The greedy samurai lord Daigo Kagemitsu's land is dying, and he would do anything for power, even renounce Buddha and make a pact with demons. His prayers are answered by 12 demons who grant him the power he desires by aiding his prefecture's growth, but at a price. When Kagemitsu's first son is born, the boy has no limbs, no nose, no eyes, no ears, nor even skin—yet still, he lives.
This child is disposed of in a river and forgotten. But as luck would have it, he is saved by a medicine man who provides him with prosthetics and weapons, allowing for him to survive and fend for himself. The boy lives and grows, and although he cannot see, hear, or feel anything, he must defeat the demons that took him as sacrifice. With the death of each one, he regains a part of himself that is rightfully his. For many years he wanders alone, until one day an orphan boy, Dororo, befriends him. The unlikely pair of castaways now fight for their survival and humanity in an unforgiving, demon-infested world.
Anime Review: Discover Ghosts, Demons and Enlightenment with Dororo
INTRODUCTION
Life is a never-ending journey where we constantly strive to understand who we truly are. However, how would those revelations look when the process of self-discovery is inextricably haunted by evils and spirits of the past? Welcome, my fellow Otaku enthusiasts, as we delve into the tale of a ronin cursed and a child orphaned: Dororo.
SYNOPSIS
Set against the backdrop of the Sengoku period, Dororo intertwines the supernatural with the essence of humanity. Our protagonist, Hyakkimaru, was born devoid of 48 body parts, sacrificed to 48 demons by his power-hungry father. Saved and nurtured by a kind man, Hyakkimaru grows up learning to fight the ghosts of the past (quite literally!). His prosthetic limbs hold hidden weapons, aiding him in his quest to confront and recover his lost body parts from those demons. On his journey, he meets Dororo, an agile and mischievous orphan. Unaware of Hyakkimaru’s intriguing predicament, Dororo forms an unlikely bond with him, embarking together on this journey of battles, ghosts, revenge, and self-discovery.
REVIEW
There’s just so much to talk about Dororo! Starting off, the story concept is engrossingly unique – it seamlessly merges historical reality with demonic lore. The episodes flow with a brilliant story-arc that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Yet, Dororo isn’t just an action-packed slugfest, it stimulates deep contemplation about ethics, the horrors borne by war-stricken societies, and the cost of desire.
Taking center-stage in this anime is our battle-hardened protagonist Hyakkimaru. Despite his physical impairment, his relentless spirit and unbending will to regain what he lost is deeply inspiring. The juxtaposition of his grim stoicism and Dororo’s innocent exuberance makes their relationship a heartwarming element. Quiet moments of camaraderie are just as engaging as their confrontations against otherworldly monstrosities.
Animation quality is top-notch – Studio MAPPA and Tezuka Productions have truly outdone themselves, painting a vivid picture of a war-ravaged Japan. The character development is complex and leaves you emotionally invested in their destiny. You feel Hyakkimaru’s pain as he battles, you sympathize with Dororo’s lonely past, and meet a plethora of unique characters along the way.
The sound department is no less commendable, with the music beautifully capturing the essence of Dororo. From the engaging battle themes to the somber tones during the more emotional scenes – it adds a new layer to the viewing experience.
FINAL VERDICT
So, should you entertain Dororo? An emphatic yes! It’s an expansive canvas of struggles, hope, vengeance, and perseverance that will elicit emotions you didn’t know an anime could evoke. This is the anime that confirms why we love this medium so much. A perfect blend of narrative prowess, animation excellence, and emotional depth, Dororo deserves more than just a mere watch; it warrants to be experienced. Whether to rent, buy, or stream, do not miss the immersive journey that Dororo offers. After all, a very human story lurks behind those demonic battles.
In the words of Dororo, let’s hit the road, Hyakkimaru-san, we’ve got a lot more to see! Anime out!
Be the first to leave a review.
