InuYasha: A Long-Running Adventure with Heart
Title: InuYasha
Original Title: 犬夜叉 (Inuyasha)
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.14
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director:
Masashi Ikeda (Episodes 1-44)
Yasunao Aoki (Episodes 45-167)
Writer: Rumiko Takahashi
Studio: Sunrise
Format: Anime (TV Series)
Episodes: 167
Premiered: Fall 2000
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Trailer:
Story(Spoiler Free):
Inuyasha takes you to a realm where the distinction between ancient legend and modern reality blurs. Kagome Higurashi, a seemingly regular schoolgirl, discovers a mysterious well on her family’s shrine and is transported to feudal Japan. She sees a half-demon named Inuyasha, who is tied to a sacred tree by a powerful arrow.
Kagome accidentally frees Inuyasha, and a magical necklace bonds them together. They embark on a journey to recover the fractured Shikon Jewel, a great artifact that bestows immense power and attracts demons.
Kagome and Inuyasha encounter a slew of hazards with their ragged gang of comrades, including the sympathetic monk Miroku, the skilled demon slayer Sango, and the humorous fox-demon Shippou. They face gigantic monsters, powerful allies, and opponents, as well as learn truths about Inuyasha’s background.
As Kagome navigates her new job in this fantasy realm, she is torn between affection for Inuyasha and her life in current times. Will they be successful in retrieving the Shikon Jewel, or will it fall into the wrong hands?
Inuyasha is an engrossing novel full of action, adventure, humour, and a hint of romance. It delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the significance of finding one’s position in the world.
Review:
Inuyasha is a legendary Shounen anime that has captivated viewers for decades. Let’s look at the different facets of this huge adventure:
Story:
The underlying premise of a modern girl being transferred to a magical world is intriguing. The quest to obtain the Shikon Jewel has a distinct overarching aim, but episodic adventures keep the story interesting. The characters are well-developed, with individual motivations and conflicts. The series delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and overcoming adversity.
With so many episodes, the pacing might be inconsistent at times. Certain plotlines appear repetitious, and the emphasis on romantic elements may not appeal to all audiences.
Animation and BGM:
The animation technique is traditional and visually appealing, portraying both the majesty of feudal Japan and the exciting action sequences. The soundtrack complements the plot beautifully, with memorable themes and emotional moments.The animation quality varies slightly throughout the series, with certain episodes seeming less polished.
Voice Acting:
Both the Japanese and English casts give great performances that bring their characters to life. The voice acting adds levity, emotion, and depth to the narrative.Some viewers may find the English dub obsolete when compared to modern standards.
Overall:
Inuyasha is a classic anime that has all the components of a good show: a great story, excellent character development, good action, and emotional moments. In my opinion, what Inuyasha excels at is giving the characters several dimensions. The world of Inuyasha is not black and white, and every character has a backstory and unique personality, even the side characters. The main villain, Naraku, also has a reasoning that viewers can sympathize with. This show not only depicts the growth of Inuyasha and Kagome but also shows how every character grows through the trials of life. I believe that’s what makes Inuyasha a great watch. Happy Watching!
However, the sheer length may be intimidating for newbies. Inuyasha will appeal to fans of classic Shounen anime with a romantic twist. For those looking for a more focused story, the lengthy episode count may be a disadvantage.