Saturday Suggestions are "bite sized" reviews meant for anime that are enjoyed over a weekend (or two or three; we don't judge here). This review first appeared on A Geeky Gal in 2014. Click here to read the original post.Ghost Hunt is an anime adapted from a Japanese light novel series of a similar name. It is "incomplete," but there is speculation it will continue. Regardless that the anime is only one season, it was definitely a great one, and I cannot wait to see more if they wish to continue. It really didn't leave us on a cliff hanger so I see no reason not to give it a shot if you're wary about it being "incomplete."
Brief Intro: Our story is all about the Shibuya Psychic Research Center. It's managed by 17-year-old Kazuya Shibuya, or Naru, as our main character Mai likes to call him. They are a paranormal investigation team, and here's where things get even more awesome. The characters accompanying Mai and Naru have their own talents and ways of dealing with the supernatural: Buddhist monk Houshou Takigawa (Monk); shrine maiden Ayako Matsuzaki; celebrity psychic Masako Hara; and Catholic priest John Brown. Mai and Naru are seemingly without these talents, but with help from Naru's assistant Lin, they solve each case thrown their way, whether the case is actually paranormal or not.
Review: So some of these cases are actually pretty frightening and so detailed that they get split into 3 or 4 parts. I'm sure those of you who are more into crime dramas will find loopholes and what-not but I really enjoyed the stories and how each case was approached. I enjoyed learning about our characters too when it was their moment to show their talents during a case.
Not only was Ghost Hunt thrilling, had you on-the-edge of your seat, and mysterious, but there was also a dash of romance. A tiny sprinkle. I'm a sucker for romance. What can I say? We see it blossom just a tiny bit so I'm hoping another season will be released for this series. It was also funny, you know, between the scary bits.
I also learned a fair bit about Japanese culture and how they approach the supernatural. It's extremely interesting without being too factual and making the show boring. What's also great is that we get to see how these different characters approach problems with their unique religious and technical backgrounds. Even Mai begins having dreams that contain relevant information to their cases.
As I watched Ghost Hunt, I was reminded of horror games like Fatal Frame. A lot of the mysteries and legends that come from the cases our characters become involved in had the same vibe I got from playing Fatal Frame and even Silent Hill, though definitely not as frightening.
The only complaint I have, that I hope will be remedied in a new season, was I wanted to see more character development and more back story on our main cast. We learn bits and pieces throughout the anime, but I'm so ready to see Mai and Naru come full circle and learn more about where the rest of our characters come from.
Bottom Line: If you're looking for something spooky with a dash of romance, Ghost Hunt needs to be on your list!
Official Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Comedy, Mystery, Horror, Supernatural
Follow A Geeky Gal!
Comments
Post a Comment