Inuyashiki (2017) User Reviews

Wow, Inuyashiki, totally unexpected and engrossing!

[InTraffic3118 · 9/10 · 31 January 2018]

This is an insane 10-episode series based on a manga (which I've never read). It is incredibly dark, incredibly visceral, and at times incredibly emotional. This is a good series, probably even a great series, as I finished it two weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it. There are parts that are wholly and completely bananas, like Clockwork Orange level out of control, but the story has layers and it is always more complicated than it seems.

Inuyashiki is probably the most interesting character, even though at times you're straining to deal with his intense level of emotional vulnerability. He defies most conventions of your typical super-hero makeup, as he's much older than your normal protagonist.

I would say this series is not for children, and really it's not for some adults either. If you're not familiar with anime or manga, you might want to start with something lighter, easier to watch. That being said, if you're all-in with how dark anime can get, strap yourself in, this one's a ride you will remember.

Inuyashiki is an unlikely story about and an unlikely hero, and it's certainly worthy of attention.

Cancer is truly mankind worst enemy

[phanthinga · 8/10 · 10 January 2019]

Inuyashiki is a very interesting and refreshing anime to watch if you're tired of the usual mainstream stuff and want to try something dark and edgy that look like it come straight out of the early 2000s anime. There enough shock value and absurdity in this anime to make you laugh like hell or shake your head in disgust, but in the meantime the characters development can be a bit rushed and the horrible CGI animation can take you out of the anime sometime but please don't take anything in this anime seriously or else you will miss out all the fun. I really like Ichiro Inuyashiki as a character not because how rare it is for the main character to be an old man but because anything he been through so realistic while the bad guy Hiro Shishigami who we supposed to hate and he did a damn good job at it just an edgelord for the sake of being an edgelord

A beautiful love letter

[Derache · 9/10 · 28 December 2018]

Inuyashiki was a breathtaking love story.

One thing I realized, is that, what the story means to you, will change depending on what you're going through as many of the characters and stories represent what multiple people go through in a very personal manner except put on an extreme.

Story For me, this was a beautiful love story about family, friends, and family. A passion for someone so strong that you would give your life for them. Inuyashiki had his son, wife, and daughter. Shishigami had his girlfriend, his mom, and his friend. 10/10

It develops the characters and story with all of these possible multiple love stories.

Art. The art was very unique and some of the best 3D CGI I have seen. It fits really well that I don't think a 2D would be able to do. However, some CGI scenes are more than lackluster. 9/10

Sound. A memorable OP, soundtrack, and ending. Along with great voice acting. Some sound mixing along with other language voice actors did lack, however. 8/10

Characters. The characters develop as they rapidly get pushed to insanity, and then get grounded back to reality and take a step back. They realize how life is beautiful only cause there is death within it. I can relate to almost all of them, that could be due my emotional complexity, or due to the perfect script writing. 10/10

Enjoyment. I loved this show, the action, characters, story, and art was all good. However some glaring issues such as foreign language voice actors, bad CGI (not the robot, I loved that). 9/10

Overall, it is a 9/10. I will highly recommend this.

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Fantastic & fudged up!

[leo_bfg · 10/10 · 27 December 2017]

It's fantastic, fudged up, free (on Amazon Prime Video). Slow burner then it rockets!

Not for kids or anyone who can't handle some very adult themes. Minimum 18 years old, really

Beautifully done series

[blackmamba99971 · 10/10 · 23 November 2017]

In the last five or so years there are rare gems that delve into the psychological genre. Inuyashiki is one of those special series to come along with great hit episodes one after another. A story about two people. Inuyashiki who is an elderly chap who is presented with extraordinary powers to help people no matter who they are or where they come from. Yet opposite of him is another who is bestowed the same powers but uses it for his entertainment purposes such as killing people just by pointing his first finger like a gun then shouting the word bang, which kills his victims in a horrible manner.

As Hiro starts to realize that his actions are taking a terrible toll on the public and while on the run from the police he stays with one of his classmates, and her grandmother to escape the law's grasp. In doing so, she convinces Hiro to use his power for good like saving terminally ill people. Although his new path seems foreign his mind is endlessly bombarded with thoughts of killing, which will inevitably lead him down the path to face off with Inuyashiki.

On a scale of one to ten this is definitely a ten star program laced with story plots that intermingle with one another in such a way that the viewer cannot help but root for the bad guy as well as the good guy. Both try to do their best among the populace who are not aware that they have been curing folks across the country but when news or eyewitness accounts begin to build it won't be long until either the army or JDF is brought in to bring them down.

It is a show about moral issues on why it is so important that life must continue on without interference even by gifted people like Inuyashiki, and Hiro. Although they help those by curing terminally ill patients it also presents a problem for big corporations who rely on those sick people to keep buying medication at astronomical prices. Sooner or later more darker regions of the governments will want to know who these two are, and how to take them out quietly if they can.

It is a densely packed series with wonderful action, music, effects, and marvellous acting for each character. I highly recommend this series for audiences aged fourteen and over.

With great power, comes...

[cdoggy99 · 10/10 · 28 June 2020]

Great series! Could not stop watching it! Ended up binging it on two weekends. Emotionally, reminded me of "Grave of the Fireflies" (one of the greatest animes I have ever seen), just on a different level. Excellent characters. Great story. Great ending. Escapes me how more creative asian cinema is than here in the states. We usually end up doing remakes of their films under different names.

simple but engaging characters with fine voice cast

[TYContact1 · 8/10 · 14 August 2018]

Inuyashiki - Last Hero on Amazon Prime Video - a touching sci-fi action anime about a cancer patient accidentally got cured by a space ship, and uses his power to rescue and cure other people. The super villain is a high schooler who also happens to encounter the alien technology, and uses it to amuse himself with random killings. Good voice acting, simple and engaging characters. About 10 episodes, based on a manga series. The main character is voiced by Fumiyo Kohinata, a genuine character actor, who can convincingly plays a variety of roles: cops, teachers, doctors, family man, wise man, humble artist, calculating executive, slimy conman, to name a few.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 7/10 · 21 November 2018]

Watched this anime after watching the live action movie and trully enjoying it. The anime has more violence and gore and it explores the characters in a deeper level. The action scenes were okay and the art suited the atmosphere that the anime wanted to present.

Disturbing, Adult, Exceptional Anime

[Dennis_D_McDonald · 8/10 · 16 March 2018]

Two humans in modern day Japan are turned into robotic fighting machines possessing superhuman powers. These include the ability to miraculously heal victims of violence and disease.

Each retains his original personality. One takes the path of good, the other the path of evil. Inevitably they clash.

Despite the horrific amounts of blood and destruction in INUYASHIKI, many tears are shed as well. The realistically rendered characters explore all manners of human frailty in their relationships. Love, regret, jealousy, hate, forgiveness, guilt -- all are on display against a backdrop of steadily deteriorating social order.

The evil one employs advanced communication technology to render common media as instruments of mass murder. Yet repeatedly we also witness individual examples of love, affection, sorrow, and humanity.

How much of an allegory and satire is this? The theme of "What makes us human?" has always been a staple of science fiction that goes back to FRANKENSTEIN and METROPOLIS. What makes INUYASHIKI unique, and in my opinion exceptional, is the matter of fact way it deals with good and evil without allowing the viewer to turn away from images of slaughter and disaster intermingled with tearful joy and affection.

Like it or not, these are all examples of how humans behave. Maybe that's the point. We are left with the realization that, as horrific as these illustrated examples of inhumanity are, we have already witnessed similar inhumanity in our world's history.

Are the Japanese people uniquely qualified to reflect on these realities having experienced so many of their own natural as well as human-caused disasters? Perhaps, but the themes illustrated here are disturbingly universal.

Technically I found this anime to be one of the best I've seen in terms of character design and movement. Faces and eyes are realistically rendered. Subtitles in English are easy to follow. CGI and hand drawing are well mixed. Action sequences are beautifully choreographed.

A final note. One jarring sequence in a later episode involves President Trump appearing on television to make a pronouncement concerning evolving disasters. Intentionally satirical with regard to his personality, this sequence reminds us of the lasting damage he is doing as he weakens America's reputation around the world. Such images, forever contained in widely distributed media like this, will haunt us for many years to come.

A bit bizarre, but this is an incredible show.

[gamemastereric · 7/10 · 14 June 2018]

There are a lot of bizarre (sometimes nonsensical) moments that would confuse anyone in their right mind. Also, the CGI and animation can be a bit awkward at times. However, it was interesting seeing how the hero and the villain interacted with other people, and how their personalities clashed. The characters, the theme, and the overall plot were done very well.

It is a very good show and it is definitely worth watching, but it has some pretty trippy moments.

Very dark anime

[mauricepuhlmann · 9/10 · 28 June 2018]

The only anime I saw this far which is more disturbing and sad than this one is Hotaru no haka aka grave of the fireflies.

The plot is really good and the animations are amazing.

I can recommend this mini-serie to all anime lovers which are not afraid of divergence when it goes about the mainstream manga and anime mentality.

Gally

[jumpscary · 7/10 · 8 January 2021]

He is a good boy. When he died and became a robot, his feelings were mixed and the thought of killing him came to mind. You can see that he still has a heart when he kills. Hiro doesn't see things differently, so he doesn't understand how difficult it is for other people's families. He is a very good man at heart. Real-life stress is like this anime. Because teenagers are emotionally unstable, they decide everything based on their feelings and thoughts at the time. You don't seem to understand, I'm generally not afraid because I understand. Unfortunately, people judge others by what they say or how they look. People always say justice. He seems to think only of himself. I don't always say bad things. You can also see how people are changing. If you want him to die, you are forcing your justice on others, just like a murderer.

Its funny but not good

[antonmenke · 1/10 · 24 February 2021]

Well its funny, but only because its so ridiculous. The Story is flat, everything is explained trough Monolog and random Statements by people. The Animation is ok for an Anime but as I just Said, its bad writing. Emotional Moments are never emotional, but everyone says how He feels.

Criminally Underrated

[ssarms-77267 · 9/10 · 19 April 2022]

I have never felt the need to write a review but today I must. After watching this series I have been truly moved, the exploration of each character and their development was truly astonishing to watch, each character feels human making you truly care for them, yes even for the bad guy. Many people will say that the action is what stands out in the series but for me it was the characters and their interactions. Please give this series a watch.

10/10 amazing anime

[kaliecoulter · 10/10 · 6 January 2021]

I think everyone should give Inuyashiki a watch. It is one of the best anime's that I've watched. It has great action and I love the animation. The characters are amazing, all of them were made really well. I was recommended this by a friend and I'm glad that it was this anime. I just watched and finished it now. It's a short anime consisting of one season with 11 episodes of about 20 minutes each. If you're wondering where to watch it at, I found it on YouTube in sub. I'm not sure if there's a dub version if anyone prefers that instead. I've never written a review for an anime before. This particular anime was just really, truly amazing and I felt I had to.

7.7/10 - A great freakin' anime from 2017 that nobody really watched.

[John-Derat · 8/10 · 20 December 2021]

Watched it for the first time in 2018 and it slapped, watched it again two more times since then (finished the third time a couple weeks ago) and it still slaps.

Inuyashiki is about an old man and a teenager who get accidentally killed by aliens and are then rebuilt as killing machines. Ichiro Inuyashiki (the old man) gets pretty much ignored by his family, he finds out he has cancer and only has a few months to live, but all attempts to tell his family fails. He starts becoming really sad because of it, asking himself if they would even cry when he died, and he then goes to cry in a random park with his newly found dog Hanako. In the same park, there's a teenager standing beside him, Ichiro notices him right before they get both killed by the interplanetary car crash the aliens caused. And it's basically how the show starts.

This small review will contain spoilers, so don't read further

I loved the actual story and plot of the anime, it's really simple yet emotional and engaging. Seeing Ichiro "finding" his humanity by saving people is just heartwarming, whilst seeing Hiro (the teenager) killing people to find his is engaging. The contrast between the two characters is really neat and interesting, some episodes you will see Ichiro save people, and others you'll see Hiro kill some. I liked how several times Hiro tried to stop doing bad deeds but the world simply didn't let him. He would've became a good guy if the cops didn't find him when he started saving people to make up for all the people he had killed.

The characters are just good in this show, the side ones are nothing special, but Hiro, and most significantly Ichiro, are just really great. Seeing Ichiro just save people again and again, and then them tearing up is just so emotional and wholesome to watch. I'm not someone who easily gets emotional because of movies and shows, but seeing the last two episodes almost made me tear up, my eyes were really watery. When Ichiro tried to revive Marie, that was probably the most emotional moment of the anime, or maybe it's tied to the last one. But the acting during that scene was just incredible, it was so freaking sad and you actually felt everything (I did, at least).

Hiro Shishigami was quite the good character as well. He's simply a sociopath who happened to get (almost) godly powers. Most of his murders were unjustified and quite atrocious, but a lot were really satisfying to watch. Like when he killed those bullies and 4channers, or even when he killed all those civilians in the city and the police department. Even if those murders were objectively bad, I personally just found myself enjoying them. Anyway, the saddest parts about his character is when his mother kills herself, when he starts becoming good, and when he sacrifices himself for the few people he loves (Ando, Shion and her grandmother). I think the way they made Hiro killing a bunch of cops enjoyable for the viewer is by making the cops attack him, whilst also killing Shion and her grandma RIGHT AFTER he started becoming a good person by saving as many people, and more, than he killed. That way, the audience asks itself if Hiro really is a bad guy or not. In my opinion, he was, but became good when he started saving those people. I think the cops were wrong in this particular scenario, if they had let Hiro get away with his murders, he would've kept saving people.

Since Ichiro is the protagonist and Hiro the antagonist, of course you're gonna expect them to fight at some point, even more so when their philosophies are literally opposites, however, when they do fight, it's quite underwhelming, but I don't think it's a bad thing. Inuyashiki is more about two persons trying to find and keep their humanity after basically losing it and becoming killing machines, it's not about which character is the strongest.

The soundtracks of the anime is good, not Bleach level of course, but it's not bad by any means. The opening by MAN WITH A MISSION and the ending by Qaijiff are great and fit the anime quite well. Unlike most animes, they don't play the soundtracks often. Hiro will be killing a family and it'll just be silence, no music whatsoever.

Also, something I really liked is how the characters speak more realistically than in most animes. In most animes nowadays, characters will always have over-exaggerated reactions, but in Inuyashiki, whilst still being a bit unrealistic, are more believable.

The only true bad thing about this anime in my opinion is the CGI/3d used for animation during fight scenes and transformation scenes and whatnot. The CGI isn't that great and at some points it ruined a bit of the enjoyability.

The ending of the anime itself is also good, which is not quite common. It's sad, but understandable, and isn't a cop-out.

Anyway, Inuyashiki is definitely an anime worth watching. Only 11 episodes and a good story, it won't waste your time. Overall a great anime that 2017 wasn't ready for, deserves more recognition.

Sometimes I wish the anime continued but then I ask myself how could it with that ending? Still tho, I don't like when shows I enjoyed are over lol.

A Worthy Contestant for Anime of the Year 2017

[AdityaDev007 · 9/10 · 30 December 2020]

How a simple looking story become so much deep by a unique execution this anime shows it to us. A must watch before you die, This isn't just about 'Good' and 'Bad' this is about psychology of choosing between good and bad. The villain is an example how a normal person would be so deeply shattered inside its mind. The main character is a true Idol of heroism and hamanity. The Animation is fantastic with its perfectly blended 3D CGI in the action scenes. (The CGI used in this anime is one of the best used in an Anime) The Opening and Ending music are good but the Opening is little above than good and energized , Background scores aren't mostly noticeable but they do their work of making its effect on a its particular scenes.

The strat was good

[arawy-62221 · 6/10 · 24 July 2020]

I was amazed by the second episode I like the ideas the brutality the emotions put in it all was good, From the point where the teenager was able to kill ppl only thru phones I think the series lost the base of it, there was no defined rules or settings what these machines could do and could not, so it felt ok what's next now they kill by phones. I didn't like that I like the fact that the protagonist is an old man it felt unique we don't get to see this a lot in anime, The addition of saving earth was so ugly it ruined the show, can we focus on one thing please Overall it had some good ideas, wasn't perfect, but wasn't a waste of time

One of a kind.

[Lukasmj · 8/10 · 15 November 2022]

"Inuyashiki" is an absurd but quite good anime.

I had to get used to the animation style, but that was done quickly.

From then on I was able to enjoy the full range of the anime and watch with excitement how differently two people deal with the same power given to them.

I've asked myself what I would do if such a fate befell me, and I think Inuyashiki wants that too, in part.

Make the viewer think.

The anime contains many impressive, sad, shocking, but actually funny moments too.

The ending is also very satisfying.

I recommend this anime to anyone who wants to see something different!!!

great so far!

[maschbert · 9/10 · 30 March 2018]

I feel as if the writer has taken the ideas I privately spin in my head and put them on the screen. I have only seen the first four episodes, so I can't tell you if the plot stays as good as it has been so far, but if it does I think I found a real jewel.

What would you do if you were given great powers? That's what it boils down to so far. We see two different characters who use their new-found abilities very differently. The general tone of the anime is rather mature (including the violence) so don't expect a typical shonen atmosphere.

You should definitely give this a chance!!!

EDIT: The end was a bit disappointing

A Messed up Finale

[cheesendmayo · 7/10 · 18 November 2021]

The anime actually started quite well, but couldn't keep up to the expectations at the end , it became very plain and simple at the end , the antagonist who had a decent character development didn't do justice to his role at the end in my opinion, also the end was too messed up , looks the just wanted to use sentiment as a way to make the anime look better , but the plot becomes very weak and simple because of that final episode .But overall it's definitely one time watchable, since it also has good animation and Cgi effects put up nicely by MAPPA .

So. Much. CRYING.

[elixirr · 5/10 · 25 December 2020]

This anime had potential but the amount of sheer crying gets very annoying very quickly. It was also extremely frustrating how the young one keeps killing people mercilessly (and very graphic) and the old geezer just keeps crying how he couldn't find him and can't save anyone the whole series up till the 2nd last episode.

The ending was the only redeeming quality. If they had calmed down on the crying and all the frustrating bits, would have been a much better series.

I hate watching Anime that's not dubbed but...

[nrgigaba · 10/10 · 2 August 2021]

I'd rather watch wall paint dry than watch an anime in Japanese with English subtitles [It's preference, if it rubs you off the wrong way, well I do not care].

I got this one as a recommendation, when I discovered this was not English dubbed, I lost interest. I was about to watch it for a few minutes and DNF it, but those few minutes became an hour. Then two hours, next thing I know, the final were 'rolling'.

I went through a rollercoaster of emotions with Inuyashiki. From that first a episode I was captivated and I was not looking back. Inuyashiki is that Anime which has probably single single-handedly won me over to the Japanese language and subtitles side. To the original Manga author, Hiroya Oku to MAPPA Co., Ltd. For the adaptation, thank you.

No spoilers, just watch Inuyashiki.

An absurd and unconventional spin on the superhero genre that's worth watching

[Kysugo · 8/10 · 13 May 2023]

Wow, I was not expecting the op to slap that hard. The animations paired with the song are so frickin good; it definitely gets you hyped. It's kind of hard to believe that Ichiro Inuyashiki is the father of these kids; the poor guy looks like he's in his 70's. Considering he was only in his 50's, it was funny how people were clowning on how old he looked. I felt bad for him. He's trying to provide a better life for his family by moving them into a house, and his kids still complain about it. Ichiro has this calm, patient and good-hearted nature to him that's pretty rare in anime protagonists. Although the 3D CGI looked kind of jarring and freaky at times, the art style and animations were great. The faces for some of the characters looked kind of creepy and unnerving, I think it's the way they drew the eyes. It reminded me of the style in Perfect Blue a little bit. The way the alien ship warps into view was amazing. MAPPA never disappoints. The beginning of the show feels too real. But I like that because it pulls you into the story by making it feel believable and relatable. There's a good amount of humor sprinkled throughout as well. The soundtrack is pretty good, although at times it felt out of place with the tone or mood they were trying to convey. The voice acting is really good. The character development is wonderful and the story is excellent.

Inuyashiki Last Hero isn't your typical superhero anime. This is a superhero origin story where the protagonist isn't a cliche good-looking young high schooler. He's actually a very sweaty unattractive old-looking guy, while the villain is the handsome high schooler. And it's this unconventional twist that makes the show so unique and different, and makes it stand out. It's an interesting spin and a fresh take on the ever-growing stale superhero genre. The sci-fi elements of the show are quite bizarre and absurd, but it's also what makes it interesting. It has this beautiful balance of dark moments contrasted by funny/silly moments, and exciting action moments contrasted with inspiring, heartwarming and moving moments. It's not a perfect or revolutionary anime by any means, but it's definitely entertaining with its great story and characters. I also couldn't help but notice all the Death Note references. Shishigami sounds a lot like Shinigami, the use of blue and red marbles during the op is a lot like the red & blue used for Light and L, and even the art style for some of the characters look reminiscent to that of Death Note.

Hiro is basically a psychopath. You can see it in his lifeless eyes. He was like an angel of chaos when he was orchestrating all those cars to crash into each other. I was not expecting the show to get so dark when Hiro entered the random house and started killing everyone. It was disturbing to see how he gets satisfaction and fulfillment out of taking people's lives and seeing them suffer. It's really messed up and grim stuff. But I do like the stark contrast between Ichiro and Hiro, it balances the shows tone beautifully. The only thing Ichiro and Hiro had in common is that they're both fulfilling their desires. I love how Ichiro takes out all the gym rat thugs, that was funny. The way Ichiro fell in front of the burning house made me laugh really hard. That was beautiful how he revived the cat after it got run over.

Samejima is a scary man. That was insane how Ichiro permanently blinded and paralyzed all the yakuza members at the dinner meeting. Instead of killing and giving them a quick death, now they all have to live the rest of their lives suffering. Poetic justice at its finest. I like how they showed that Hiro isn't completely devoid of humanity and he still loves his mom and family dearly. What's so unnerving is how calm and nonchalant he is whenever he says "bang". It's almost like playing a video game for him. That was crazy how he started hacking into the 2chan commentators' phones/computers and started killing them through the screen. What a crazy concept, it could honestly be the premise for a horror movie. This show tackles its social commentary on news, internet trolls and social media very deftly. It's a very self-aware anime.

That was tragic how his mother took her life. I do like how Shion helped and inspired him to cure people instead of kill them. Some of the ideas and events that happen in the show are pretty ridiculous and absurd though, like Hiro killing everyone through smartphones and television screens. It gets pretty grim and brutal. But it's also kind of silly because it's a finger gun. I teared up when Ichiro was saving and bringing back to life all the people that were trapped in the burning building. I was not expecting Hiro to sacrifice himself in order to save everyone on Earth, that kind of moved me. I mean it's the least he could do after all those unforgivable killings he committed. In the end, he died a villainous hero. I do wish Ichiro could have survived his self destruction and went back to his family. He deserved it more than anyone. But the way they ended it made it more impactful, epic and believable. It leaves you with a sort of bittersweet and hopeful feeling once the show ends.

Overall, this anime was great. I really enjoyed it and I definitely recommend it.