Osamu Tezuka’s tale of demon slaying has been adapted as an animated series and a video game. The original version (in manga form) was never completed so the end of the tale is still a mystery. This is left to the imagination of those who reinvent it. In 2007 a theatrical version of the story was created and was an immense success. Deviating from the source material (set in the future instead of the past and one of the leads being played by a female instead of a young boy) the film was still able to win over fans. Two sequels are already in production and scheduled for near release. After viewing the film, I can easily see why it was so well received.

The year 3048. Bodies litter the fields. Blood soaks into the ground. A war has been raging for many years against the reigning lord. Kagemitsu Daigo, a samurai who has been fighting in the war, seeks solace in a temple. There he makes a deal with 48 demons. In exchange for the power to unite and rule the world he gives his first born son. The 48 parts of the body will be split amongst them.

The child is born and is revealed to be nothing but a husk. Yet, somehow, it still lives. A blind, deaf, limbless creature. Kagemitsu’s wife sends the child down a river in a basket instead of allowing him to be killed. He is later found by a man who will give the boy a new chance at life.

Using special techniques and technology the man, Jukai, creates prosthetic body parts for the child. Ears, eyes, limbs… even a heart. Over time the man teaches the child to talk, walk, fight and try to live as normal a life as possible. Despite his situation, the boy can understand what people are saying and sense things around him with supernatural power.

After living with the scientist/physician Jukai for many years, our nameless hero must make a decision to find out about his past after a tragic event. Equipped with hidden blades in his arms (one of which is a demon slaying sword) and the ability to withstand pain he goes forth to collect his body parts by defeating the 48 demons. His journey takes him far and wide until one evening where he must do battle against a wicked spider-esque creature. This is where our hero meets his soon to be partner in adventure, a female thief.

After the thief meets with a traveling lute player (a key figure throughout the film) she quickly becomes fascinated with the swordsman. She tracks him down and tags along behind him warning him that as soon as he gains his left arm the demon slaying sword is hers. Early in their journey they reveal to each other they don’t have set names. The young thief takes up the name Dororo (a childish mispronunciation that roughly means demon child) and decides to call our hero Hyakkimaru (who was called Dororo, amongst other things, when he was younger).

The acting is very good from all who are in the film. Kou Shibasaki as Dororo gives a really good performance and has some very humorous facial expressions. She portrays the tomboy Dororo with a lot of energy while still maintaining a feminine edge. Satoshi Tsumabuki as Hyakkimaru plays the “lone wolf trying to find his past” perfectly. Throughout the film the two come to grips with the purpose of their journey and what it means to be human. Both actors accomplish this heavy task well and I am truly anticipating further development in the sequels.

There are some good fx and use of wirework. The choreography is also excellent and there is plenty of action to be seen in the 2 hour runtime. Although the movie is noted for its “unpolished” cg work I find the cg to suit the film. Some of the demons are done using good cg and/or prosthetics and they look wonderful. A few demons utilize a more simplistic style. I feel that this was done on purpose since the animation itself is very good and the shadows are excellent so there must be good reason for the lack of detail given to some of the creatures. Some may find this a distraction but it’s not that bad.

Filmed in New Zealand the movie is visually beautiful. The large open spaces are gorgeous. The interiors, which are usually basked in saturated colors, are very nice to look at as well. The set design is very well done with a high attention to detail. The costumes, architecture and overall presentation are a wonderful treat.

Everything works well and despite some minor pacing issues near the end of the film it’s a wonderful experience for fans of Japanese cinema. Unfortunately, Dororo has yet to find a DVD or theatrical release in the US and it’s a shame. Hopefully that will change soon and as soon as it does I highly recommend it. Hopefully the entire trilogy can meet or even exceed the already impressive first film. Fans of Osamu Tezuka, samurai films, action movies and fantasy films should check this one out.

See trailers, photos and more at http://www.dororo.jp/