growing despite the struggles and conflicts they each carry. In particular, the relationship between Hyakkimaru and Dororo is the central theme of the work and deeply moves the viewer. Characters such as Daigo Kagemitsu and Tabomaru are also portrayed realistically, reflecting the harsh reality of the Warring States period, adding depth to the work.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Dororo" are as follows:

• Episode 1: "The Story of Daigo" (2019/01/07)
• Episode 2: "Mandai no Maki" (January 14, 2019)
• Episode 3: "Juumi no Maki" (2019/01/21)
• Episode 4: "The Demonic Sword" (2019/01/28)
• Episode 5: "Moriko Uta Volume 1" (2019/02/04)
• Episode 6: "Moriko Uta Volume 2" (2019/02/11)
• Episode 7: "The Story of the Spider" (2019/02/18)
• Episode 8: "Monkey Chapter" (2019/02/25)
• Episode 9: "The Book of Cruelty" (2019/03/04)
• Episode 10: "Tahomaru's Tale" (2019/03/11)
• Episode 11: "Banmon Volume 1" (2019/03/18)
• Episode 12: "Banmon Volume 2" (2019/03/25)
• Episode 13: "The White Face of Immovable" (2019/04/08)
• Episode 14: "Mackerel" (2019/04/15)
• Episode 15: "Hell Transformation" (2019/04/22)
• Episode 16: "Shiranui's Story" (2019/04/29)
• Episode 17: "Question and Answer" (2019/05/06)
• Episode 18: "Cape Mujo" (2019/05/13)
• Episode 19: "The Tale of Amanojaku" (2019/05/20)
• Episode 20: "The Nue Chapter" (2019/05/27)
• Episode 21: "The Chapter of the Backflow" (2019/06/03)
• Episode 22: "Sewing" (2019/06/10)
• Episode 23: "The Demon God" (2019/06/17)
• Episode 24: "Dororo and Hyakkimaru" (2019/06/24)

The subtitles for each episode reflect the development of the story and the names of the demons that appear, making it easy for viewers to follow the story. Each episode also depicts a battle with a different demon and the growth of Hyakkimaru and Dororo, drawing viewers in.

Related Titles

"Dororo" is also related to the anime "Dororo and Hyakkimaru" which aired in 1969. This work is also based on the original story by Tezuka Osamu and depicts the battle between demons and humans in Japan during the Warring States period. The modern version of "Dororo" retains the essence of the original story but reconstructs the story to resonate with modern audiences.

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "Dororo" are as follows.

• OP1
  • flame
  • Period: 1-12
  • Lyricist: Rose Garden Av
  • Composer: Rose Garden Av
  • Arrangement: Queen Bee, Koji Tsukada
  • Sung by: Queen Bee
• OP2
  • Dororo
  • Period: 13-24
  • Lyricist: Masafumi Goto
  • Composer: Takahiro Yamada, Masafumi Goto
  • Song: ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
• ED1
  • Playing goodbye
  • Period: 1-12
  • Lyricist: Hiromu Akita
  • Composer: Hiromu Akita
  • Arrangement: Yoshiaki Dewa, amazarashi
  • Sung by: amazarashi
• ED2
  • Dark Night
  • Period: 1-24
  • Lyricist: Eve
  • Composer: Eve
  • Arrangement: Numa
  • Sung by: Eve
• IN
  • Red Flowers White Flowers
  • Period: 5, 6
  • Lyricist: Mie Nakabayashi
  • Composer: Mie Nakabayashi
  • Sung by: Mio (CV: Mizuki Nana)

These songs are important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the work and bring out the emotions of the viewer. In particular, the opening theme, "Flame," is a powerful song that symbolizes Hyakkimaru's battle and suffering, and left a strong impression on the viewer. The ending theme, "Yamiyo," is a beautiful melody that reflects Dororo's feelings, deepening the emotion of the work.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Dororo" is a work that combines the harsh reality of the Warring States period with the fantasy element of demons, and it deeply moves viewers. In particular, the relationship between Hyakkimaru and Dororo, and the human drama depicted through the battles with the demons, leave a strong impression on viewers. Also, do not miss the story development that reflects the historical background from the original work to the present day.

The work has been highly praised and has received a lot of support from viewers. In particular, the character design, music, story development, and other elements are all fused at a high level, deeply moving viewers. In addition, the realistic depiction that reflects the harsh reality of the Warring States period adds depth to the work.

"Dororo" is a grand story set in Japan during the Warring States period, and is a work that deeply moves viewers through its battles with demons and human drama. In particular, the relationship between Hyakkimaru and Dororo, and the human drama depicted through the battles with demons, leave a strong impression on viewers. Also, don't miss the story development that reflects the historical background from the original work to the present day. Please give it a watch.