Review of Dororo

During the Sengoku period, a time of famine, war, and disease, a feudal lord has his newborn son's organs and limbs sacrificed to twelve demon gods in exchange for the prosperity of himself and his people. The baby is abandoned but found by the doctor Jukai who specializes in giving people prosthetic limbs. Jukai, a man plagued by his past and seeking redemption, adopts the baby and gives him limbs as an act of atonement for all the lives he allowed to die. When the child grows up, he vows to regain his body parts by defeating the demon gods, but that means that theprosperity of the land also begins to diminish, and the demons wreak havoc upon the land.

This story tackles many complex, varied questions about morality, honor, revenge, and the human condition. It explores the complexities of fighting monsters without becoming a monster, how far duty and loyalty should go, dignity and honor, the nature of good and evil, the blurred lines between kindness and cruelty, the nuances of justice and injustice, selfishness and solidarity, survival, class disparity, consequences for actions, violence in its various forms, respect for life in a time that disrespects it, and the essential question of what it means to be human. I really like how this show handles its themes in a mostly episodic way without it ever feeling like it needs to say more. It has the perfect blend of action, humor, philosophy, and moral dilemmas, which makes you remember the show long after you finish it.

Story and Themes: Incredible.
Animation: Great.
Music: Amazing.