Jigoku Shoujo (Hell Girl)

Posted Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 16:44 by CrimsonTear

Summary:

There is a rumor that there is a message board called "Jigoku Tsushin" which can only be accessed at midnight. It is said that if one posts the name of the person they wish to cast their revenge on, on this site, the Jigoku Shoujo (Hell Girl) will appear giving the person (wishing to cast the revenge) a black doll with a red string wrapped around the neck, giving the person the final choice whether they want to extract their revenge or not. At the choice of revenge, the Jigoku Shoujo will ferry the person to hell. The name of the Jigoku Shoujo is Emma Ai. Emma is usually a quiet girl, but when she feels for the client, she turns into Jigoku Shoujo. Although it isn't mentioned in the rumor, it is necessary to make a contract with her. In exchange for her sending the target to Hell, the client's soul will be also taken to Hell after his death.

Story: 9

Each episode gives a unique story about a person who has a tough time coping with a certain person. This person thus gets to the point where the He/She is in such a bad predicament that they turn to the "Jigoku Shoujo" to extract revenge. Story may get a bit repetitive at times with it happening episode after episode, but considering the fact that its always a different story, it keeps it running smoothly. (Recommended if you enjoyed Elfen Lied which i loved, not gory, but with that 'horrific' atmosphere)

Animation: 9

Its Clean and original, The ambience of the anime is a bit gloomy throughout, but matches the anime,what else is to be expected from a horror-mystery anime. I personally like the animation, its somewhat different from others. (Hard to explain) There's also a lot of detail put into backgrounds, i look at this anime like watching a moving art piece. (Has 26 episodes to the first season + another 26 for the second season Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori)

Music: 8

The anime has a good OST and Ending, it suits the anime perfectly, though not catch or bright in any way.. what is to be expected from this sort of anime. The show itself also had good inserts suiting the moments (too lazy to actually research what music was used LOL) Opening #1 : Snow - Sakasama no Chou Ending #1 : Mamiko Noto - Karinui

Characters: 7

Considering this anime basically consists of short stories, the only character that you may really ever remember well enough would be the Jigoku Shoujo herself otherwise known as Enma Ai. (got a bit lazy to do a thorough Character Synopsis XD)

Overall: 8.25

All in all, this anime may seem to go off in a slow start, without a real definite story line until maybe after episode 7. It sorta reminds me of the twilight zone with the short stories, but that was a hit wasn't it? due to the fact that I love animes of this nature my review may be a bit bias, but i wouldn't pass up the chance to view this anime. (and to all those weak stomached ppl who can't stand gore in their horror animes this may be the perfect one for you)