phixd

I watched the whole film because of all the 10 reviews and the reports of the movie's raw brutality. It is violent and brutal in spots but most of the rest of the film has the audience watching our killer walk down the street or drag bodies around in long boring takes that I found almost unbearable. Compared to some of the 1990's French slasher films: Inside, High Tension, Martyrs etc. This film just seems weak and underproduced. I didn't find the horror shocking, scary, or entertaining.

Having read the source material, this is a great adaptation of the manga. When reading the graphic novel it's hard to conceive the black and white illustrations in full color. The stark contrast of bright psychedelic colors of the anime don't diminish the gritty atmosphere created in novel.

There is no protagonist or antagonist in this dark tale of magic and violence. Instead its a pragmatic exploration of unique characters that you will grow to appreciate more as their backgrounds are revealed. Like most unique pieces of story telling it is not for everyone and those looking for traditional plot lines will be confused or frustrated. The story is like an endless rabbit hole, so more mysteries are revealed than are answered. The creators are in on the joke giving you plot reminders at the beginning of the episode like a character's favorite food instead of important plot lines.

It is best watched as a journey into a dark magical violent alternative universe with no destination in sight.