Jun 1, 2014
Finally, a horror story that gets it right!
In recent years, across all media, there has been a distinct lack of good horror. It seems that the entertainment industry has decided ‘horror = jump-scares’ (this is a generalization; there have been some good ones come out, but too few in my opinion). This mentality leads to very little plot and/or character development; leaving the audience slightly shocked but otherwise unfazed. Why should you care what happens to characters that you have been given no chance to make a connection with?
And then there’s Shiki-
People may find the first half of Shiki too slow for their liking. But
...
the slow build up is exactly what makes this anime so great. You will get to learn about the characters, create a connection with them, and actually care what happens to them (for better or worse). I have seen many anime that suffer from an abundance of filler episodes. Shiki doesn't do this. What it gives you is a well drawn-out story with every episode progressing the story. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will simply say that the payoff for your patience in the beginning is a thrilling ending.
Shiki plays on your emotions, and questions your ideas of morality. It does a great job of leaving you questioning who the monsters are, if any. You will most likely have a love/hate relationship with many of the characters, which only makes the story better.
I think Shiki is brilliant, and it is definitely one of the best vampire stories I have seen or read. I especially like the Bram Stoker style mythology for the vampires. However, that doesn’t mean it is without flaws. I mostly found the negatives with the story bearable just because to me they were minor compared to all the positives. One of the negatives, which is solved partly by the Shiki Specials*, is that I thought the ending could have been drawn out a little longer in order to resolve a few characters storylines.
Lastly I’d like to make special mention of the music, which really added another dimension to Shiki. It is very well done and creates a fitting atmosphere for the story to play out in.
*If you watch and like Shiki then you have to watch the Shiki Specials. Along with giving a proper end for some of the characters, there is also one of the most emotionally powerful scenes I have seen in anime.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
