Watch BEM
- 2019
- 1 Season
-
6.0 (260)
BEM is a Japanese supernatural suspense anime show that premiered on July 15, 2019, and aired on TV Tokyo. The series consists of twelve episodes and is based on the 1968 anime series YÅkai Ningen Bem. The show is produced by LandQ Studios and animated by Production I.G.
The story of BEM is set in a fictional town called Libra City, a metropolis that, like many other large cities, is plagued by crimes such as theft, assault, and other forms of violence. However, what sets this city apart is that it is also home to several mysterious supernatural beings, who are known as "youkai."
The three main characters of the show are BEM, Bela, and Belo. These three individuals are also youkai who are very different from other youkai. They have taken it upon themselves to protect the humans of Libra City from other youkai who seek to do harm to them.
BEM, the show's namesake, is the leader of the trio. He is a tall and dark character with a human-like body, while his head is that of a youkai. Bela is the only female member of the group, and she is a ghost-like entity, which allows her to appear and disappear at will. Belo, on the other hand, is a young boy who looks completely human, but he possesses the power to transform himself into a grasshopper-like youkai.
The group's mission is to work with the human police force in order to tackle the various youkai-related crimes that affect the city. In order to do this, they must first earn the trust of the humans, who are initially very cautious around them, believing that they are also a danger.
The show's plot revolves around BEM, Bela, and Belo's ongoing mission to protect the citizens of Libra City. Each episode sees the trio grappling with a new youkai antagonist, who has different motives for wreaking havoc in the city. However, the overarching plot of the show centers on the origin stories of the three youkai protagonists.
Throughout the series, the trio grapples with the true nature of their existence and their fluctuating relationships with humans. Their personal struggles are further complicated when the show introduces a human detective named Sonia Summers, voiced by Felecia Angelle, who is on the hunt for the vigilante youkai, who she believes are the reason why the city is in such dire straits.
Aaron Dismuke voices BEM, while Jason Douglas lends his voice to Belo. The show's animation and production values are top-notch, with each episode featuring stunning visuals and brilliantly choreographed fights. The series' soundtrack, composed by MICHIRU, is also fantastic, drawing inspiration from jazz and other western music genres.
Overall, BEM is a unique and creative take on the supernatural genre. What sets it apart from other anime shows of the same genre is its willingness to explore the relationships between humans and non-human entities, and the existential crises of the three youkai protagonists.
The show is not without its darker themes, which touch on topics such as addiction, corruption, and the freedom to choose one's identity. However, these are all handled deftly, making the show an enigma, one that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, BEM is a must-watch for fans of the supernatural genre, and for those who enjoy anime shows that challenge the boundaries of what is typically associated with the genre. With great animation, music, and an engrossing plot, the show is bound to leave audiences feeling entertained and satisfied.
BEM is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between July 14, 2019 and on TV Tokyo