Review of Shiki

Be prepared. This is not a show with themes for the uninitiated. This is not the happy end you expect, nor at the end will you likely feel it’s one undeserved. Shiki is a show that will shake your perspective. It will try to challenge your ideas of right and wrong, and it may succeed. Be warned that this show is violent and be aware that violence persists in more ways than just one. Certain scenes will be as visually difficult to watch as they will be emotionally. If you have a weak constitution for the topics of grief or loss, I might recommend youstay away from Shiki. This is certainly one of the most unique explorations of the topics of death I have seen. It takes the subject and tears it open for us to see. You may not like what it shows you.

But if all the above does not deter, then you may find yourself enrapt in the dark twisting plot that is Shiki. Its hard realism may find a comfortable place within your practical mind. This show will not pander to the hopeful, nor will it exaggerate reality either. Some dark shows as this have a bad habit of exaggerating the human sin, to the point where we lose interest in their unrealism. But Shiki does not do this. It remains true to the exploration of its topic without falling for the pitfalls of over done villains or frustratingly ignorant characters. Though at points you may disagree, this show does stay fairly true to the sense of believability. As it’s this trait that will make it both rewarding to watch, as it will unpleasant, depending on the person.