Watch Basilisk

Basilisk is an anime series that premiered in 2005 on IFC. The show is based on a Japanese novel entitled "The Kouga Ninja Scrolls" by Futaro Yamada. The novel tells the tale of two rival ninja clans known as the Kouga and the Iga. The series follows in their footsteps and tells the story of these two clans who have been at war with each other for over 400 years. The war began when the Shogun was unable to decide which of the two clans to entrust with his scrolls, and therefore, he tasked the two clans with battling it out to determine which clan would be worthy enough to receive his trust.

The show is set in the 17th century, during Japan's feudal period. The clans' warfare is intertwined with a forbidden love story between the Kouga's Gennosuke and the Iga's Oboro. The two are trapped in the middle of a political situation that has been handed down to them through their ancestors, who have been at feud with each other for centuries.

The series shows a lot of violence, and there are multiple gruesome deaths throughout the episodes. However, the fighting sequences are beautifully choreographed and aesthetically appealing. The ninja clan members are skilled in various combat techniques, and their fighting moves are well thought out and executed brilliantly.

The voice actors for the characters did an excellent job of bringing them to life. Nana Mizuki, who portrays the character of Oboro, is a talented voice actor who brings depth and emotion to her character. Risa Hayamizu, who portrays the character of Hyouma Muroga, is excellent at giving her character a menacing and eerie aura, while Yasushi Miyabayashi, who portrays the character of Gennosuke, is fantastic at conveying his emotions through his voice.

The show's storyline is well-crafted and keeps the viewers engaged through its entirety. It uses flashbacks to provide insight into the motives behind the characters' actions, which helps link the story together in a very satisfactory way. The use of symbolism in the show is also very prominent and adds an element of depth to the plot.

The animation is a mixture of 2D and 3D, which compliments the show's fighting scenes quite well. The landscapes and backgrounds are also finely detailed and accurately depict Japan's feudal period.

The series portrays a lot of emotional undertones through its characters, which the audience may find relatable. The characters are not one-dimensional, and each has their strengths and weaknesses. The show explores each character's psyche, and at times, it can be quite difficult to determine which character to root for.

The show's intro and outro theme music are well suited to the show's dark and intense nature. The intro music, "Heart of Sword," by T.M. Revolution, is fast-paced and captivating, while the outro music, "Wild Eyes," by Nana Mizuki, is mellow and calming.

In conclusion, Basilisk is an impressive show that has a lot to offer. The storyline is compelling, and the characters are well-rounded and contribute a great deal to the plot. The animation is high quality, and the soundtrack is on par with the series' tone. However, due to its violent and bloody nature, it may not be suitable for younger audiences. Overall, the show is an excellent watch and a must-see for fans of action-packed anime.

Basilisk is a series that ran for 2 seasons (48 episodes) between January 5, 2007 and on IFC