Jigokuraku

Sentenced to death, ninja Gabimaru the Hollow finds himself apathetic. After leading a blood-soaked life, Gabimaru believes he deserves to die. However, every attempt to execute him inexplicably fails. Finally, Sagiri Yamada Asaemon, a fledgling member of a famed executioner clan, is asked to take Gabimaru's life; yet Sagiri makes no move to kill him as requested.

Insisting that Gabimaru will not die because of his love for his wife, Sagiri instead offers him the chance to obtain a full pardon for his crimes. If he can travel to the island of Shinsekyo and obtain the Elixir of Life—which supposedly grants immortality—and bring it back for the shogun, then his freedom will be assured.

But of the many who have traveled to Shinsekyo in search of the mythical Elixir, not a single person has returned sound of mind, if at all. Though unaware of the numerous dangers ahead, Gabimaru decides to accept the offer—alongside ten other death row convicts—in hope that he and his wife may finally live in peace.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gabimaru Main

Kobayashi, Chiaki Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Sagiri Main

Hanamori, Yumiri Japanese

Yuzuriha Supporting

Takahashi, Rie Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Shion Supporting

Kobayashi, Chikahiro Japanese

Aza, Choubei Supporting

Kimura, Ryouhei Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Tenza Supporting

Kobayashi, Yuusuke Japanese

Tamiya, Gantetsusai Supporting

Inada, Tetsu Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Fuchi Supporting

Ichikawa, Aoi Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Touma Supporting

Ono, Kensho Japanese

Yui Supporting

Noto, Mamiko Japanese

Kawagoe, Wataru Producer, Production Assistant, Production Manager

Ishii, Nozomi Producer

Makita, Kaori Director, Episode Director, Storyboard

Ebina, Yasunori Sound Director

Reviews

Dec 17, 2024

RishiSenpai

Recommended

Please keep in mind that this review assumes that you have not seen Jigokuraku. As a result, this is merely a brief overview that may persuade you to try this series.

Jigokuraku's central theme is a somber investigation of survival, morality, and atonement. The story begins with the protagonist, Gabimaru the Hollow, who has lost all hope of survival after being betrayed by his village. However, he is quickly presented with the option to become a free man.

As the show progresses, we see Gabimaru evolve from a hardened assassin with no regard for life to a man who begins to question the entire purpose of his existence. ... This inner metamorphosis is at the center of Jigokuraku and is linked to his connection with Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, an executioner with her problems to bear. While Gabimaru seeks release from the prison of his past, Sagiri is motivated by a desire for honor and the agony of her family's history.

The two of them make a complex and interesting duo, each with their own set of problems and goals, yet their motivations are inextricably interwoven. Their bond is a gradual burn, built on trust and mutual understanding as they progress through their traumatic journey. It's easy to mistake this for a romance, but their bond is based on shared tragedy and a mutual desire for forgiveness, not romantic or sexual attraction.

The gradual evolution of their relationship provides emotional depth to the story, allowing both characters to mature in ways that feel earned and important. Gabimaru and Sagiri complement one another in ways that mirror the series' overarching themes of survival and atonement. Gabimaru's cynicism is balanced by Sagiri's determination and honor, and while their interactions appear frigid at first, an underlying understanding develops over time.

Jigokuraku distinguishes out visually, thanks to its gorgeous animation and intricate world-building. The island's hideous beauty, filled with bizarre and dangerous creatures, creates a disturbing mood for the series. The character designs are unique, representing each individual's problems and backgrounds, and the smooth animation makes even the most intense action sequences easy to follow and visually appealing.

Finally, Jigokuraku is a thought-provoking and emotionally compelling series that provides more than simply action and mystery. Its investigation of survival, morality, and atonement provides depth that takes it above standard shonen fare. Gabimaru and Sagiri's blossoming connection serves as the series' emotional heart, while the show's bigger themes ask viewers to examine the cost of survival and the possibility of atonement. Whether you're drawn to action, character development, or philosophical musings, Jigokuraku provides a deep and gratifying experience that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Nov 12, 2024

MrSlamboni

Mixed Feelings

The show has an interesting setting. A group of criminals and their overseers are sent to an island that is supposed to be a mixture of Buddhist and Taoist heaven. Their goal is to retrieve the elixir of life to obtain a pardon from the Shogun. The problem is, although this island looks really pretty with all the flowers and colors, it is the farthest thing from Heaven. Everything tries to kill you in a brutal but colorful way. The animation is pretty good in that regard.

However, that's where the good stops. The characters are really boring and cliche. They are well animated, but you ... better hope they never start talking because you start to realize you are watching pretty looking trash. Almost everyone who is not a male is sexualized. Besides the original concept and good animation, I can't find much to praise.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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Apr 11, 2024

stonepillar

Not Recommended

What a major disappointment of adaptation from the manga. I honestly thought that the series will get a good animation considering the hype surrounding the manga. Yes, I already read the manga and it an okay series if you turn your brain off and enjoy the gore and the art. some of the flaw in the manga I thought the studio will correct it but guess not. let rate the series shall we.

PLOT (4)
The stories structure doesn't make sense. What I mean by that is the shogun want to gain immortality because there a rumor of an unknown charted island there is elixir of immortality ... that being told by people who turn into plant. The shogun send expedition to the island but fail and in second try one person alive but gradually turn into plant. So for the third expedition he send a criminal? and if they bought back the elixir the shogun will erase all their crime and be free. This not make sense because Why would the criminal give the elixir and not just drink it to gain immortality?. Oh there an executioner follow them you say, then why not just send them. There no reason to use the criminal when you have someone who are more loyal AKA the executioner.

CHARACTER (5)
The main character is a ninja that want to died at first but then suddenly remember he had a wife. The show really want you to think the character is deep but in reality they just one dimension personality that it would be better if the writer put more on thought on the plot instead. The best character is yuzuriha the ninja girl with a technique that will make me hard and also sagiri the main heroin for being a waifu material. Yes they the one who save this god damn show. I also like how the writer portray the villain and called the the island hell paradise, it really similar to our reality.

ANIMATION (3)
It not a berserk 2016 level of bad but it should have been better considering it create from studio mappa that create quality animation like jjk and chainsaw man. I guess they don't see the hype of the manga and give subpar animation. The only good thing is VA that really do a good job and the music are okay.

In conclusion, it got some nice idea but terrible execution, it not as great as people hype it up but I can see the appeal. Just turn your brain off, you will enjoy it if you think of it as gore shlock.

Reviewer’s Rating: 3

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