Review | The Birth of Kitaro: Mystery of GeGeGe movie review – Japanese anime series’ dark, violent prequel is rewarding, but it’s not for kids
- Fans of the playful Japanese series should watch this movie prequel about Kitaro’s origins and the fate of his father with caution; it’s bloodthirsty and sombre
- There is murder, rape, incest and more, but also hope and warmth for those who stay the course, making for a hugely profound viewing experience
4/5 stars
Conceived as part of celebrations to commemorate the centenary of the birth of GeGeGe no Kitaro creator Shigeru Mizuki, The Birth of Kitaro: Mystery of GeGeGe presents the previously untold origins of the one-eyed demon boy, and the tragic fate that befell his father.
Fans of the hugely popular animated series should approach with caution, however, as this animated fantasy adopts a considerably darker and more violent tone than its predominantly playful predecessor.
Set in 1956 – announced on screen as “Showa 31” in accordance with Japan’s traditional gengo calendar – The Birth of Kitaro follows Mizuki (voiced by Hidenobu Kiuchi), a young salaryman who works for an urban blood bank, as he travels to remote Nagura village to meet Tokisada, head of the powerful Ryoga clan.
En route, he crosses paths with a mysterious spectral figure, Medama Oyaji (Toshihiko Seki), headed in the same direction in search of his missing wife. Upon arrival, Mizuki finds the clan in disarray as Tokisada has died, triggering a bitter power struggle between his vile offspring and other clan members.
When the oldest son is brutally murdered, a series of horrifying revelations and increasingly gruesome events is set in motion.