Is Basilisk Any Good? Worth Your Time? A Complete Review

The anime Basilisk is very popular among fans of Shounen anime for its gripping storyline surrounding a tragic romance amidst resentment and animosity between clans. It comes as no surprise that it has won the coveted and highly prestigious Kodansha Manga Award in 2004 for the general category.

Based on the novel The Kouga Ninja Trolls, written by the acclaimed author Futaro Yamada, the Basilisk is a historical fiction manga which takes place in the era of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The accuracy of its historical events while taking some liberty with fictionalizing is an extremely tough task.

In that light, it is highly commendable that the mangaka Masaki Segawa has accomplished such a task even under strict constraints.

1. Quick Review

The anime Basilisk does a brilliant job of making us feel for the tragedy of the circumstances of some characters. In the midst of that, we get to watch amazing fight scenes being fought with cool and creative superpowers and abilities.

If you are someone who likes your anime to have both elements of romance and intense fight scenes, you will like this anime Basilisk as it has an optimal combination of both.

2. Is it worth watching?

The anime is worth your time. It will definitely not bore you since its premise is quite unique. Also, it has tons of cool fight scenes to keep you hooked to it.

Basilisk Trailer 2018 Anime

Its historical setting during 17th Century Japan is the perfect backdrop. Even if you are not necessarily into historical anime, this anime will be enjoyable and provides moments of sheer delight to viewers.

I. Plot

The plot revolves around the rivalry and animosity between the two Ninja clans Iga Tsubagakure and Kouga Manjidani. The two have been embroiled in a bloody feud for a long time.

However, the conflict was brought to a close after the signing of a ceasefire agreement under the rule of Hattori Hanzō, the 1st. They were then brought under the service of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Shogun.

But the conflict was far from being resolved. The two continued to maintain their distance from each other, and there remained a tense co-existence and harmony.

In recent years, however, a big dispute arose over the new successor, which has laid bare all the fissions and divide. So, Ieyasu ordered the ceasefire to be canceled and told both clans to send 10 of their best ninjas to fight it out. The clan which wins will get to choose the successor.

Amidst this nebulous and conflicted background, a romance bloomed between the heirs of the two clans, Gennosuke and Oboro. They are forced to choose between either choosing their lover or the annihilation of their own clan.

The plot of the anime is really great. The creativity with which such a beautiful and intricately designed plot was executed with historical accuracy and sensibility is laudable. It progresses on an even pace that keeps you hooked while not overwhelming you.

It is riddled with the most intense fight scenes and a heartbreaking romantic tragedy. It pulls at your heartstrings as we are shown how their romance and undying hope for peace keep getting quashed over and over again.

II. Characters

The characters of the Basilisk Universe are immensely talented and equipped with the most bizarre powers. One of them has the ability to spit out greenish sticky phlegm from his mouth.

As if that isn’t disgusting enough, there is a lot of gore and violence that is commonplace in the anime. Basilisk is not for the faint of heart, unfortunately.

The character development is not that elaborate since there are so many characters and events that need to be covered. Also, for an enormous amount of characters, the short span of 24 episodes is hardly enough. While the main characters are mostly covered well in this aspect, the others aren’t given the showtime they should’ve received.

3. Final Thoughts

The anime is a dark, violent tale of the tragedy of love being obstructed by hatred and animosities. The Ninja narrative, clothing, and camaraderie help infuse the anime with greater depth.

Also, the frequent gory deaths of characters may be a huge turnoff for many. I didn’t have a problem with this because I like my anime to be violent, uncensored, and more realistic. The romance part was the central point around which the viewers get to see the pointlessness of war. I felt that it helped us understand how the tedious violence just kept impinging on their desire for peace and perfectly highlighted their helplessness.

I’d definitely recommend it. It is a beautiful story with good execution, character development, gore, and romance.

4. Grade

5. Info Card