Shiki does an awful lot of things extremely well, but you might be surprised as to which aspects it excels. This is not an action packed show, and nor is it a frightening show, although certainly graphic at times. I'd define this show more as a study of how people react to a highly unusual situation that is pushed upon them.
The story is a relatively simple one, in an isolated rural town, the Kirishiki family have built and then move into a large Western style mansion, and immediately after people begin to die under mysterious circumstances. The story is both classic in content and simple in execution. I'd also like to give a nod for the length of the series, whatever the reason for cutting off 4 episodes, the pacing of the show was much improved as a result, the mid part of the show could have dragged down the pacing if extended and i much appreciated the non stop pacing of the final third of the show.
The art and sound were fantastic, the colours are memorising at times, the character models were original and well drawn, i believe allot of people came to dislike the strange way in which the eyes were drawn, but it gives off a great sense of 'otherness' in a highly unusual way, and it added to further the uniqueness of the visuals. The voice acting was fantastic throughout, the music ranged between eerie and atmospheric and i genuinely can't stop playing the second opening. If nothing else about this show you will distinguish it from other shows by the visuals and they should stay with you for some time to come.
The show has a simply huge cast and i feel it's unnecessary to go into specifics, it spreads screen time amongst them all, the range of characters works fantastically as they are steadily divided into two opposing factions in the those rising as Shiki and the surviving town people. Shiki gives you an awful lot to ponder in terms of character motivations and the grey area between right and wrong, i was certainly unsure of were i was sympathising by the end.
I was intrigued by this show from the first episode, and this lingered some way into the early episodes, the show falls into a recurring pattern as the story progresses, but when the events come to a head during the second half of the show it's nothing short of engrossing, and highly thought provoking. This show takes a very simple premise and turns it into something extremely special and i recommend anyone looking for something a little bit different gives it a try.
