Review of Shiki

Horror is the number one genre for me because it goes well with psychological stories. And Shiki have these both, and fairly enough it was pretty well explored in this anime. Although the story was very tragic…. Well, what do you expect from psychological type stories? The main plot was influenced by supernatural materials, in this case, particularly from Japanese folklore. Nevertheless, you can still feel how harsh reality can be to all the characters. I also thought that the characters was not given enough attention but nevertheless, you can still understand “where their coming from” and why they do such things. It’s a goodthing that although the story has heavy plot, the story itself was simple that’s why it’s pretty much predictable especially if your someone whose been watching lots and lots of horror/psychological type stories.

The animation was very unique if I may add. You can see the difference from typical animation design. Even each of the characters has very unique hairstyle.

I believe killing will always have a reason. Be it intentional or not, for survival, money, for fun, right or wrong, good or bad. You can’t entirely blame the Shikis because it’s not like they wanted to be like that but killing is still killing. No matter how they justify it or use beautiful reasons, they still took someone else’s life and they can’t just say “They can’t help it”. It is true that life is about survival. That strong desire to survive is something that every living thing has from the moment they were born. But surviving at the expense of destroying others happiness is definitely evil from my book. We are not animals. That is why we are given intelligence and logic but well. I guess it is somewhat true that survival is the most primal instinct even for human beings. But then they should have expected that the villagers will retaliate.

I think I would understand some who would continue being Shiki because of their personal reasons and will still struggle to survive even after facing the horrible consequences of their actions. But what was disappointing was those other Shikis who, after witnessing the result of what they’ve done would cowardly make excuses and run away. Although what happened to Sunako was very sad, she was entirely to blame for all the tragedy that happened in the village. Sunako caused all the chain sufferings of every villagers and creating madness within them should be expected. I believe wanting to survive for Sunako was only natural but if she would’ve have accepted her fate and killed herself a long time ago, she wouldn’t experienced the horror of being a Shiki and have spread the chain reaction of pain and despair for others. And to add, it was very unfair that she didn’t get to be punished and escaped despite her the main cause for all the pain of those she victimized.

After watching it, I had great experienced and good reflection on it. And for me that makes this ANIME WORTH WATCHING.