Two rival Ninja Clans, the Kouga and the Iga, have been feuding for over 200 years and only 50 years ago, an anti-war pact was enacted to prevent any further bloodshed. No one remembers or cares to remember how the feud even started but in the minds of both the Kouga and Iga, the reason doesn’t matter. But now Gennosuke, young leader of the Kouga ninja, falls in love with the beautiful leader of the Iga, Oboro. Together, they hope they can end the longstanding feud between their two clans. However, the pact that prevented the clans from massacring one another just nullified. Will their love endure amidst the hatred and bloodshed that has plagued their clans for centuries?
Basilisk is a show that will challenge your fortitude. The violence is visceral, and the story maintains a bleak tone throughout. Basilisk succeeds at showing hatred at its essence. Characters commit ghastly acts towards one another, throwing away any ounce of humanity they once had. The story starts off relatively light in tone but gradually delves deeper murkiest parts of human depravity. Day after day, ninjas on both sides of the war are killed off like gnats in increasingly depraved ways. Ninjas on both sides are not afraid to use the vilest methods of torture and violence to make their enemies suffer. And each death not only puts a strain on their comrades, but also strains the relationship between Gennosuke and Oboro. The war causes a struggle between their hearts and minds as they ask themselves, “Am I able to kill the one I love?” They are stuck between their responsibilities as the leaders of their clans, and their romantic relationship. This dilemma makes the show much more engaging because it has a noticeable effect on both characters and makes it easier for the viewer to sympathize with them.
Basilisk is, in part, an action show. However, the battles rely on wit and cunning as opposed to sheer brawn. The ninjas on both sides have a plethora of unique powers and abilities at their disposal and use them in interesting ways. Most of the battles are relatively quick but are very tense as it is hard to tell who will win or lose.
Basilisk’s cast is quite expansive. It has a cast of over 20 characters with 10 major characters in each clan. Not every character gets development but in this story it isn’t necessary. Some characters die early on and as a result, we learn little about them and develop no attachment to them. But it is all purposeful because the deaths of these characters facilitate the development of other characters. Throughout the story, relationships between characters become increasingly complex due to their feelings towards one another becoming increasingly pronounced. The supporting characters themselves are all relatively simple in terms of depth but still memorable in their own right.
The story centers on the romance between the main couple. Gennosuke is a stern, honorable ninja who will do what is necessary to preserve the peace and protect those closest to him. Oboro is a clumsy ninja who is inept at combat but has a strong will a maternal aura around her. And despite her being emotional and clumsy, she also has a strong will and will do anything to protect her loved ones. The contrast between these two characters creates for fantastic chemistry as the love they share feels real. The moments they spend together are heartfelt and intimate and add an extra layer of believability as they express their dreams and profess how much they care for on another.
However, with all of Basilisk’s strong points there are undoubtedly a few weaknesses. I felt the world building wasn’t adequate. I felt the setting of feudal Japan needed to be fleshed out a bit more because there was a political subplot which was reintroduced several times in the story but not adequately expanded upon. This is a big issue considering politics played a pivotal role in the story. I would’ve liked two stories occurring at the same time, one dealing with politics and the other dealing with the ninja. I feel this is appropriate especially do the epic feel of the story. There is a lot of room for potential and it disappointed me to see it not taken advantage of. Another issue I had with the story deals with a particular character named Tenzen. The show tried to establish a backstory for him but it was done in such a muddled way that it was basically incomprehensible. When you consider that his motivation, backstory and origin of his unique ability were one of the major mysteries of the show, you would assume it would be handled more competently.
Normally, I would give Basilisk a 7 but I am not going to. Why? Because it ended on an incredibly strong note that not only tied everything up, but it was also incredibly moving. The ending was handled with such precision and care that I couldn’t help but bump it up. It isn’t too often that show has such a phenomenal ending and I believe that deserves praise.
Basilisk is a romantic tragedy that succeeds when it is at its darkest. It is unrelenting in its depiction of violence, perversion and brutality but it isn’t just cruel. At its heart, Basilisk is a tale of love and compassion that is being counterbalanced by hatred and animosity. By the end of the show, you will receive chills every time you read the words, “And so my beloved….please die.”
