Shiki is a vampire anime, and definitely the most well-made vampire anime I've seen. Here is why. Nearly all vampire stories fall into 2 categories: Either all vampires are completely evil, and the humans have to work together to defeat them, or there are good and bad vampires, and the humans work together with the good vampires to defeat the bad vampires. And there is a reason why. From a moral standpoint, these are both very easy premises. Shiki is right in between those two. And it is not morally easy at all.
There is some serious tragedy in this story. There are tragic human characters and tragic vampire characters. It is chilling and heartbreaking to the point of being difficult to watch at times. But I have to respect how well made it is. All the tragedies happen for a reason, and all are executed well. It is one of the better written shows I've seen. But it is not for the faint of heart. As an art piece, Shiki is beautiful the way an atomic explosion is beautiful.
That's why I give it an 8. I think that you should see it. But only once.
