Ai Enma and her companions continue to offer their service of revenge against those who have wronged others, and the price is as steep as ever—for damning the offender to hell, the person exacting vengeance is sent to the abyss as well. As they cast soul after soul into the darkness, a new sinister force is watching them: a little girl named Kikuri.
While Ai continues her duties, she meets a boy named Takuma Kurebayashi, known as the "Devil's Child" because of the horrific events that occur around him. Unfortunately, Takuma's reputation leads the townspeople to use him as a scapegoat for those who have been ferried off to hell. When things quickly spiral out of control, Ai must find a way to bring an end to this senseless violence, as it poses a threat to her very existence.
Review: Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori
Synopsis
Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori (Hell Girl: The Two Mirrors) is the captivating sequel to the popular supernatural mystery series ‘Jigoku Shoujo’ (Hell Girl). This narrative delves deeper into the life of Enma Ai, the mysterious Hell Girl who carries out people’s vengeance by forever ferrying the cursed ones to the realm of no return. However, the price for availing her service is a heavy one. While the darkness engulfs the avenger’s target into oblivion, an identical fate awaits them. The soul of the avenger will also be eternally condemned in hell, albeit after death, marking them with an indelible symbol of their pact with Ai.
Futakomori introduces an intriguing plot twist with the entry of Kikuri, a mysterious girl who disrupts Ai’s job. Also, a journalist named Ichimokuren is keen on revealing the workings of Hell’s Correspondence. This amalgamation of Ai’s past revelations, suspense circling Kikuri, and the existential questions of vengeance and redemption keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the series.
Review
Right off the bat, Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori takes everything that was great about its predecessor and amplifies it tenfold. The air of mystery surrounding Enma Ai, coupled with the devilishly delightful torment she delivers, keeps the viewer completely enthralled from beginning to end.
The animation quality has substantially improved in Futakomori delivering an aesthetically pleasing visual treat. The ambiance created using excellent background scores creates an uncanny resonance with the dark thematic tones of the anime. The voice acting, especially Mamiko Noto as Enma Ai, is chilling and mesmerizing!
One of the most gripping aspects of this sequel is the improved episodic storytelling. Each episode stands alone with its distinct plotline, yet subtly contributes to the overarching storyline. This innovative narrative technique offers viewers a profound understanding of the series’ ethos, unveiling a different layer of complexity at every step.
Then we have the new character, Kikuri. She effectively challenges Ai’s stoicism, adding a refreshing dynamic to the series. Her unpredictable nature keeps the audience guessing, enhancing the suspense build-up. Plus, the interplay between her and Ichimokuren adds more depth to the story.
Verdict
Indubitably, Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori is an absolute must-watch for aficionados of the supernatural-mystery genre or ardent fans of the original series. Its steady plot development, fascinating characters, and morally ambiguous storyline hold a mirror to the consequences of vengeance. This gripping series keeps you hooked, making you ponder existential questions long after you’re done watching.
If you’re keen on immersing in a dark and riveting experience while exploring the bounds of vengeance and retribution, then this series is the perfect pick. You’ll be left in awe of the rich tapestry of emotions and moral dilemmas the series presents. Rent, buy or stream, but definitely don’t miss out!
The Anime Critic screams a hearty YES for Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori. It’s a soaring monster of an anime that deserves to be savored and appreciated!
Be the first to leave a review.
