It seems like adaptations, remakes, and sequels of Anime shows are in trend these days.
First, it was One Piece and now a famous Japanese action anime, Yu Yu Hakusho, has been adapted into a Netflix series.
It first appeared over three decades ago and went on to become a rage among fans of the genre.
In the light of full disclosure, I haven’t watched the anime series.
So, my review of the Netflix show is squarely based on its individual performance.
The creation has five episodes and runs for around the same number of hours.
Yu Yu Hakusho (2023) Synopsis
A road accident takes away Yusuke’s life but he is resurrected by Enma on the condition that he will work as a Spirit Detective, solving cases involving yokai that have invaded the human world.
Directed by Sho Tsukikawa, it stars Takumi Kitamura (Yusuke Urameshi), Jun Shison (Kurama), Kanata Hongo (Hiei), Shuhei Uesugi (Kazuma Kuwabara), Sei Shiraishi (Keiko Yukimura), Keita Machida (Koenma), and others.
What Works for Yu Yu Hakusho?
Adaptations carry the risk of getting ridiculed by ardent fans of the original creation. How many times have you heard, “they’ve ruined a classic?” Plenty, I guess.
However, that’s probably not going to be the case with Yu Yu Hakusho. The show is as fascinating as it gets.
I will describe the outline of the series in a simple manner.
Long ago, the human world and the demon world were connected. Humans who wandered into the demon world were attacked by Yokai while Yokai crept into the Human world to prey on humans.
Later, the spirit world created a boundary between the two, separating the human world from the demon world.
In this backdrop, when Yusuke dies in a tragic accident and goes into the spirit world, he is offered a chance to get resurrected by Enma.
The only condition is, he has to work as a spirit detective tasked with finding yukai trying to destroy the human world.
The action scenes are top-class and are brilliantly captured by the makers. Be it the fist fights or deadly supernatural battles, Yu Yu Hakusho maintains superiority across the table.
It’s the primary attraction of the series, and every episode lights up, thanks to amazing combat sequences.
They are well accompanied by visual effects and cinematographic finesse. Thankfully, there are no glitches in VFX and continuity is maintained.
The superficial weapons work flawlessly while aerial wide angles attain a peak on several occasions.
You know the editing is flawless when every scene appears real despite being far from reality.
Particularly, I loved the aesthetics when Yusuke travels in a boat after dying, accompanied by a Spirit World guide.
It was eye-pleasing. As for the cinematographic finesse, you would love how camera angles are put to use in the show.
From top-down to running close-ups and whispering ground-level captures, it is a treat to watch.
The stirring screenplay further intoxicates you with proper transitions and consistent vibrancy.
Another very small yet effective aspect of Yu Yu Hakusho is the recap narration.
Since the storyline is a bit overwhelming at times, specifically due to other-worldly phenomena, it was really thoughtful of the makers to add a simple voiceover to explain the previous episodes.
Even first-time viewers can easily grasp the narrative.
How are the Performances?
Takumi Kitamura gets the responsibility to play the lead as Yusuke Urameshi. Using his adept stage skills, he delivers an attitude that pulls you toward him.
It also has to do with the way Kitamura’s presence has been plotted. From an overtly intractable person, he transforms into a resolute fighter.
The actor is sublime in meandering through his expressions and effortlessly pulling off sleek action scenes.
Jun Shison is Kurama in Yu Yu Hakusho. His restrained demeanor in dramatic scenes makes him unique.
On the other hand, the action-packed avatar of Shison comes out better due to the earlier held-back buildup of his character.
Shuhei Uesugi portrays Kazuma Kuwabara in Yu Yu Hakusho. He is a mix of fun and excitement plus grit.
The most likable part of his performance is how he mutates from a potential baddie to a stealthy protagonist.
What Doesn’t Work for Yu Yu Hakusho?
It’s really good. Finding issues in Yu Yu Hakusho is a hard job since the makers have followed a source material already famous and acclaimed.
However, still, I still feel some elements could have been better told. For example, the ideas of good and evil or saving kids from bullies.
The superhero stuff of protecting people needed an overhaul.
I know they were a rage in the 1990s but 2023 demanded something different in consonance with the modern times.
Secondly, the story puts a big question mark on Yusuke’s mother. Now, had the makers not put emphasis on her early on, it wouldn’t have been an issue.
However, because they specifically put her in the limelight at a certain stage, she shouldn’t have entirely vanished from the narrative post Yusuke’s revival.
Stream or Skip?
I can assure first-time viewers of a great time if they stream Yu Yu Hakusho. For the fans of the comic and anime series, I am sure they will certainly watch and decide for themselves.
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