Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie

Reviewed By: Kristy Isla

DVD U.S. Manga Corps/Central Park Media

Review based on movie (1 disk)

Rating 16+

What it’s (basically) all about: Forces from the Netherworld have attacked the Spirit world, so the Spirit World could not stop them from overtaking the Human world.  Our heroes, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama and Hiei, must stop the Netherworld demons from overtaking the human world.  The only way to do this is with the help of a new ally Hinageshi, the guide to the sprit world.  She tells them where the five sources of spiritual energy on Earth are, and once these are opened only then can our heroes defeat the Netherworld demons and restore the Spirit world.  However, things get complicated as those closest to our hero’s are turned against them and it seems as if there is no hope in saving the Human or Spirit World.

Nitty Gritty: This anime movie is basically the same concept/principle of the television series.  While a few new characters are introduced, the movie assumes the watcher already knows the story so far, such as which characters have feeling for each other.  This is clear when Hiei is asked why he doesn’t tell Yukina he is her older brother, (we find this out in the Tournament Saga of the TV show) and the viewers are already supposed to know that Kuwabara is in love with Yukina.  All of the same characters are back with their same powers, yet in the movie you learn a little more about the back story to some of the demon characters.

Overall, there is some minor language used (they like the word bastard a lot), but no major swear words.  Also, while the movie is violent, after all they are killing demons here, the gore is mostly stylized.  The demons shoot out purple ooze for blood and very few humans are actually attacked.

Also, one bad point about the movie, especially if you have watched the series, is the fact that the character voices for the movie are not the same ones for the series.  Also, while his name is featured as Kuwabara (and it is that) the characters actually pronounce it as Kuwahara, which really gets annoying.  As for the special features, the subtitles again are not the best but you only get to see them if you put it on the Japanese dialog. Other special features include 5 sneak peaks (suitable for all ages), and Art Gallery with still pics from the movie, A “Meet the Reporters” section which introduces the main characters, the trailer from the movie and an advertisement for the 2003 Big Apple Anime fest. 

Survey says: Central Park Media gives this rating a 16+, yet I would be comfortable with this in a YA section.  Very little graphic violence and almost no swearing, this movie does not need to be classified as adult.  Also, I have showed this anime for an anime club showing and had no problems with it.  If the Cartoon Network version is in your library in the YA section then put this in with it and there should be no problems.

Personal Ad: The television series of the same name is one of my top 10, but the movie just doesn’t come close the series.  While it is a good story…it is really just a longer episode of the TV series.  A definite for any fan though!