I never watched anime

barnabasfolk

This was the first "anime" cartoon I've ever seen (probably the only one too) and I was pleasantly surprised. I generally find anime too flamboyant, forced with silly mannerisms just like it's fanbase that is capable of scaring away even the most hardcore nerds. I am a huge fan of the older Castlevania games however, and I couldn't pass this show by without giving it a shot.

Castlevania was more like a nod to anime than an anime itself, it had great storytelling, deep character introductions and a world that despite it's clichés is enthralling and interesting. The artwork is simply breathtaking, and the voice acting is professional. I definitely recommend it even if you do not generally like anime/anime culture. It is a known fact that almost all video game based cartoons/movies were trainwrecks, this is not one.

My main criticism is that the gore is a bit excessive at places, enough to scare away younger viewers/parents or people who cannot tolerate it. It might restrict the number viewers to the show and prevent the series to become more successful.

It will obviously get bashed by some anime fans who believe in Japanese exclusivity to the genre, also hardcore gaming communities (like Castlevania's) can never be pleased and they will find and point out even the tiniest flaws in any reincarnation of their beloved franchise.

Also I would like to reflect on the 1 star review by a religious person. I am of an evangelical Christian myself and other than the subject matter I found no anti religious propaganda in the show. I think it shows the pitfalls of religious fanaticism, medieval catholic fundamentalism and oppression. Not a single word was said against religion, God himself or Christianity, it is entirely Biblical that religious extremism is devoid of God. Obviously the subject matter contains the occult, demons, vampires, gore and all that dark stuff (it was never a secret, you can even see it in the trailer) I believe Christian viewers should research what they watch first, and decide for themselves if they want to watch it or move on.

score 9/10

barnabasfolk 8 July 2017

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3748777/