In 2019 (more precisely, 10th Aug 2019), an anime by the name of Demon Slayer took the anime world by storm, it shook everything in its presence so much so that it garnered the title of Crunchyroll's Anime of the Year and Best Fight Scene (of that year) awards. Surely this must mean it is good? And you'd be right, but it doesn't take into the whole picture. As most anime fans acknowledge is that visual quality will indeed have a lot of say as to whether or not an anime is good or bad, and, well… this title... changes… nothing. Yeah it's still true, not even this donghua could change that, and most good donghua get praise amongst the likes never really seen as consistently as it does. Mostly because of the dedicated audience, yes, but the same exists here in the anime community.
Wu Shan Wu Xing (will abbreviate to Fog Hill 5) is kinda like a Chinese Demon Slayer, just not Demon Slayer by the narrative (it is close though). As since pretty much forever, the only thing that holds up this title is the vibrant action-packed stage combat present. That's not to say that there was nothing of worth elsewhere, however, it is minuscule in comparison to the visual spectacle.
I will focus a little on the narrative for one to get an understanding of what is actually being told. It has that ancient tale plot, you know, the ones you get in those American produced Chinese martial arts movies with the whole legend of the ancient dragon, the elemental dude who vanished when the world needed him the most, those kinds of stories. It isn't exactly original, though this is comparing it to various other mediums outside animation. It isn't exactly intriguing either, originality and engagement are independent, though Fog Hill 5 doesn't wish to expand on its story and simply leaves everything as is. There was only really once did the story expand, however, it more so dwelled into particular characters who had little importance to the grand scheme, which aside from it lacking any means to engage, is also wasteful. In the 3 episodes in its duration, the story overall didn't have any means to expel ideas that would consequently manage to get someone attention. By the end of it, you would have noticed you reached the end of a ripped-apart book, only curiosity and patience demands that you go forward if you wish to view a satisfying story. The characters fall in the same boat of them just being pieces in this seemingly grand narrative, nothing to really praise them on as this is clearly not the end, with more (hopefully) awaiting. Independent to the future of the story here, the only thing I can go on about that differs from the story is their personality. I suppose it ties into the prior originality statement with what I am about to say. Nothing here that seems full of idea, hell, looking back on it, the characters were dry, but they suffice for the story's sake. They won't be enough for anyone to be fully immersed in them, but it isn't like they make the story insufferable. They just, exist. And do stuff.
Now the part that actually matters and is really the only reason to watch the donghua in the first place.
The Animation. (Capitalised to show the importance).
This is probably one of the best-animated works I've seen in a long while. Literal water behaviour motion fluidity in the animation, absolutely zero signs of any cheap cuts here and there, it is basically the rival to ufotable. Maybe I am exaggerating, sure, not everything is modern zenith with each individual frame having several thousands of blood, sweat, and tears behind them sculpted to make even Van Goh's skeleton reach some orgasmic reaction strong enough to make the bones explode. Though, this is good. Very good. Amazing. It slaps. Hard enough to use as WiFi for the week, because the connection is that strong. It isn't just the animation that is insanely good, I quite liked the unique design of the characters, being able to switch up to and from different variations of art when the writing demanded it with ease, it's almost like polymerisation between calligraphy and standard essentials. Simply perfect for a donghua of its kind.
Now the sounds here aren't exactly the strongest thing this has to offer, if anything, the voice acting was better in a relative sense. The OST was basic fighting stuff that lacked a good punch to it, sure, some themes are better than others, but I wouldn't think anyone would leave here with a great reaction to them. It was fine for how and what it was used for, otherwise, it could have done way better. Speaking of the voicing as I have just done so before. I'd love to point out the great attention to detail and slides of that extra oomph that really pushed this to a more respectable level. With onomatopoeic sounds being handled way better than what I know of, as well as enthusiasm to the roles assumed by the actors. Maybe there is something about Chinese voices, I wouldn't know, but I just know this was pretty damn good.
I quite enjoyed Fog Hill 5, without question. Sure, the story wasn't particularly interesting, but for what took up most of the screen, the fighting, anyone would admit that it was made pretty damn well, and is indeed, probably one of the most well made choreographed and animated pieces of works that have touched the name of donghua, maybe as far as fighting animation. Considering how battle orientated this is, one should let such dictate most of the overall quality of the show, also considering how I do believe, as of this review, that a second season/part will exist in the future. Assuming nothing gets cancelled or commits a "[popular anime] season 2 when????". So complaining about narrative aspects is futile in some manner. I would just try to enjoy such for the obvious things it brings forward at the end of the day.
----------
TLDR Review:
Story - 6: Basic story, doesn't go into much, and seems to be part of a larger story. This is just the setup with nothing to it so far.
Visuals - 10: Peak visuals. Seriously amazing stuff. Actual class animation and synergy with character designs too.
Audio - 7.5: Voicing is better than the actual OST by a good bit, due to more emphasis and detail. OST is fine by itself though.
Characters - 6: Same with story, nothing really special yet.
Enjoyment - 9: Great action donghua, pretty damn hype battles.
----------
Anyways, I would recommend this one to most general watchers and fans of anime, specifically battle shounen anime, who wish to tread on unknown territory, it's a new experience, with a new language and culture behind it. It isn't hard to understand, however, and quite frankly, something suitable to all despite diverging qualities.
I've been meaning to watch this donghua for some while. I am reviewing this later than I should have initially, but hey, I got there in the end. Apparently, only 7 people worked on this show which is nothing short of incredible. Though I would advise you to do your own research since I saw a contradicting 100 people worked on it on the YT comments section lol. So do you to discover more info on this. A second season should come out, there was an official preview to such, I just have no clue when it will come out, probably way the hell later.
Anyhow, that is it for Chinese Demon Slayer, so, of course, I must bring forward the well-awaited answer to the demanding question.
Is this overrated?
No. Just because there is a ton of action, doesn't mean it is overrated. It is just a really good *action* donghua because it is vivid and well-crafted, smh.
Overall - 8.27 (8)
