i also wished they would go on. i really enjoy the stories by the original author Fuji Yuuki. they ended twelve kingdoms rather abruptly as well. i'm not sure why they keep doing that to anime adapted from this author. the next to last arc was the one that frightened me the most. i absolutely hate watching/reading/listening to ghost stories, and yet i could not stop watching. i think that by itself says a lot.
Ghost Hunt tv Review
Mai Taniyama is a typical first-year high school student with a passion for the supernatural and ghost stories. When ghost hunters from "Shibuya Psychic Research" arrive to investigate an old school building an accident results in Mai breaking equipment, injuring an assistant and in turn temporarily filling his position. This starts a permanent work relationship between Mai and Naru, the young owner of Shibuya Psychic Research, as they unravel the mysteries being laid before them in order to put involved spirits to rest.
Story & Characters
Ghost Hunt is an arc-based anime, with one to four episodes per arc or "file" as the producers refer to it, spanning 25 episodes. It features an organization called "Shibuya Pyschic Research," led by Kazuya Shibuya, a paranormal investigator. He enlists the help of a monk, a Catholic priest, a priestess, a medium, a clairvoyant and a personal assistant in his supernatural investigations. This cast is likeable, each with their own non-cliched personalities and interesting interactions. There is substantial character development, especially in the two main characters, Kazuya (nicknamed "Naru" because he is narcissitic) and Mai, who both happen to be quite popular with fans of the show. Secrets behind the characters are revealed slowly, rather than being dumped on the viewer at the beginning or at the end. I personally thought that the anime does a good job in foreshadowing these secrets. Only the very observant thinker would be able to guess at what might be happening.
Every "file" is detailed and becomes increasingly unpredictable as the series proceeds. They are all suspenseful and can get rather frightening. The ghosts, monsters and paranormal phenomenon are all effectively creepy. While the exorcisms and cases are probably not an accurate depiction of reality, the producers did provide some interesting information about japanese spirits and curses. I personally had a few "oh, really? I never knew that. That's kind of cool" moments.
Despite belonging in the horror genre, there are lots of funny moments, which does a good job in breaking up the tension along the way. One disappointment is that the ending raises more questions than answers. There are no signs of an OAV or a second series, so those who want more must turn to volume 7 of the manga to satisfy their curiosity.
There is no mounting suspense or ongoing problem throughout the series, with the way the it's organized, but each file is well done on their own.
Rating:
Art
The graphics in this anime is great, from the character designs to the CG. The character designs are detailed and
carefully throught out. Some characters actually wear different clothing each day, which shows how meticulous the
producers were. Naru and Lin in particular, are prone to fangirl idolizing.
The monsters and ghosts were well textured. When they are moving, the artists made well use of lines to depict speed or
direction. The backgrounds are all detailed to make the series more believable.
The series was impressive in being able to convey the supernatural. It made effective use of shadows, glowing colours,
and contrast. Even the opening and ending sequences were interesting; capturing the mystical and spiritual feel of the
show.
Rating:
Sound
The voice actors conveyed their characters well. Nobody sounded awkward or inconsistent with their character's appearance. Some voices were more expressive than others, but all characters, however subtle it may be, do betray some emotion in their voice.
The limited amount of music in Ghost Hunt is unique (not cliched, run of the mill horror music), and well-composed. It is recognizable from episode to episode but at the same time not memorable. In other words, it won't get stuck in your head after you watch an episode. This is appropriate for Ghost Hunt, where the music is made to create suspense, and not to be listened to and distract viewers from the show. The ending and opening sequences were instrumental, and matched the video, working together to capture the mystical feel of the show.
Sound effects, such as the whoosh of ghosts, banging doors or the dripping of blood, did not sound fake or exaggerated.
Often, such shows make these sounds louder than they would be in real life, but Ghost Hunt does not use this cheap
technique to get the viewers' attention.
Rating:
Presentation
Ghost Hunt is a well-rounded anime, with solid plots for each file, a believable and likeable cast, and decent animation and sound. This is a great anime for people who enjoy detail and problem solving. But it will also appeal to those who enjoy watching their favourite characters kick ghostly butt. Because this anime isn't just all horror and gore; there is plenty of character interactions to enjoy. So the main genre of this series would probably be horror, but there is humor and romance too..
Again, the 25 episodes of this anime feels incomplete. The ending does not answer many questions raised during the series, and this is a disappointment.
Rating:
Final Verdict
6.5000 (above average)
Reviewed by prirky, Jul 05, 2007
Comments
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fuuiin Jul 09, 2007
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onethousand Jul 12, 2007
i've seen the series and wanted to kill someone when there was no sign of it continuing!
btw: with all the great things that you've said about the anime series; details, reasons why they are good,...etc; you make the anime out to be great or a rating of well above average and yet you rate it overall at a 6.50...?
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prirky Jul 16, 2007
Minitokyo's rating system is funky like that. 6.50 is already apparently an "above average". But I see what you mean, to be honest, I don't know how I'll ever be able to rate something a 9.0.
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Eliane21 Jul 29, 2007
great story...but yeah...they should continue...i want to know more about all of them! :oD
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ShadowDreamer16 Sep 13, 2007
I loved this series, it really surprised me. I really didn't think I would ever jump or get scared while watching an anime, but I was wrong. It really got to me sometimes. The story's good, the characters are likable and the animation is pretty good, I would atleast have given it a 7.5 if anything. But that's just my opinion. I wish it would continue too.
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EcclecticXFusion Nov 19, 2007
This sounds cool, thanks for the info! :)
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SukiLovesAnime Dec 16, 2008
This anime is somewhat creepy to watch around night time,
cause it could actually happen to anyone >.<
It made me think alittle as to what was happening in all of the mysteries that they were all having.
As well as the main character girl having dreams of each of the mystries were strang but cool as well -
SchRita Oct 31, 2009
Thanks for the review!
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