Watch Shigurui: Death Frenzy

Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a dark and intense anime series that first aired in 2007 and is distributed by FUNimation. Set in a fictionalized version of feudal Japan during the Edo period, the show is based on the manga series by Takayuki Yamaguchi and follows the intense and violent world of samurai duels.

The series opens with a gruesome duel between two warriors, one of whom is blind and the other disarmed. What follows is a visceral, brutal, and unflinching look at samurai culture and the twisted and complex relationships between the warriors involved in it.

Throughout the show's twelve episodes, we are introduced to a number of different characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. Tensions are high as they jockey for power and position amongst themselves, determined to make a name for themselves in the brutal world of samurai combat.

One of the main characters in Shigurui: Death Frenzy is Fujiki Gennosuke, a blind samurai warrior who is seeking revenge against Irako Seigen, his one-time rival. With a calm, collected demeanor, Fujiki is not one to be underestimated, and he proves himself to be a formidable and deadly opponent in the many duels he participates in.

Irako Seigen, on the other hand, is a complex and tragic figure in the world of Shigurui. Originally a highly skilled samurai warrior, Seigen is ultimately driven to madness and despair after a terrible accident in which he accidentally kills his own wife. This incident haunts him deeply and drives him to seek revenge against the man he blames for the tragedy, Fujiki Gennosuke.

Other notable characters in the series include Lady Iku, who serves as the patron and leader of the dojo where the samurai warriors train; Kogan Iwamoto, a famous and influential swordsman who serves as a mentor to young warriors; and Hiyama Yaichi, a highly skilled and ruthless warrior who is initially underestimated by the other characters, but proves himself to be one of the most dangerous fighters in the series.

The world of Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a brutal one, characterized by violence, cruelty, and a pervasive sense of nihilism. The relationships between the characters are complex and fraught with tension, and each duel is filled with a visceral sense of danger and thrill. The animation is striking and atmospheric, with a muted color palette and a focus on shadow and texture that adds to the overall sense of doom and gloom.

Despite its intense and often disturbing subject matter, the show is also intelligently written and well-crafted, with a keen sense of pacing and tension that keeps viewers engaged throughout the series. The dialogue is sharp and often poetic, adding to the overall sense of dread and impending doom that hangs over the show.

Overall, Shigurui: Death Frenzy is not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate dark, intense anime with complex characters and brutal action, it is a must-watch series that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between July 19, 2007 and on FUNimation