Also DON'T READ THE SUMMARY ON THE KIDS, MAJOR SPOILERS. Someone should fix that, the entire story is given away on Hikora's summary and Sorincha's in particular.
I first off would like to say I am not a big horror fan and am very queasy when seeing gore. That being said, even if I liked horror, I will stand by saying everyone is an idiot 99% of the time who is in a horror movie, but I suppose that's the appeal? Anyway, regardless of this, I did actually like the story, even though I was shaking my head at some parts or rolling my eyes or even yelling things at the characters.
Story: The story is quite unique from what I've seen, but has a very traditional Japanese feel, IE the kids playing a game in an old town abandoned town at night, which I have seen in other animes. However, that's pretty much the only thing that's normal by this movies standards. What happens at the end with out giving anything away makes this movie chilling (especially the very last scene) yet entertaining to watch regardless of the implications it holds. The kids having to wear fox masks also makes for a very different feel in the scope of the story. The pacing is off at times, but that might be just me. I wish it was longer, there are still quite a few things unanswered, but it does well to give you enough gist of the story to understand everything that happens. Overall I give it an 8.
Art: I loved the art, I know others don't, but I think it was perfect for this kind of story. You can put a ton of detail in there that stands out on it's own, which I enjoyed. Also the way the kids are done, even though you can only see their eyes and body language, it makes it very easy to read what they're thinking and feeling. Due to the cell shading it also felt a bit like a live video game, which makes for some people like myself more vested into the whole ordeal, like I'm apart of it somehow. I give a 9 for art. I think the style was perfect for this.
Sound: I liked the music, it was creepy yet ancient feeling, the kind of music you'd think you'd hear in old ruins on a video game, however at the same time, that doesn't totally fit the idea of a semi-modern abandoned town. It does however fit the idea of ancient demons, which by the looks of it I don't think are so ancient themselves, but perhaps they were supposed to be. The use of bells and creaks as well as other eerie sounds worked quite well to the already creepy feel of the movie. I give an 8 for sound.
Character: I liked the characters, save for Sorincha (giggling girls who won't tell you things piss me off) and the bully kid. I especially like Hikkora and Yaimao. I thought the twins were cool too, even though they didn't talk, I liked their designs and despite the lack of emotion in their face, probably due to their masks, you could still tell what they were thinking and how they communicated with each other by their body language and actions. The last 3 characters (minus the silent girl) were typical idiot bully and his two lackeys which he has no regard for. I felt sorry for them but at the same time, it's an over done stereo type. They're smart, but the big fat loud and non-believing in demons one is an idiot. And small spoiler, he'll get what's coming to him. It is horror after all. Back to Hikora though, I really felt for his character, him wanting to find his sister and his friend determined to help is what kept the story going for me, wanting them to win and get out. There is a part at the end though that made me a bit furious with his change in character, or maybe fear does it to people, but why didn't he just throw it off the edge when he's handed it? You'll understand when you see it. Other then this, over all I give the characters a 9. They were well fleshed out for a 25 min OVA.
Enjoyment: Even though as I stated I dislike horror and rarely if ever watch it, this was actually quite a good watch. I really feel for Hikora and that was what drew me in after the first 3rd of the movie. The story is good, I loved the art, the characters are great, the sound is good and it's a good creepy movie, despite the usual flaws nearly every horror movie ever has.
Over all: 8 1/2
