To the casual eye, the amnesiac bounty hunter Wu Liuqi looks quite intimidating. With his deadly telekinetic scissor techniques and his ability to seamlessly transform into anything, one would not expect his modest demeanor. In fact, Wu is quite terrible at his job. Often times the freelancer can be found botching an assassination or targeting the wrong person. While his failures could be due to his subpar skills, it usually boils down to him being a normal kid, with a heart unsuited for his line of work.
Accompanied by his feathered friend Dai Bo, Wu is on a simple quest to regain his memories. Although his inconspicuous day job as a hairdresser and his after-hours occupation are simply a means for him to repay debt, his various ventures seem to intertwine with his pursuit to recover his lost past.
Overview:
Scissor Seven, better known in its original title as Cike Wu Liuqi, is an intriguing and engaging blend of action, comedy, and drama ingeniously concocted in a beautifully animated worm’s eye narrative. This unconventional Chinese anime (or “donghua”) fluidly pivots between hilarious antics, intense character development, and poignant themes that steal your heart without you even noticing.
The story revolves around an eager yet incredibly unskilled hairdresser-turned-contract killer, known as Seven, who uses scissors as his weapon of choice. The charmingly inept protagonist is striving to recover his memories, all while attempting to accomplish a string of slippery assassination contracts. The narrative spins a beautiful tapestry of unforgettable characters and moments, striking a fine balance between comedy and drama, with an unstoppable force of action thrown into the mix.
Storyline:
Cike Wu Liuqi handles the concept of memory and identity with grace and humour, pushing the envelope of storytelling in engaging and exceptionally creative ways. The characters are quirky but lovable, layered with complexity that invites curiosity and engagement as they each come with their oddball traits and fascinating backstories. Equally compelling is the way the plot unfolds, tickling you unexpected with its humorous-imaginative approach and then stunning you into solemn silence during serious moments.
Animation and Artwork:
The series’ art style blends traditional Chinese aesthetic with modern animation techniques in unique ways that is an absolute visual treat. Whether it’s the fascinatingly sketched landscapes or the dynamic action sequences, Cike Wu Liuqi ensures aesthetic captivation at every turn. Though the artwork might seem simple initially, it’s the intricate details hiding within the simplicity that constantly surprises one.
Soundtrack and Voice Acting:
The soundtrack is another gem of this series. It perfectly enhances the aura of the scenes, whether they be hilarious, action-filled, or emotional. The voice acting complements the vibrantly animated characters, giving each of them a distinct identity and charm. The dialogues are well written, mingling humour and philosophy in a way that feels both natural and thought-provoking.
Should You Watch It?
Scissor Seven navigates a delightful labyrinth of storylines, packed with amusing puns, bombastic fights, and deep introspection, all while managing to retain a distinct and raw charm. Regardless of whether you’re an avid anime fan or a first-time donghua-viewer, it’s a remarkable ride that’s well worth the time. You’ll find yourself laughing uncontrollably one minute and getting sucked into a whirlpool of emotions in the next. So, the verdict? Absolutely rent, buy, or stream Cike Wu Liuqi—and prepare for an thrilling, heartwarming, hilarious journey that you won’t soon forget.
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