
a review by Roixesae

a review by Roixesae
Have you considered death or made a life decision that may cost you everything? This is what the Hell's Paradise is about. Gabumaru does not remember why he is in prison and wants to die, but he can't for an unknown reason. So he was being executed by an elite executioner Sagirl Asaemon. Then, an invitation was given to Gabumaru to be pardoned if he headed to an island for the elixir of life to be delivered to the Shougen, and he suddenly realized that he wanted to be alive for his wife. So his journey begins. Hell's Paradise is a masterpiece in spring anime.
Animation (8/15): The quality of the animation is above average at best because of production issues that are being overcrowded with many productions in Mappa's Studio A. But still manages to give out a great product in the end. The fluid walking and the fast past look very decent when shown. Although in earlier episodes and a little later, many black scenes seemly ruin the scene's pacing slightly. At least we can imagine what could have been there for bloody scenes mounted for a mature audience. While the black screens may ruin the background, like when Gabumaru beats other executions to show Sagirl his powers of being a Shinobi all offscreen. Although expressions are diverse from character to character and angles, shots are superb when watching, like in the fight scenes such as Shion verse Mu Dan where Shion was going to stab Mu Dan (one of the Tensen, an immortal group that makes exile of life). The angles are shown by Shion and Mu Dan's Kishikai state. This fight is one of the best angles in the show, such as a top view and a side view of what is happening in the battle. In short, despite some black screens here and there, the fight scenes and expressions are well choreographed.
Audio (8/10): The sound hits perfectly with the show's scenes, such as when we encounter the Tensen, it is a sound that holds a mystery with some religious influences giving out that immortal vibe. Along with the opening, not just slaps in animation. The audio and lyrics match the show's overall story and themes. The audio should have been added to some scenes when it was too quiet. Otherwise, the audio may be less, but it is a decent opener with good attention to detail.
Characters (15/20): The characters may seem stereotypical or one-sided in the first seconds introduced. But later on, there are multi-layered and complex people with flaws and determination to get back. Such as Gabuamaru to see his wife for one more time. Sagirl seems like the stereotypical shy and weak kid but is part of an elite family. But she is a caring and determined person to get out of the island and admires Gabumaru for being nonchalant about death when she fears it. All the characters, in general, are relatable and have personality traits that give out different vibes with every interaction. In summary, the characters seem dull but are very compelling and relatable.
Story (12/20): We follow Gabumaru trying to be executed, but it fails every time, to the shock of everyone. Whoever he is being executed fires, is hit by a bull, and decapitation. So the executors sent by the shogun, one of their elites Sagirl Asaemon do not perform him but pardon him if he gets the elixir of life in Shinsekyo, sometimes refer as "paradise and heaven." It split after episode 6 into three stories plot, following Gabumaru and a few asaemon with finding a girl named Mei. Along with Sagirl with Senta and Yuzuriha to find out about the immortal Tensein. And a little subplot focuses on the brothers' Aza and Touma's journey on the island. All these plots felt equal. There could have been more of Aza and Touma, with a bit of Gabumaru more fleshed out in the story. Although there were all enjoyable in their own right. All plots are equal time despite some needing more screen time.
Overall (4/5): This anime is enjoyable despite what people said about productions and its haters. This show delivered one of the most complex characters and plot lines ever seen in anime. Along with having a diverse cast and, in the end, getting hype for the next season. By visiting a strange man asking him to go to the island for unknown reasons, and being willing to take the offer from someone. Give this show a chance, and un-follow any of the haters until the show is being watched.
Thanks for reading!
PS Don't listing to the Mappa haters till you see it yourself.
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