The appeal and reviews of "Blade of the Immortal": A deep look into the story of an immortal samurai

The appeal and evaluation of "Blade of the Immortal -IMMORTAL-"

"Blade of the Immortal" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Hiroaki Samura, and was distributed on Amazon Prime Video from October 10, 2019 to March 26, 2020. It is a grand revenge tale set in the Edo period, with 24 episodes in total, each 24 minutes long. This work has succeeded in making the most of the deep story and characters of the original work, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

story

In the Edo period, when samurai still existed, an immortal man named Manji appears. Known as the "Hundred-Man Slayer," he has vowed to kill a thousand villains to atone for his sins. One day, he is approached by a young girl named Rin, whose parents were killed and who vows to take revenge. Rin asks Manji to be her bodyguard, and although Manji initially refuses, he sees a resemblance in Rin to his lost sister and decides to accompany her on her journey of revenge. However, Rin's enemy is the Itto-ryu, a group dedicated to mastering the way of the sword, and the battle between Manji and Rin develops into a fierce one.

Original story and anime adaptation

The original Blade of the Immortal is Hiroaki Samura's debut work and masterpiece, a popular series that has sold over 5.8 million copies in total. After 20 years of serialization, it has been adapted into various films, and this time it has been re-animated as a complete version. A new edition of all 15 volumes is currently being published, and the official sequel Blade of the Immortal: Bakumatsu no Sho is currently being serialized in Afternoon. This anime adaptation has succeeded in faithfully recreating the profound story and charm of the characters from the original while depicting them from a new perspective.

Cast and crew

The cast of this work is impressive, with Tsuda Kenjiro as Manji and Sakura Ayane as Rin. Other unique voice actors include Sasaki Nozomu as Amatsu Kagehisa and Suzuki Tatsuhisa as Kyodaito. The staff is also top-notch, with director Hamasaki Hiroshi, series composition by Fukami Makoto, and character design by Ogiso Shingo. Animation is handled by LIDEN FILMS, delivering beautiful visuals and detailed action scenes.

Main Characters

Manji is an immortal samurai, with a strong sense of honor and compassion, but with a cynical attitude. He uses a wide variety of weapons and fights with unique and practical swordsmanship. Rin is the daughter of the Asano Dojo of the Mutenichi-ryu school, renowned as the strongest in Edo, and trains alone in order to get revenge. She hates to lose, but she is also kind and gentle-hearted. Amatsu Kagehisa is the second head of the Itto-ryu school, and is an ambitious man who has undergone rigorous training since childhood and has a genius sword skill. Kyodaito is an Itto-ryu swordsman who hates the samurai class because his sister was killed by a samurai when he was a child, and is skilled in battles that are full of wisdom. The drama woven by these characters has the power to draw viewers in.

Theme songs and music

The two opening themes used are "SURVIVE OF VISION" by Kiyoharu and "Blade of the Immortal: Battle Arc" by Ningen Isu. These songs play an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, Kiyoharu's powerful singing voice and Ningen Isu's heavy sound further enhance the battle between Manji and Rin.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Blade of the Immortal" is a work that succeeds in faithfully recreating the deep story and character appeal of the original work from a new perspective. In particular, the relationship between Manji and Rin and the battle with Itto-ryu are depicted, and viewers empathize with their growth and conflicts, drawing them into the story. In addition, the beautiful visuals and detailed action scenes provide plenty of visual appeal.

This work is recommended not only for those who like historical dramas and action, but also for those who want to enjoy a deep story and character development. In particular, those who have read the original work will be able to enjoy the story from a new perspective in the anime version. Also, those who are experiencing this work for the first time will surely be drawn into the epic tale of revenge of Manji and Rin.

Further information and supplementary information

"Blade of the Immortal -IMMORTAL-" has been carefully crafted to adapt the profound story of the original work into an anime. In particular, the action scenes that make use of Manji's immortality are visually very appealing. In addition, Rin's growth and the backgrounds of the Ittou-ryu members are carefully depicted, allowing viewers to empathize with their feelings.

Furthermore, this work recreates the customs and culture of the Edo period in great detail, striving for realism as a period drama. For example, the characters' kimonos, tools, and streetscapes are all depicted in detail, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the world of the Edo period. In addition, the battle scenes feature realistic depictions of swordsmanship and strategy, providing satisfaction for action-loving viewers.

Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. Kiyoharu's "SURVIVE OF VISION" is a powerful song that symbolizes Manji's indomitable spirit, and Ningen Isu's "Blade of the Immortal: Battle Arc" features a heavy sound that heightens the tension of the battles. These songs help immerse the viewer in the story.

Furthermore, the acting of the cast is also superb, especially Tsuda Kenjiro's role as Manji, who expresses the inner thoughts of the characters in great depth. Sakura Ayane's role as Rin also portrays her growth and struggles realistically, allowing the audience to empathize with her feelings. The voice actors of the Ittou-ryu members are also very unique, bringing out the charm of their characters.

This work has succeeded in making the most of the deep story and characters of the original work, leaving a strong impression on the audience. In particular, the relationship between Manji and Rin and the battle with Itto-ryu are depicted, and the audience empathizes with their growth and struggles, drawing them into the story. In addition, the beautiful visuals and detailed action scenes provide plenty of visual appeal.

This work is recommended not only for those who like historical dramas and action, but also for those who want to enjoy a deep story and character development. In particular, those who have read the original work will be able to enjoy the story from a new perspective in the anime version. Also, those who are experiencing this work for the first time will surely be drawn into the epic tale of revenge of Manji and Rin.

"Blade of the Immortal" is a work that succeeds in faithfully recreating the deep story and character appeal of the original work from a new perspective. In particular, the relationship between Manji and Rin and the battle with Itto-ryu are depicted, and viewers empathize with their growth and conflicts, drawing them into the story. In addition, the beautiful visuals and detailed action scenes provide plenty of visual appeal.

This work is recommended not only for those who like historical dramas and action, but also for those who want to enjoy a deep story and character development. In particular, those who have read the original work will be able to enjoy the story from a new perspective in the anime version. Also, those who are experiencing this work for the first time will surely be drawn into the epic tale of revenge of Manji and Rin.

"Blade of the Immortal" is a work that succeeds in faithfully recreating the deep story and character appeal of the original work from a new perspective. In particular, the relationship between Manji and Rin and the battle with Itto-ryu are depicted, and viewers empathize with their growth and conflicts, drawing them into the story. In addition, the beautiful visuals and detailed action scenes provide plenty of visual appeal.

This work is recommended not only for those who like historical dramas and action, but also for those who want to enjoy a deep story and character development. In particular, those who have read the original work will be able to enjoy the story from a new perspective in the anime version. Also, those who are experiencing this work for the first time will surely be drawn into the epic tale of revenge of Manji and Rin.