Inu-Oh

Rating: 7.8/10 ⭐️

I expected a traditional historical anime, but got a surreal, feudal rock opera about defying government censorship.

The Director’s Eye:
Yuasa's psychedelic animation is wild. The landscapes actually gave me fantastic visual inspiration for the Pan-Asia aesthetic I'm developing for in my current script. As a conservative, I loved the anti-authoritarian theme. The Ashikaga clan tries to rewrite history, but our outcasts stand up to tyranny by singing unapproved truths. It’s a powerful testament to free speech. The biwa music morphing into anachronistic hair metal is an insane, awesome experience.

The Cuts:
The occult storyline—making a blood-soaked deal with a demonic mask—was too spiritually dark for my traditional tastes. Also, the second act pacing stalls hard; the plot grinds to a halt for 30 minutes of pure concert performances.

Verdict:
A bizarre, head-banging trip championing free speech over elite control.

Favorite Line: "We are here! We are alive! Hear our voices!"

Super super good.

Stunning. Hurt my feelings.

Rating: 7.8/10 ⭐️

I expected a traditional historical anime, but got a surreal, feudal rock opera about defying government censorship.

The Director’s Eye:
Yuasa's psychedelic animation is wild. The landscapes actually gave me fantastic visual inspiration for the Pan-Asia aesthetic I'm developing for in my current script. As a conservative, I loved the anti-authoritarian theme. The Ashikaga clan tries to rewrite history, but our outcasts stand up to tyranny by singing unapproved truths. It’s a powerful testament to free speech. The biwa music morphing into anachronistic hair metal is an insane, awesome experience.

The Cuts:
The occult storyline—making a blood-soaked deal with a demonic mask—was too spiritually dark for my traditional tastes. Also, the second act pacing stalls hard; the plot grinds to a halt for 30 minutes of pure concert performances.

Verdict:
A bizarre, head-banging trip championing free speech over elite control.

Favorite Line: "We are here! We are alive! Hear our voices!"

Stunning. Hurt my feelings.

I’m left conflicted