'Killing Love' review: Welcome to the dark world of ultimate love and murder

The charm and depth of Killing Love - Koroshiai -: A comprehensive review and recommendation

The TV anime series "Killing Love - Korosiai -", which aired from January to March 2022, is based on the manga of the same name by Fe and depicts the story of assassins set in the underworld. This work begins with the meeting of the cool bounty hunter Chateau and the mysterious strongest man Liang Ha, and features a suspenseful story in which their relationship gradually deepens and past ties are intertwined. Below, we will consider the appeal and depth of "Killing Love" from all angles and introduce the recommended content in detail.

■ Story and Characters

The story of "Killing Love" begins with the meeting of Chateau and Liang Ha. Chateau is a rookie bounty hunter at the Ritzlan Support Company, and a skilled agent who coolly and calmly carries out her duties. However, her pace is disrupted by her meeting with Liang Ha, and he gradually takes a liking to her and begins to follow her. Liang Ha is an assassin of unknown affiliation and identity, with a history of dealing a major blow to the underworld, and as a wanted man, his life is being targeted by multiple organizations. His actions are bold and calm, and for some reason he seems to like Chateau.

The relationship between Chateau and Liang Ha changes from hostility to cooperation, and is also deeply connected to her past. There are many mysteries surrounding Chateau's birth and past, and she was discovered at the scene of a crime as a child. Meanwhile, Liang Ha also took on the name "Song Liang Ha" after the identification card of a boy found dead in a crime 17 years ago was carrying that name. As the fates of these two people intertwine, the story gradually becomes more profound.

Other unique characters also appear, such as Euripedes Ritzlan, the representative of the Ritzlan Support Company, and Ho, a former member of the organization that Liang Ha once belonged to. Each of these characters' pasts and goals add color to the story, drawing viewers in.

■ Production and staff

"Killing Love" is directed by Hideaki Ohba and animated by Platinum Vision. The series is written and scripted by Ayumu Hisao, and character design is by Yoko Sato. The music is by Kei Yoshikawa, and music production is by TOY'S FACTORY. This team of staff has worked together to vividly depict the world of "Killing Love".

Yoko Sato's character designs, in particular, skillfully express the cool and dark atmosphere of Chateau and Liang Ha, making the work visually appealing throughout, while Yoshikawa Kei's music effectively enhances the tense scenes and emotional intensity, adding depth to the story's progression.

■ Broadcasting and streaming

"Killing Love" was broadcast on TOKYO MX, AT-X, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, and BS Nippon TV from January 13 to March 31, 2022. It is also available online on many platforms, including d Anime Store, ABEMA, Nico Nico Douga, GYAO!, Hikari TV, NETFLIX, FOD, Bandai Channel, Hulu, TELASA, J:COM On Demand, Miru Plus All-You-Can-Watch Premium, Animehodai, Amazon, Animeka, U-NEXT, and Disney Plus. It is also available on pay-per-view sites such as Rakuten TV, DMM.com, music.jp, Video Market, HAPPY! Video, Crank-In! Video, and Movie Full Plus.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Midnight Dancer" was written and composed by Tomoichi Tashiro, arranged by Tsubasa Ito, and sung by Toshiki Masuda. This song evokes the image of Liang Ha dancing in the darkness of the night, and adds to the atmosphere of the work. Meanwhile, the ending theme "Makoto Period" was written, composed, and arranged by Q-MHz, and sung by Aika Kobayashi. This song depicts Chateau's inner world, symbolizing her struggles and growth.

■Case files and subtitles

The story of "Killing Love" progresses in the form of a "case file" for each episode. Below are the subtitles and main events of each episode.

• FILE 01 / WHAT'S YOUR NAME? (2022/01/13): Chateau and Liang Ha meet. Details of the assassination of the Santou Society executives are revealed.
• FILE 02 / TARGET (2022/01/20): The client who commissioned the assassination of Liang Ha is killed. A motorcycle attack by Ho occurs.
• FILE 03/ROOM (2022/01/27): The collapse of the Santoukai and Ho's desire for revenge are depicted.
• FILE 04 / REAL FACE (02/03/2022): Details of the church attack and the incident 17 years ago are revealed.
• FILE 05/LIMIT (2022/02/10): Ho's attack and the crisis at the Chateau. Liang Ha is seriously injured.
• FILE 06 / DARK DREAM (2022/02/17): A surveillance mission for Chateau and the president and an attack on the president occurs.
• FILE 07/BULLET (24/02/2022): Zinon's attack on the president and the Chateau deal are depicted.
• FILE 08/CONFUSION (03/03/2022): The gym's attack and Donnie's purpose are revealed.
• FILE 09/A WAR TRIGGER (2022/03/10): Donnie's true intentions and Liang Ha's true identity are revealed.
• FILE 10/HELP (2022/03/17): Chateau's memories and Donny's true purpose are revealed.
• FILE 11/WORST (03/24/2022): The secret of List Noble's attack and the suitcase girl is revealed.
• FILE 12/MY NAME (31/03/2022): Details of the incident 17 years ago and the truth about Liang Ha are revealed.

■ Recommendations and ratings

"Killing Love" is a work that is attractive for its dark, suspenseful storyline and unique characters. In particular, the relationship between Chateau and Liang Ha and the process in which their past ties are gradually revealed have the power to draw viewers in. In addition, the suspenseful development set in the underworld and the deep background of each character are also praised.

The beautiful character designs and music also add to the appeal of the work. Yoko Sato's character designs skillfully express the cool and dark atmosphere of Chateau and Liang Ha, making the work visually appealing throughout. Yoshikawa Kei's music also effectively enhances the tense scenes and emotional highs, adding depth to the progression of the story.

This work is recommended for those who like suspense and dark stories, and those who are interested in the deep backgrounds and relationships of the characters. It is also a must-watch for those who want to enjoy the beauty of animation and the quality of music. "Killing Love" is a work worth watching that depicts the darkness of the underworld and the depths of humanity.

■ Additional information and considerations

The appeal of "Killing Love" lies not only in the story and characters, but also in the overall theme and message of the work. In particular, the relationship between Chateau and Liang Ha is depicted as healing each other's past and emotional wounds as they change from hostility to cooperation. This suggests that bonds and trust between people can be formed even in the harsh environment of the underworld.

In addition, the story is enriched by past events such as the incident 17 years ago and the collapse of the Santo Society. These events determine the fates of Chateau and Liang Ha and have a major impact on their actions and thoughts. Through these events, viewers can understand the inner thoughts and backgrounds of the characters and empathize with the development of the story.

Furthermore, by depicting the darkness of the underworld and the depths of humanity, "Killing Love" poses various questions to the viewer. For example, why do people become hitmen, what does it mean to live in the underworld, and the boundary between good and evil as human beings? These questions make the viewer think deeply and provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the theme of the work.

"Killing Love" is a work that fuses all elements such as story, characters, production, and music at a high level. It is a work that is appealing for its suspenseful story that depicts the darkness of the underworld and the depths of humanity, and the relationships and backgrounds of its unique characters, which deeply move and sympathize with the viewer. Please watch this work and experience its charm and depth.