View Full Version : Jigoku Shoujo
Shadowmage
10-14-2005, 04:25 PM
In my opinion, this is an odd hybrid of Death Note and Boogiepop Phantom. This series has great potential, but it seems that there will be a lot of once-and-done characters. Well, discuss!
Episode 1
Intro
None, shows often do this in the first episode.
Part I
This episode gives me deja-vous of Lain. A lot of scenes look like they were directly lifted from this series... To put it simply, the animation is bland. A lot of scenes lack detail; however, it is not the animation that is the hooking point; the mysterious ambience and the anticipation is really what makes this interesting.
Eyecatch
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Shadowmage_Shin/bscap000.jpg
This reminds me of something...
Part II
"Revenge is a dish best served cold."
You got to feel bad for the protagonist; she really is forced into the situation...
Eyecatch
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Shadowmage_Shin/bscap001.jpg
The creators pull a "Gankutsuou" with the Kimono... It seems that this character will be one of the central figures of the series.
Ending
The ending song is simply beautiful. The music is wonderful and the vocals compliment the strings very well. As far as the animation accompanying the music, it truly is a piece of art. A lot of the scenes pan masterfully create an awe inspiring effect.
Interest: 4/5
Grade: 4/5
This is another series with a great deal of potential. The only thing I worry about is that this might end up taking on the "once and done" character formula. Hopefully, those mysterious avatars become interesting enough characters to compensate for this.
aeroshadow
10-14-2005, 04:30 PM
Looks like fun! I don't think I've ever seen a horror anime yet (does Lain count?), so I suppose this will be a nice place to start. Unfortunately, from the screenshots I've seen, I'm slightly disappointed. Sure, the art is pretty, but I was kind of expecting something a little more awesome after seeing the very cool promo pic (http://anidb.info/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=animelist&adb.search=hell+girl&do.search.x=0&do.search.y=0).
Saya-biki
10-14-2005, 05:30 PM
damn...theres no link for the torrent...
and I really want to see it T.T
ah well...I can wait for another torrent...
aeroshadow
10-14-2005, 08:47 PM
Scratch what I said earlier; although I'm having trouble expressing what I see in words, I can at least say that the art was stunningly beautiful. Also, the animation was of the smoothest I've seen in a long time. Along with the fitting background music, the first episode of Jigoku Shoujo created quite an atmosphere. At least for me, anyways.
Actually, I don't think I've never watched a horror movie in my life. So this was definitely something new, and I'm glad to say I enjoyed it.
Linuts
10-14-2005, 10:27 PM
Hmmm for a horror show, I wasn't scared one bit... But then I've seen my fair share of Asian horror :p.
Nonetheless, great visuals. I'm gonna keep watching this in hopes of learning more about those four avengers.
Tremolo
10-16-2005, 01:36 PM
Well. That was pretty darned good.
If this is simply an episodic, anthology show dealie I'm still totally watching this because it's excellent, really mesmerising and hypnotic and it's awesome watching the revenge being played out.
Great animation, great atmosphere, great writing... this could well be a winner.
And Shadow, do you have to recycle TIF's style? It just seems a bit "there's no more TIF lol, but you've still got Shadow...you've ALL got Shadow!" in a way. Just my opinion though. Screenshots are great though, more plz.
Shadowmage
10-16-2005, 01:48 PM
Well. That was pretty darned good.
If this is simply an episodic, anthology show dealie I'm still totally watching this because it's excellent, really mesmerising and hypnotic and it's awesome watching the revenge being played out.
Great animation, great atmosphere, great writing... this could well be a winner.
And Shadow, do you have to recycle TIF's style? It just seems a bit "there's no more TIF lol, but you've still got Shadow...you've ALL got Shadow!" in a way. Just my opinion though. Screenshots are great though, more plz.
I typically only reuse his style for first episodes. It's just a little teaser for new anime.
Gigadi
10-16-2005, 07:12 PM
I'm intrested, but has there ever been a truly scary anime?
Shadowmage
10-16-2005, 07:14 PM
I'm intrested, but has there ever been a truly scary anime?
I've honestly never been scared while watching an anime; however, I have not seen Narutaru.
aoi_n_asul
10-16-2005, 08:15 PM
reminds me of 'petshop of horror'. really rare, horror genres for anime. maybe they should do the grudge or ring the anime version
Sakito
10-17-2005, 05:07 AM
The way that this sounds is great I think they should have some more horror anime also.
Tremolo
10-17-2005, 05:20 AM
The way that this sounds is great I think they should have some more horror anime also.
:rolleyes: How about you go and watch it rather than making comments about how great it sounds, then?
The downside of these (usually excellent) new season anime threads are the amount of people that keep posting after episodes come out about how good the anime looks to bump the postcount when they have no intention of acquiring the fansubs. Irks me a bit.
But in regards to comments about horror anime, it just doesn't seem to be in vogue right now. It was far more popular back in the 90's, but nowadays people don't really want it anymore. A lot of anime seem to use it in a more hybrid genre sense rather than basing the whole thing around it. That said, I didn't find Jigoku Shoujo scary - atmospheric, yeah, but not scary. Blood+ set my pulse racing much faster, but this is just as good, only in a completely different way.
etane
10-19-2005, 08:53 PM
Saw it. A bit slow. I find myself meandering around the web while watching it. Still high quality. Reminds me more of 100 stories than Lain though.
loner
10-22-2005, 12:51 PM
Ep. 1
Define horror.
If you define horror as just bucketloads of blood and limbs falling off and stuff, no, this is not at all a horror. But if you define it as having a haunting atmosphere with characters that give you the creeps, then this series has done its job perfectly fine.
What this series really resemble to me is not Lain or the Ringu, rather it's Vampire Princess Miyu OVA. Due to its relative age and a rather abysmal TV series, now people don't seem to talk or even know about it much. Indeed, that OVA is not a masterpiece either, but what it does excellently is creating an atmosphere that makes you feel uncomfortable. And most importantly, the character Miyu just creeps you out. She's not Jason or anything like that, but there's just something about her freaks people out. The same with Emma Ai, though they are quite different characters. In Miyu's case, her smile is the creepiest part. In Emma Ai's case, it's her eyes, the way she stares at people. It just seems like she's drilling a hole through your mind.
This will be an episodic anthology, but as long as the mystery surrounding the Shinigamis gets cleared up episode by episode, I'm perfectly happy.
soundchazer
10-23-2005, 09:30 PM
Actually, back in the day, people raved about Vampire Princess Miyu OVA. For the time, it had incredible art, and was perhaps one of the first anime that dwelved into the suspence/horror genre
Sakito
10-23-2005, 10:22 PM
[QUOTE=Tremolo]:rolleyes: How about you go and watch it rather than making comments about how great it sounds, then?
Ok i will and dont get to pushy about how i reply i dont bash you on the way you reply to things, thanks, and i will veiw it just as you said to see if it is as good as it sounds
etane
10-24-2005, 03:20 PM
Actually, back in the day, people raved about Vampire Princess Miyu OVA. For the time, it had incredible art, and was perhaps one of the first anime that dwelved into the suspence/horror genre
Back in the day I wanted nothing more than having Miyu give me a hickey.
Tremolo
10-24-2005, 03:24 PM
Ok i will and dont get to pushy about how i reply i dont bash you on the way you reply to things, thanks, and i will veiw it just as you said to see if it is as good as it sounds
Whatever. My basis is this: "OMG THIS LOOKS SO GOOD" is pretty much spam. If you're going to say how good it looks, go and watch it and post with your thoughts on it. If it was anyone else I'd still have a go at them indiscrimately, it just so happens to be you. Again. And no you don't bash my posts, but then again you wouldn't dare. :)
Enjoy.
Shadowmage
11-06-2005, 10:33 AM
Episode 2
I love this show. The music is beautiful as always, and the suspence is genuinely edge of your seat. I kind of feel bad for the people who ask Jigoku Shoujo. Going to hell is a heavy price for revenge. Most of the time the vengeance is taken by the "in the moment" circumstances. It's not like the characters had a lot of choice... at least this one. Anways, the next episode features the first male who want vengeance. Let's see what victim number 71 has in store for use.
On a side note, I wonder if that Kimono girl, Ai, commited suicide as a middle school student... A lot of the imagery in the intro song gives me a deja vous of Boogiebop Phantom. I hope the "veangence spirits" get their fair share of development.
aeroshadow
11-06-2005, 11:14 AM
Whew. Simply breathtaking. I loved the parallelism between this episode and the first one. It kept things fresh, despite its nearly identical structure.
Jigoku Shoujo better stay fresh. It's fine for now, but it would be a waste if each episode was pretty much the same. Like everyone else had said, I also would love to see each member of the Hell Correspondence get some development. As of now, we still don't really know much about them at all.
Does anyone know how many episodes this series will contain?
Shadowmage
11-06-2005, 11:23 AM
Whew. Simply breathtaking. I loved the parallelism between this episode and the first one. It kept things fresh, despite its nearly identical structure.
Jigoku Shoujo better stay fresh. It's fine for now, but it would be a waste if each episode was pretty much the same. Like everyone else had said, I also would love to see each member of the Hell Correspondence get some development. As of now, we still don't really know much about them at all.
Does anyone know how many episodes this series will contain?
The series has 26 episodes according to ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5577).
Although I wouldn't be surprised if the series is condensed into 13.
aeroshadow
11-06-2005, 12:03 PM
The series has 26 episodes according to ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5577).
Although I wouldn't be surprised if the series is condensed into 13.26?! O.O
Whoa! They can't really (maybe they can) do a new random revenge every episode, so I wonder what kind of direction the show will take after it exhausts itself of this episode structure. Anyone think they are going to introduce some kind of coherent plot? IMO, that is certainly a probability if this show is really going to go on that long.
Shadowmage
11-06-2005, 06:40 PM
26?! O.O
Whoa! They can't really (maybe they can) do a new random revenge every episode, so I wonder what kind of direction the show will take after it exhausts itself of this episode structure. Anyone think they are going to introduce some kind of coherent plot? IMO, that is certainly a probability if this show is really going to go on that long.
Looking at the episode name list (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5577&page=25), I think this might turn out to be 13 episodes considering that episode 13 is called "Rengoku Shoujo." (I do realize that having one word in common with the title is little proof, but many anime often do this.)
loner
11-26-2005, 12:25 AM
Ep. 2
This is how Vampire Princess Miyu the series should've done. While that series unfortunately never managed to present the atmosphere of the OVA, Jigoku Shoujo thankfully does a brilliant job in that area. I don't even think it's just scary now. It's different, and perhaps you can say its surpassed just plain scary. I thought of a word to describe it perfectly when I was watching this episode, but forgot it now.
Anyways, this episode deals with a dilemma that's much less cliched and much more engagin than last episode. The girl had literally no way out but through Emma Ai, unlike the last girl who did it for revenge and possibly could've found a less easy but better way eventually. Getting stalked by the chief investigator of your case basically screwed you of any other chance to save yourself, and not even to get revenge. In this case, going to hell was the only way to go.
Episode 1
A fairly interesting episode, I really like the chilling vibe I got from watching this episode, but I wished that this episode had been a little more frieghtening. Some of the spooky scenes that Ayu is thrown into when she returns to the school seemed a little cliched in my opinion. Also I felt that Mayumi had choices other than revenge in this episode, she could've at least told her teacher that she had lost the money and the worst case scenerio would be she'd have to find away to pay it all back and possibly suffer some humiliation for a few months.
On a side note, if this episode had bomed for me, the excellent production values and the mystery surrounding Ai and her associates would certainly be more than enough to keep my interest.
Episode 2
The opening song "Sakasama no Chou", for some reminded me of the opening song "Shell" from Witch Hunter Robin, but enough about that. The episode once again did a good job of keeping my interest, but I think that Ryouko got a raw deal from Ai and her associates in this episode. I really didn't mind the fact that Mayumi from episode one had to go to Hell, because I felt that she had choices, but Ryouko didn't have the same kind of choices, like Mayumi, and as a last straw pulled the red ribbon from around the dolls neck in order to save her life. It was basic instinct to fight for her life. I understand that the story is trying to show the viewer the harshness of the deal between Ai and the victim, but I still feel it was unfair for Ryouko to be marked.
soundchazer
11-30-2005, 11:51 AM
It may have been unfair, but that is life for you. Sometimes you have to make decisions that will hurt you and you didn't ask for, but you have to choose the "lesser of two evils".
This is kind of an annoying question, but has this series been dropped by fansubbers? The reason I ask is because 8 episodes have been aired thus far but I can only find 2 episodes that've been subbed.
Taleweaver
12-04-2005, 10:26 AM
This is kind of an annoying question, but has this series been dropped by fansubbers? The reason I ask is because 8 episodes have been aired thus far but I can only find 2 episodes that've been subbed.
As episode 3 is out, I believe your question has been answered.
And speaking of episode 3, I fear that Jigoku Shoujo might already be a major disappointment. Everything I've seen so far boils down to the same formulaic plot:
Evil is committed, the victim calls Jigoku Shoujo, Hell Girl appears and gives victim straw puppet, victim faced evildoer, evildoer laughs at victim, victim pulls string, evildoer is punished, evildoer refuses to confess his sins, evildoer goes to hell, victim is redeemed.
Monster of the week? More like sinner of the week. And I dislike both equally.
As episode 3 is out, I believe your question has been answered.
And speaking of episode 3, I fear that Jigoku Shoujo might already be a major disappointment. Everything I've seen so far boils down to the same formulaic plot:
Evil is committed, the victim calls Jigoku Shoujo, Hell Girl appears and gives victim straw puppet, victim faced evildoer, evildoer laughs at victim, victim pulls string, evildoer is punished, evildoer refuses to confess his sins, evildoer goes to hell, victim is redeemed.
Monster of the week? More like sinner of the week. And I dislike both equally.
While it may be MotW based, at keast it's an interesting take on it. I wouldn't mind sitting through 13 or 26 episodes of this, it would be more like a series of short stories than one long story. Then again, I like Sailor Moon, so perhaps my feelings don't count on this matter.
However, it does seem like they're slowly building up towards something. I guess we can only wait and see.
I'm waiting for Roark to get home before we watch the next episode.
Taleweaver
12-04-2005, 11:40 AM
Then again, I like Sailor Moon, so perhaps my feelings don't count on this matter.
Oh, I enjoy Sailor Moon quite a bit. Except for the MotW part.
So far, each and every sinner has chosen not to confess his sins when Jigoku Shoujo's companions give him the opportunity. I wonder whether the series will show what happens when one of the evildoers actually sees that he went wrong and is willing to pay for whatever he did. Will he still go to hell? What happens to the one who called Jigoku Shoujo and made the covenant?
Or, what happens when the straw doll falls into the hands of someone else, and someone else releases that ribbon. Who goes to hell then?
I don't think the series is going to answer the questions that truly interest me if it sticks to the sinner of the week concept like it did so far.
Shadowmage
12-04-2005, 11:58 AM
I don't think the series is going to answer the questions that truly interest me if it sticks to the sinner of the week concept like it did so far.
I was worried that this show would be formulatic from episode one, but I confidently believed (and still do) that they will arrive at such an interesting situation. Maybe it's just the fanboy speaking in me, but I have faith that this is going to become a great series. (Although I have seen too many anime waste all its potential, I'm betting on this simply because 2005 has been extremely good so far.)
Oh, I enjoy Sailor Moon quite a bit. Except for the MotW part.
So far, each and every sinner has chosen not to confess his sins when Jigoku Shoujo's companions give him the opportunity. I wonder whether the series will show what happens when one of the evildoers actually sees that he went wrong and is willing to pay for whatever he did. Will he still go to hell? What happens to the one who called Jigoku Shoujo and made the covenant?
Or, what happens when the straw doll falls into the hands of someone else, and someone else releases that ribbon. Who goes to hell then?
I don't think the series is going to answer the questions that truly interest me if it sticks to the sinner of the week concept like it did so far.
At the same time, how can you be so judgemental when only the first 3 episodes are available right now? It's not like we can really know these things, and, personally, I think it would be harder to create such a long series and only do the same thing than for them to switch it up a bit. After all, they went through quite a bit of trouble to set this thing up, only to go nowhere with it.
Sure, some anime series have done similar in the past, I've seen a lot of wasted potential, but at the same time, there are a lot of shows that do use quite a bit of their potential, and people also have learned from previous mistakes.
Taleweaver
12-05-2005, 03:08 AM
We'll see about that. So far, what really makes me sceptical about upcoming quality is the scene of the flying burning carriage every time Jigoku Shoujo departs from Hell. Reminds me of Sailor Moon's reused transformation sequences, and not in a good way.
And so everytime an anime reuses a scene, it's a bad thing too? >_>; I can think of some good anime that do the exact same thing ^^; It seems more like you're trying to find excuses to think badly of JS.
Taleweaver
12-06-2005, 03:15 AM
I just happen to have a really bad feeling about this series (and I'm not even a Jedi). I'll continue watching it for a few more episodes, but so far, I have no reason to believe that the formulaic plot will change. Of course, JS could still surprise me. Narutaru sure did, for example.
Taleweaver
12-08-2005, 01:54 PM
Sorry about that double-post, but:
Episode 4. Weakest episode so far. So, people go to hell for harrassment, stalking, murder and... not liking animals?! The entire setup of the episode is hard to swallow, and then such a petty reason for a journey to hell? What's next, go to hell for looking at someone else the wrong way? Yuck.
Yeah, the episode was pretty weak ^^; I think, more than anything else they were focusing on him not doing his job and not caring for others, but, still...
At the same time, it brings kind of an interesting focus. There really isn't any requirement for sending someone to Hell except typing their name in that box, and pulling the string when the time comes. There really isn't anything stopping someone from typing someone's name in for a completely not-worthy reason (petty fights in high school, so on and so forth), and then having that person sent to Hell. Makes me wonder how they could repent their sins, if they haven't really done anything wrong.
Or maybe I'm tired still and reading into it too much ^-^; In any case, weak episodes or no, I am still enjoying it. *pokes Roark to come home so she can watch 5 and 6*
Shadowmage
12-10-2005, 10:44 AM
Episode 3
I thought this was a weak episode. The entire episode felt forced and trite. Simply put, the characters who are involved are nowhere near as interesting as the first two. Anyways, I must admit that the episode did one thing well: The revenge segment was a real acid trip. While not as suspenseful as the first, it was interesting to watch. They should get to the part about the members of the Jigoku Shoujo soon.
Taleweaver
12-10-2005, 01:44 PM
Ep 5: first episode to break the formulaic structure, at least to some extent, and it offered some insight into the workings of this "kharmic justice": Jigoku Shoujo has some rules when it comes to accepting contracts and won't execute just any revenge. Apparently, she has the power to make the universe realize hidden truths, and she also can make it perfectly acceptable that important people suddenly disappear from the face of the earth. For the first time, a sinner is not asked whether she confesses her evil, so that part doesn't seem to be important for the final punishment. And - most importantly - by fulfilling the revenge wish of an innocent person, Jigoku Shoujo can turn that person to evil, as seen by the last minutes of the episode.
So is this now a change for the better? I don't think so. Again, the outcome is predictable from the first few minutes of this episode, so there wasn't much suspense involved. The short flashback in the end was mildly interesting, but again, nothing you wouldn't have had expected. If there was one redeeming value to the plot, it was that for the first time, it was shown how a person can be led to evil. The best episode so far, yet still not a good overall show.
Ghostmaster
12-10-2005, 02:36 PM
I only saw the first episode of this show, but It didn't really appeal to me. Myabe it's because im not that really into horror stuff, but it was definately very well drawn. The animation I have to say is fantastic. I might try it out again I guess you can't judge something from only seeing one episode.
aznvampgirl
12-10-2005, 04:18 PM
I rly like what I see here. Horror? check. Gothy? check. lots of hell and creepy atmosphere? check.
Nothin wrong with repeating, imo. I agree with Mana... for the most part. Although, shit better start happening soon. I lose interest really fast on stuff.
::is a bit flighty::
Taleweaver
12-11-2005, 01:01 AM
Ep6: We're back to the formulaic plot setup above, and once again, we have a sinner without real motivation for her evil, plus annoyingly ignorant side characters and victims that - judging from the use of camera perspective in this episode - suffer from a severe case of paranoia even before having any reason to. The camera work is actually quite impressive in this episode, only that the mood it tries to create is destroyed by the overwhelmingly stupid script.
I mean, when a man breaks into a house and rapes a woman, does the average Japanese person feel it's the woman's fault? That's what the script tries to make you believe.
Shadowmage
12-17-2005, 09:07 AM
Episode 4
This episode is more like an excercise of human vanity and probably the lack of foresight of a child. I know people who care more about animals than human beings, so I don't find this episode too farfetched, but I think that the doctor didn't deserve death for his sins.
Episode 5
It seems that evil can replace evil. The Jigoku Shoujo gang does a good job researching their contractors, but they let events play out after their job is done. While the hints at character development was nice, I hope they focus on the characters that really matter soon.
Episode 6
I agree with Taleweaver that the script is weak. Heck, it's been weak since episode 3. However, for some reason, I still love this show. It's probably due to the masterful cinematography and the haunting music. The mysterious nature of the characters help as well. Overall, this episode was one of the better episodes. While some moments felt forced (as usual), there was underlying sense that this really can happen.
hayama22
12-17-2005, 05:55 PM
Sorry about that double-post, but:
Episode 4. Weakest episode so far. So, people go to hell for harrassment, stalking, murder and... not liking animals?! The entire setup of the episode is hard to swallow, and then such a petty reason for a journey to hell? What's next, go to hell for looking at someone else the wrong way? Yuck.
I think you're being a bit too critical. While yes, her reasons for sending the man to hell may have been a bitpetty, the dog was the only real family left in her life, and probably the only friend she had. and the fact that he treated it as unimportant seemed almost harsher than what she eventually did to him. I don't think that this show is trying to portray all of the people who are sent to hell as evil, terrible people. The people are pretty bad in the first four episodes, but I'm speculating that they'll eventually show some people who haven't committed too awful a crime, or even people who haven't done anything wrong at all. I mean, it's not like the website is excluded to only those who are being wronged against. A bad person could just as easily get to the site as a good person. Which leads to my two main questions: A) Does Hell Girl ever deny requests?, and B) Can the one being sent to hell redeem themselves during their "tormenting"?
I'm seriously loving this series, maybe even enough to deem it my favorite of the season(though I'm not sure it can beat My-Otome). I'm surprised; usually I get dulled by the horror genre of anime(though I am a major horror movie fan) because they seem to lack the powerful drama that I look for while watching anime, yet this series has me completely astounded, despite the fact that its not even the strongest horror anime I've seen. I like the atmosphere of this show. It's not overdone like in others of its type, yet it does work to creep out. The show also looks incredible. And, the soundtrack is beautiful. I look foward to the reused boatride scene because I know that they'll play my favorite song from this show(I think I'm the only person out there who enjoys hearing the same song episode after episode). I'm hoping this series keeps my interest the whole way through, though I'm not sure how it will last for 26 episodes. I can't really imagine it having any plot arcs, apart from maybe a two part episode, and don't see any real mystery to be answered about Hell Girl.
I don't think that this show is trying to portray all of the people who are sent to hell as evil, terrible people. The people are pretty bad in the first four episodes, but I'm speculating that they'll eventually show some people who haven't committed too awful a crime, or even people who haven't done anything wrong at all. I mean, it's not like the website is excluded to only those who are being wronged against. A bad person could just as easily get to the site as a good person. Which leads to my two main questions: A) Does Hell Girl ever deny requests?, and B) Can the one being sent to hell redeem themselves during their "tormenting"?
In the 5th episode, you learn a lot more about this aspect of the series. Someone in a business environment tries to use Jigoku Shoujo to kill off her competitors, and you actually see Ai saying about how she's turning down the request. Which, makes sense... you shouldn't be able to send someone to Hell just because you stayed up until midnight and knew the website.
Taleweaver
12-18-2005, 06:07 AM
You still ARE able to send someone to hell if he didn't save your dog, even if he could have. So you're probably able to send to hell a paramedic that failed to save a beloved person, or the driver who ran over your cat, or the gardener who let your most beautiful rose die of neglect. Or anyone, if the script allows it.
Roark
12-18-2005, 09:01 PM
Ep6: We're back to the formulaic plot setup above, and once again, we have a sinner without real motivation for her evil, plus annoyingly ignorant side characters and victims that - judging from the use of camera perspective in this episode - suffer from a severe case of paranoia even before having any reason to. The camera work is actually quite impressive in this episode, only that the mood it tries to create is destroyed by the overwhelmingly stupid script.
I mean, when a man breaks into a house and rapes a woman, does the average Japanese person feel it's the woman's fault? That's what the script tries to make you believe.
Actually, the attitude mentioned in the spoiler tag is quite common in Japan. Lots of people in the U.S. believe that, and many people world-wide. A large majority of counseling on this issue deals with reminding people that they are NOT at fault, and one of the common defenses of such acts is that the person invited it, that they wanted it. This is an incredibly realistic view, hardly beyond the realm of belief. I suggest that you spend more time around real people and less time around liberals.
As far as the motivation claim goes, you're just completely off base here. Power, status, and sexual drive are prime motivating factors for almost anyone in the world at a very basic level. While sexual drive in itself is definately not a bad thing, using it for power and status IS.
The motivation here is a bit more complex than you're giving it. We have a woman who obviously is power and status hungry, very much an "alpha female". One way that she shows it is by seducing young, attractive males. A very basic instinct. Yet, her ability to do so is dependant only on her husband's status, hence the need for secrecy - and blackmail when the acts are discovered. This situation can and does occur in real life - granted on a much lower scale, but the results are the same.
I have a feeling that you wouldn't bat an eye had this episode been instead a story on Jerry Springer. Honestly, it seems you've already decided this is a bad show, and are now actively searching for premises to support this conclusion. You accuse the show of having repetitive episodes that follow a formula. May I remind you, quite (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=376) a (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=277) few (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=65) great (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=34), incredible (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=325) anime (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=125) have been episodic, formulaic, and thouroughly enjoyable.
I really think you're trying to cut your teeth as a prof and build popular support for bashing a "bad" anime. May I suggest that you find an easier, more laughable target.
Taleweaver
12-19-2005, 01:15 PM
Actually, the attitude mentioned in the spoiler tag is quite common in Japan. Lots of people in the U.S. believe that, and many people world-wide. A large majority of counseling on this issue deals with reminding people that they are NOT at fault, and one of the common defenses of such acts is that the person invited it, that they wanted it. This is an incredibly realistic view, hardly beyond the realm of belief. I suggest that you spend more time around real people and less time around liberals.
Considering the fact that "liberals" in my country are a very different thing from liberals in yours, I'll just forget the last sentence and concentrate on the rest. Again, in spoiler tags:
I'm absolutely not contradicting you as far as rape in relationships or even rape of people going out is concerned. If a woman is raped by someone she dated (or met in a situation that could be interpreted, at least to some extent, as a date), there is the attitude that she is "at fault" for what happened. But here? C'mon, someone breaks into a house and rapes a woman he's never met before - and it's the woman's fault? In what sick neighborhood do you live where this is considered normal?
The motivation here is a bit more complex than you're giving it. We have a woman who obviously is power and status hungry, very much an "alpha female". One way that she shows it is by seducing young, attractive males. A very basic instinct. Yet, her ability to do so is dependant only on her husband's status, hence the need for secrecy - and blackmail when the acts are discovered. This situation can and does occur in real life - granted on a much lower scale, but the results are the same.I wouldn't say the episode supports such an in-depth analysis of our sinner character here. The entire camera work hints at her being some kind of "horror flick evil", and frankly, that's the way she behaves in my eyes.
I have a feeling that you wouldn't bat an eye had this episode been instead a story on Jerry Springer.I wouldn't watch this episode if it were a story on Jerry Springer. I don't watch Jerry Springer, and while we have daily trash talk in Germany too, if such a story would appear, I'd know it was scripted. Honestly, it seems you've already decided this is a bad show, and are now actively searching for premises to support this conclusion.Actually, I'm a little disappointed with having an interesting premise used below vaue and am still watching this show with the hope that it gets better. I usually quit watching truly bad shows after 3 or 4 episodes. You accuse the show of having repetitive episodes that follow a formula. May I remind you, quite (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=376) a (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=277) few (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=65) great (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=34), incredible (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=325) anime (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=125) have been episodic, formulaic, and thouroughly enjoyable.
Yup. Mushishi, one of my favorite shows at the moment, is both episodic and formulaic. If Jigoku Shoujo used its main setup as cleverly as Mushishi, I'd have no qualms with it.
I really think you're trying to cut your teeth as a prof and build popular support for bashing a "bad" anime. May I suggest that you find an easier, more laughable target.I really think you're misinterpreting me. You're not sharing my opinion, which is perfectly okay with me, but you're not going to stop me from voicing mine. I'll discuss my opinion of Jigoku Shoujo with you any day, but not my motivations.
I'm absolutely not contradicting you as far as rape in relationships or even rape of people going out is concerned. If a woman is raped by someone she dated (or met in a situation that could be interpreted, at least to some extent, as a date), there is the attitude that she is "at fault" for what happened. But here? C'mon, someone breaks into a house and rapes a woman he's never met before - and it's the woman's fault? In what sick neighborhood do you live where this is considered normal?
Not to argue semantics, but...
You're taking this as if everyone knew the circumstances of the mother's rape, which is false. The only was who knew were the mother, the woman, and the man the woman hired. The daughter learns thanks to Ai showing her, and that's it. The mother was being extorted, and never told her husband what really happened, at least as far in the story as we saw. It seems as if she tried to towards the end, but was shut up before she could say anything.
Taleweaver
12-19-2005, 03:13 PM
Everyone heard the man banging on the door, heard him break the door open (unless the mother opened him, which I doubt), and everybody basically witnessed the rape at least to some extent. While I don't consider it impossible that no one would call the police in that kind of situation, I don't like that it seems as though the first thing everybody - including the mother's husband - immediately thinks is that she invited this guy and was asking to be raped by him.
Not that this is the only problem I have with this episode; I could comment on the self-obsessed attitude of the husband, the overly paranoid initial reaction of the mother and, of course, the "blackmail overkill" in the end. All in all, episodes 1 and 2 had fewer logical flaws and were, in my opinion, more enjoyable. As I said above, Ep5 was my favorite so far, and I'd like to see more out of the "ordinary", if Ep6 defines "ordinary" for JS.
Everyone heard the man banging on the door, heard him break the door open (unless the mother opened him, which I doubt), and everybody basically witnessed the rape at least to some extent. While I don't consider it impossible that no one would call the police in that kind of situation, I don't like that it seems as though the first thing everybody - including the mother's husband - immediately thinks is that she invited this guy and was asking to be raped by him.
Not that this is the only problem I have with this episode; I could comment on the self-obsessed attitude of the husband, the overly paranoid initial reaction of the mother and, of course, the "blackmail overkill" in the end. All in all, episodes 1 and 2 had fewer logical flaws and were, in my opinion, more enjoyable. As I said above, Ep5 was my favorite so far, and I'd like to see more out of the "ordinary", if Ep6 defines "ordinary" for JS.
I know it wasn't your only problem, I just felt like pointing out the flaws in your argument.
soundchazer
12-19-2005, 03:54 PM
I have a feeling that you wouldn't bat an eye had this episode been instead a story on Jerry Springer. Honestly, it seems you've already decided this is a bad show, and are now actively searching for premises to support this conclusion. You accuse the show of having repetitive episodes that follow a formula. May I remind you, quite (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=376) a (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=277) few (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=65) great (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=34), incredible (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=325) anime (http://www.animeacademy.com/finalrevdisplay.php?id=125) have been episodic, formulaic, and thouroughly enjoyable.
That is funny... almost all the shows are either comedies or have a lot of comedic elements to them. The only one I don't like as much of that bunch is the one that is devoid of it: Noir.
Episodic anime usually works the best with comedies. So far, from what I have seen from Jigoku Shoujo, is a very repetitive formula, where we already know the outcome (something we don't see in your examples above), and we can only enjoy, with morbid fascination, the reasons that push people to sell their soul. That is not enough for me to care for an episodic "thriller" type series... that is... unless it becomes Narutaru all of the sudden.
Taleweaver
12-20-2005, 12:02 AM
... unless it becomes Narutaru all of the sudden.
Ooh, now THAT would be something I'd appreciate. The makers of JS pulling a Narutaru - what an intriguing idea! It's a 26 episode show, so there's still plenty of time...
Yup, I'd like to see that. Could anyone hand me the producers' phone numbers? :thumbup:
Taleweaver
01-06-2006, 10:15 AM
(double-post for bumping issues)
The latest episode was another good episode, breaking the formulaic structure a little for a change by introducing a victim and making her a sinner during the course of the plot. After the first few minutes, I was almost disappointed to see Jigoku Shoujo answer a call like hers (and had the episode actually played out the way the victim would have wanted, it would have been a really lousy plot), but fortunately, it did turn out a little different. A few questions still remain, and the end is still a little, well, prosaic, but all in all, a nice change from the usual predictable outcome. I am starting to like the direction this series is taking.
Linuts
01-09-2006, 08:50 PM
Ep 8
I think this show is finally some signs of a plot. The two new characters are setting a good base for things to come. I think we will slowly move even further from the formulaic episodes now and get to know Ai a lot more.
Haven't gotten as far as episode 8 yet, but did accidently read some spoilers from people watching raws x_x; As much as I enjoyed the short story aspect it was doing, I am looking forward to the show giving us some more twists and fun.
Episode 3
Thus far I've been enjoying this series, but episode three I found for the most part to be a let down. I wasn't at all in impressed with its story, I found it to be highly unbelievable, especially the scene where Iwashita goes to Muroi's funeral, but that's just me. Another reason why I'm disapointed with this episdoe is that Iwashita had other ways of dealing with being blammed for Muroi's murder. This should have been something for him to solve on his own, instead of asking for Ai's assistance and then going to Hell himself. Having said all that I was really interested seeing how Ai was so reluctant to carry out the death sentence to Hanagasa but couldn't seem to refuse it either.
Episode 4
Once again I found this epsiode to be meh, the story was farely weak and once again I found it to be unbelieveable at times. It just seems like some characters in this series lack common sense and always refer to Ai and her subordinates as their only other means. Also it seems whenever the victim in the episode is angry they'll always overhear a group of highschool girls giggling and talking about Jigoku Tsuushin. Now I'm not sure if this is done intentionally or what but it seems to be getting old. All in all not much of an improvement over episode three, but I'll still continue to watch, because episodes 5 to 14 look very promising.
Episode 9:
While the revenge itself may have been one of the weaker episodes of the series, we do get some continuation of characters with the reporter father and his daughter. They didn't really do too much this episode, but it leaves room for growth, especially since I highly doubt they'll end this series without some sort of explaination for the daughter's connection with Enma Ai.
I also like that the revenge for this episode (despite it's weakness over all) did not in any way solve the problems of the characters. It was, for all intents and purposes, simply what it is stated to be: revenge. The two sisters still have no store and an assload of debt to pay off. While the two seemed happy towards the end, it was a lot more of a bittersweet ending, unlike some we've had previously.
Jeez I'm far behind in this series.
Episode 5
Hm so there's more to the inner workings of Jigoku Tsuushin than meets the eye. It seems you can't just type anything into the website without attracting the wrath of Enma Ai and her associates. Anyways what really struck me about this episode is how the animators made Riho look physically similar to Misato, I find this really appropriate because in the end, it seems Misato can't help but enjoy her revenge upon Riho, making her no different than Riho. I find this interesting because both Misato and Riho start out as people who've lost the one thing most precious to them and in their anger, decide to beome evil so they are no longer victims of circumstances any longer. It doesn't make their actions any more justifiable but it certainly shows how a person can burry their humanity in an instance of momentary anger and despair.
Episode 6
Another fairly interesting episode, this time dealing with infidelity and violence, reminded me of The Red Shoe Diaries, especially the shades of red used in this episode to represent infidelity. Anyways the punishment in this episode I found to be rather weak. I would have been more satisfied if something more horrific had happened to Namiko, after all she did send someone to rape another woman and then stood there taking pictures of the whole ordeal. Also I'm not too sure if Haruka's punishment is fair or not. I mean she just wanted her mother to be happy, but she could have easily ruined Namiko by simply exposing her dirty little secret, since she seemed so reliant on her social status.
Episode 7
Possibly one of the most interesting episodes thus far, I’m surprised that you can just put any one’s name into Jigoku Tsuushin and Ai will do the deed if the person really wants to. But I wonder if Ayake would have still been able to send her mother to Hell, if Kaoruko hadn’t taken revenge upon Ayaka instead? I would have liked to know the answer to this question but instead the episode avoids this question by having Kaoruko take vengeance upon Ayaka.
Episode 8
Well that was certainly interesting. Only those who really want to exact revenge can use Jigoku Tsuushin. As seen when Hajime tries to use the site. But wait doesn’t this contradict the event in episode 5, where someone could just type in “help” without the intention of revenge? I surely hope that this isn’t a plot hole and that Ai’s installed some kind of supernatural firewall into her shitty computer. What’s also interesting about this episode is Tsugumi; the little girl who apparently can see what Ai sees. Could she possibly be a candidate to be the next Jigoku Shoujo? And Hajime being the first human to actually witness the wrath of Ai and her associates being inflicted upon someone.
Zelyhon
01-26-2006, 11:51 PM
I've seen the nine episodes out thus far and I am really enjoying the series. I will concede that it's a bit of the whole "monster of the week" syndrome for now, but even considering that, the individual stories are fairly strong most of the time. I'd have to say my favorite episode is the seventh one, with the acting girl. Nice twist, though I'd have liked to see what had happened if she had pulled the string. Least favorite would be the fourth episode, which I just didn't feel for the girl and her motivation. It's probably the weakest one thus far in my opinion.
Episode 9
The plot for this weeks episode seems to be inspired by Yakitate!! Japan in the sense that it deals with competitive bakery industry. It's probably not far from the truth considering in Japan, bakery is one serious business. There are many good bakeries all around the country and they do compete fiercely with each other. Also this episode continues the plot threads from the previous episode. In other words, Tsugumi and Hajime from episode 8 are back. Their roles remind me of the roles of the mother and son characters in Ringu. What I mean by this is that they are the ones who get to see and investigate things that happen to other characters. It remains to be seen if they'll get any deeper into the mystery just like those two characters in Ringu.
Anyways I think it was very stupid for Hiromi to apologise to the television crew. By doing so, she makes it look as though she really did copy the idea from Morisaki. Back then she actually had the tool to strike back at Morisaki but she chose not to use it. If she had done this, Yuuka may not have to resort to killing Morisaki. It's also interesting to see Tsugumi viewing Ai's sunset world on her television after the incident with the cake shop. My guess is that she basically gets to see what Ai sees with her eyes. Speaking of Ai's world, this episode really emphasises the fact that even though you have to access the website at midnight, Ai's world always remains in the sunset state. I'm curious to know if this has anything to do with Ai herself. Maybe prior to becoming Jigoku Shoujo, she died around sunset? Last but not least, those girls who giggle their way about Jigoku Tsuushin are back! I'm starting to think they really are hell-spawns.
Episode10
Both Minami and Shiori on are equally in need of a professional psychiatric help here. I thought last week's case was bad but I think wanting to send a friend to hell just because you're upset with them really takes the cake. There is no other word to describe it except one: petty. Whatever happened to finding new friends or looking for other interest to distract you from your friend troubles? Also why the hell does Shiori become crazy towards the end? Yeah, so she was rejected by her group of friends, but is that really something worth going to Hell over? Having said that, Shiori and Minami's psychotic behaviour do create a rather interesting case for this particular episode. First of all, it seems that Ai is unhappy when she thought she couldn't send those girls to hell. I wonder if she is required to send certain number of people to hell in exchange for something else.
It also appears that another person can take the doll quite easily. I wonder what would happen if someone accidentally let the red string lose without knowing the consequences? And what would have happened if it was Shiori who did it instead of Minami? Would someone still get sent to hell? Can Shiori do this without going to Jigoku Tsuushin? Or was Minami correct in saying that only she can pull the string? Unfortunately the series once again refuses to answer these questions. This is really annoying because once again the writers have the chance to show an interesting story but pulls out at the last minute by having the original grudge wisher as the string puller at the end of the day. Until the series shows another person pulling the string and failing, I believe that Minami just assumed that she's the only one who can do this.
Heimdal
07-09-2006, 08:08 PM
I'm normally not one for brevity, but good lord, that was depressing. Though Jigoku Shoujo fell quite a bit short of greatness, the quality of the last few episodes made sitting through the utter monotony that comprised 80% of the series feel decidedly worthwhile.
Did anyone else manage to stick with this series till the end?
tinnacious
07-17-2006, 01:59 PM
im sticking until the end. Seventh Ep is downloading, woot woot.
Zelyhon
07-18-2006, 11:41 PM
I'm normally not one for brevity, but good lord, that was depressing. Though Jigoku Shoujo fell quite a bit short of greatness, the quality of the last few episodes made sitting through the utter monotony that comprised 80% of the series feel decidedly worthwhile.
Did anyone else manage to stick with this series till the end?
Yeah, but I'm not there yet. I kinda fell off when school and other stuff (namely Haruhi) picked my attention elsewhere, but I'm starting to get the rest of it now. I'm up to episode 14, so I've got a bit to go.
I'm normally not one for brevity, but good lord, that was depressing. Though Jigoku Shoujo fell quite a bit short of greatness, the quality of the last few episodes made sitting through the utter monotony that comprised 80% of the series feel decidedly worthwhile.
Did anyone else manage to stick with this series till the end?
I'm sticking with Jigoku Shoujo 'til end, I don't think leaving things unfinished. I'm currently waiting for a certain fan-sub to release episode 19, jeez it's taking them forever.
tinnacious
07-30-2006, 06:10 PM
I'm sticking with Jigoku Shoujo 'til end, I don't think leaving things unfinished. I'm currently waiting for a certain fan-sub to release episode 19, jeez it's taking them forever.
Shinsen-Subs?
Man, this series is getting better and better. These last few episodes that I saw really broke the monotonous sinner-of-the-week mold that most people thought this show would be like.
After watching Episode 15, I just have to write something about this series. Just when I thought I had the ending for this episode figured out, a twist totally blew my face away.
And episode 13 was an excellent installment to the series, I love how cleverly this episode was crafted. It reveals a bit about the Hell Girl's past and shows what happens to a user of the Hotline to Hell when their time is up.
Man, this show is excellent so far. It seems as if the earlier episodes with the sinneroftheweek formula were merely set ups for these later episodes. Sure, sinneroftheweek is still there, but the repetitive formula is totally gone.
-Edit-
Phew, I finnally finished the series and I can honestly say that I didn't waste my time. Excellent series.
What's this about season 2? Does anyone know?
Okay! I just watched the first 3 episodes and the first half of the 4th. This series rocks! It's so unique! But I have one question. Does it become repetitive? Like, in every episode, a new situation, torture, ferry to hell and "the mark" on their chest (which kicks ass btw). And one more thing. Does anyone else find it too convenient that those girls ALWAYS happen to pass by right after something big happened and they gossip about the site? Don't get me wrong. I love the series. But is every episode gonna turn into a repetitive ritual, like Paranoia Agent?
Sae
Okay! I just watched the first 3 episodes and the first half of the 4th. This series rocks! It's so unique! But I have one question. Does it become repetitive? Like, in every episode, a new situation, torture, ferry to hell and "the mark" on their chest (which kicks ass btw). And one more thing. Does anyone else find it too convenient that those girls ALWAYS happen to pass by right after something big happened and they gossip about the site? Don't get me wrong. I love the series. But is every episode gonna turn into a repetitive ritual, like Paranoia Agent?
Sae
Sorry to disappoint you but yeah this series is very episodic.
Sorry to disappoint you but yeah this series is very episodic.
I'd like to ask the director what he or she were thinking when they did the same scene over and over again with the gossiping girls!!!! Creativity people!:sweatdrop
Does ANYONE know what it says EXACTLY on the computer screen when they enter the site at midnight?
Sae
Roark
10-17-2006, 08:45 PM
Ok, so, Mana and I just finished this. The ending is one of the worst cop-outs since Matrix Revolutions. More like several major cop-outs in short succession.
I don't feel like going into spoiler tags too much, so I'll just give an alternate, better ending that doesn't give too much away plotwise:
Episode 24: Climactic setup, kind of as is (but better written). End in cliffhanger that was set up in show.
Episode 25: Minor spoiler start with showing Hajime's prehell torture and subsequent ferrying with Enma in the background, him asking how he got there, seeing her, getting frightened and....
Cut to a scene of a road near the river where the shinto gate is, and Hell Boy riding on a bitchin' Harley chopper. He screeches to a halt, does a perfect rolling dismount, comes up next to the shinto gate, sawed-off shotgun in hand, and blasts Enma Ai. She retaliates by going Jigoku-Saiyan, and a massive battle between the two of them ensues.
I'll leave probable endings as an exercise for the reader, but I think that right there blows the current ending out of the water, so far.
Edit: Almost forgot, Hell Boy is now voiced by Bruce Campbell, of Evil Dead fame.
xxholic
11-10-2006, 01:29 PM
aw...
I love this anime!
Eversince I first watched it, no, even on the first Ep I got this craving to finish this anime in one row! and now I got ep.1-3 of Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori which really excites me to watch it, too bad the fan-subs are taking long to finish.. T__T
JigokuHime
11-14-2006, 04:35 PM
the fan-subs are taking a bit long ^^; but i'll wait ^^
Besides i can last! HA! HA! Enma Ai has really got her saying's stuck in my head ^^
LadyYuina
11-21-2006, 02:06 PM
I really want to watch this show, but the website that I go to that is DLing (for free to anyone, mind you) it keeps freezing on me. Only managed to get the first five episodes. :(
Oh yeah, the ending song rocks in my opinion.
Zelyhon
11-21-2006, 06:43 PM
Well, with the release of Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori, I was wondering what the opinions were of those who have begun watching the second series. I personally am really enjoying it, despite it being more of the same. I love the premise and am impressed that they manage to still have different, unique tortures and situations, so it never quite feels like the same episode.
Plus, we get a little more Ai backstory and growth, which is something I heard much request for. I'm really liking it, personally.
Plus, the new intro's awesome.
Well, with the release of Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori, I was wondering what the opinions were of those who have begun watching the second series. I personally am really enjoying it, despite it being more of the same. I love the premise and am impressed that they manage to still have different, unique tortures and situations, so it never quite feels like the same episode.
Plus, we get a little more Ai backstory and growth, which is something I heard much request for. I'm really liking it, personally.
Plus, the new intro's awesome.We do have a thread just for the new series: http://www.animeacademy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23631
Kimura-san
11-30-2006, 08:09 AM
Watched the full series a few weeks ago.
Personally, I was quite impressed by the artwork and thought Ai was a really enigmatic character. Unfortunately, the series kept on tempting with small snippets of development for Ai and the rest, but just jumped back into the episodic nature.Every episode since 10 i was thinking 'Is anyone EVER going to give back the corn doll???'.
Then came the episode with Jigoku Shounen. It had me thinking 'Wow, here we go, some REAL story' and the fight scene had me cheering for Shounen - JUST for the fact he might torture some kinda answers from Shoujo. Unfortunately it wasnt meant to be. But something kept me watching.
The end was a little weak but you could feel the emotion from every character at the end and I found that both settling and disappointing at the same time. They could have done SO much more with the series and gave Death Note some real competition when Futakomori came out.
Heigh Ho! Still an anime to watch once. I wouldnt buy the box set though.
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