Customer Reviews

Hell Girl: The Complete First Season

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The horror anthology series has a long history. Shows like Twilight Zone, Night Gallery and old comic series like Vault Of Horror and Tales from the Crypt, were all once hugely popular. Although the anthology format has almost disappeared in the US, it still retains its popularity in Japan, especially with horror.

"Hell Girl" (A literal translation of the Japanese title,"Jigoku Shojo") is a great horror anthology series, steeped in traditional Japanese folklore. The Hell Girl herself, Enma Ai, has her name taken from Enma-O, the judge of the dead who balances the karmic scales and sends people to hell. She rides in Wanyudo, a flaming oxcart wheel with a man's face in the center that is said to be the traditional method of transport to Hell. Wanyudo is also one of Enma Ai's companions in meeting out vengeance, along with Hone Onna, the Bone Woman, and Ren Ichimoku who is a tsukumogami.

Each episode is essentially a new story, following a standard pattern. Someone is being victimized, and so they go to a website called "Hell Correspondence," where they enter in the names of the person they want revenge on. Enma Ai then appears, and hands them a straw doll with a red string around its neck. She explains that if they pull the string, who ever they have a grudge against will be sent immediately to Hell, but in payment the string-puller will also go to Hell when they die naturally. This compact is sealed by a sign upon the string-pullers chest, showing they are hell-bound.

The stories range from common problems like stalking and bullying to irresponsible doctors and uncaring mothers. Some of the episodes are cut-and-dry, but some are more complicated such as when Enma Ai refuses someone because their "rage is not strong enough." Later, some of the back story of Enma Ai and her group are revealed, such as how Wanyudo came to join the group and the relationships between the Hell Group. In Episode fourteen, Takuma Kurebayashi is introduced, who becomes a continuing character in some linked stories later on.

"Hell Girl" was a hugely popular series in Japan, with two more seasons as well as a being adapted into a comic book and a live-action TV series. The following series still have the anthology format, but go even deeper into the Enma Ai's story.

Funimation's "Hell Girl" release contains all 26 episodes of the first season, packaged onto four disks in slim cases. The presentation is really beautiful, as lovely as the animation inside. There are some nice bonus features, like a video character profile of Enma Ai that was used to promote the series, and a round-table discussion with the Japanese voice actors on what the series means. There is also a live-action music video, a "Making of" that video, and a textless opening and closing.

I thought "Hell Girl" was a great series. I love Japanese folklore, and it was great to see it so well-handled. This S.A.V.E. collection gives you the same package at a cheaper price, and is a really great deal!

Like people have said this is indeed a dark series not for young children at all but truly meant for adults as most can probably tell. The series is mostly dealing with people who have grudges against someone else be they truly great or simply petty it doesn't really matter to Ai Enma also known as the Hell Girl. Ai Enma has a website that if found by someone will give them the opportunity to avenge themselves on someone they feel has wronged them or their family, the person who wishes to curse the person who wronged them makes a pact with Enma. Enma will indeed send the cursed person to Hell for eternal punishment but the cost to the one who makes the bargain is just as sever, he or she after their life is over will also be cursed to Hell as punishment for making the bargain and going through with it. The series shows with each episode situations that have both the feeling that "Yes this person does indeed deserve to go to Hell", but other situations show us that while it may seem harsh that it's for the most part Life, meaning there are situations of just standard school bullying and taunting, and so the question for the viewer is do some of these people deserve their consignment into Hell for some of these crimes. I also like how they show after the person has done the deed and they see the aftermath they have to wonder if what they have done is truly worth it and if it's made their life better like they thought it would. The picture is nice and clear and as always with Funimation the cast for both the English and Japanese cast did incredibly well. So if you like the dark animes like Hellsing or Vampire D this is another series that's worth you interest and time...

It has been a while since I have first set eyes on this series and must I say it's truly splendid, the art, the music, and characters you come across. It has a mix of a bit of feudal japan and modern day japan. I have seen both seasons of Hell Girl and working on the third. If you love a bit of horror,fantasy, and suspense then this series is wonderful for you.


Your main character is Ai Enma who is known as Hell Girl(or Jigoku Shoujo), and has a website that is ONLY available at midnight. People who wants revenge types in the name of the person who deserves to go to Hell. She will come possibly at that instant or later on and will hand you a black voodoo doll with a red string around it's neck. She says that once you curse some one by getting revenge you will also dig a second grave and once YOU die you will also be sent to Hell, but thats after you die by normal causes in life. She will disappear and watch you to see if you'll pull the string. She will exact your revenge and send your acquaintance on a ferry boat to Hell and give you a mark on some part of your body (usually on the chest) to show you that was your payment.

A dark series but truly and wonderfully made. Also made into a live action series, 3 anime seasons also a manga series that is continuing to be published here in NA by DELREY manga. Hope you enjoy the series and NOT be disappointed.

First off it should be noted that these reviews are meant to be a product review on not quiet an opinion of the show itself. But it should be brought into consideration, that being said most of the issues others find with Hell Girl is the episodic nature of the show. The show has its formula of a disgruntled, abused, or angry person accessing Hell Link to get vengeance on the person that wronged them. We then watch their tale play out and eventually they are sent to Hell.

Those new to the show should know that the show doesn't have a true plot/point until the 8th episode, even this story is not delved into until the very end of the show. Just like people shouldn't look for Comedy in a Murder Mystery, people shouldn't expect anything beyond the self contained stories of each episode.

Onto the product itself, you get 4 DVD's in a single normal size DVD case using those hanging DVD holders. The artwork on the inside of the cover is very nice and I chose to flip the DVD cover inside out because I like the inner artwork more. The Dub is there of course and is very good, the episode "The Cracked Mask" is funny in english. We get a roundtable interview with the main Japanese Voice Acting Cast which is nice.

So if you understand the point of the show wanting to tell self contained stories then it is likely you will enjoy this show and for you a 4/5 rating is likely.
If you want a continuous story there are many shows with 100's of episodes out there to enjoy, so you'll likely be a 3/5.

The sound track for this is extremely well done and artistry is beautiful. I have to admit that the plot seemed repetitive at first but did evolve into a greater story. It was not bad guy and victim goes to hell in every episode. I bet someone that watched the first few shows would have thought this to be repetitive. There were a few shows that actually left me shocked and faced with some truths about mankind. I'm older, so i am not saying this is an educational film, but it is a film that just might remind you of an old song.

This film is not like spirited away, shana, witchblade or even hellsing where there is an obvious plot. Clearly, the majority of episodes can stand on their own without the others as short stories, but as the series moves on there is a move away from the short stories to something more intense.

I watched this with my daughter. It does have some strong content for kids, but she is grown up enough to handle some foul language and bloody graphics. We had fun burning though the 6 DVD's. It was her that pushed me into watching this after seeing it a few times on TV.

Five stars may be slightly generous, but the production is very well done. It is just the plot that is lacking some.

The horror anthology series has a long history. Shows like Twilight Zone, Night Gallery and old comic series like Vault Of Horror and Tales From The Crypt, were all once hugely popular. Although the anthology format has almost disappeared in the US, it still retains its popularity in Japan, especially with horror.

"Hell Girl" (A literal translation of the Japanese title,"Jigoku Shojo") is a great horror anthology series, steeped in traditional Japanese folklore. The Hell Girl herself, Enma Ai, has her name taken from Enma-O, the judge of the dead who balances the karmic scales and sends people to hell. She rides in Wanyudo, a flaming oxcart wheel with a man's face in the center that is said to be the traditional method of transport to Hell. Wanyudo is also one of Enma Ai's companions in meeting out vengeance, along with Hone Onna, the Bone Woman, and Ren Ichimoku who is a tsukumogami.

Each episode is essentially a new story, following a standard pattern. Someone is being victimized, and so they go to a website called "Hell Correspondence," where they enter in the names of the person they want revenge on. Enma Ai then appears, and hands them a straw doll with a red string around its neck. She explains that if they pull the string, who ever they have a grudge against will be sent immediately to Hell, but in payment the string-puller will also go to Hell when they die naturally. This compact is sealed by a sign upon the string-pullers chest, showing they are hell-bound.

The stories range from common problems like stalking and bullying to irresponsible doctors and uncaring mothers. Some of the episodes are cut-and-dry, but some are more complicated such as when Enma Ai refuses someone because their "rage is not strong enough." Later, some of the back story of Enma Ai and her group are revealed, such as how Wanyudo came to join the group and the relationships between the Hell Group. In Episode fourteen, Takuma Kurebayashi is introduced, who becomes a continuing character in some linked stories later on.

"Hell Girl" was a hugely popular series in Japan, with two more seasons as well as a being adapted into a comic book and a live-action TV series. The following series still have the anthology format, but go even deeper into the Enma Ai's story.

Funimation's "Hell Girl" release contains all 26 episodes of the first season, packaged onto four disks in slim cases. The presentation is really beautiful, as lovely as the animation inside. There are some nice bonus features, like a video character profile of Enma Ai that was used to promote the series, and a round-table discussion with the Japanese voice actors on what the series means. There is also a live-action music video, a "Making of" that video, and a textless opening and closing.

I thought "Hell Girl" was a great series. I love Japanese folklore, and it was great to see it so well-handled. I hope Funimation keeps up with the series and delivers the next two seasons!

This is a must see anime for anyone that likes horror, suspense, a good story, or for someone looking for something more meaningful than the usual crap on tv. This is such a good show it could be a movie or a live action series it's written that well. The characters all seem to be very deep and you never know what is going to happen next. The price might be a little high but you could always rent the first couple of episodes if your not sure but trust me you'll want to see the rest.

These are the final words a damned soul will hear alive before they succumb to Ai Enma and her deadly fragrant flowers that fall from her kimono. This unfortunate human has been the target of supernatural vengeance. They committed some unspeakable acts of cruelty to someone who was able to summon Hell Girl because vengeance burns in their heart. Someone was willing to sell their soul to Hell for "...the revenge one cannot exact alone". The Demon, Hell Girl, will ferry the soul of your tormenter straight into the depths of Hell if you enter her covenant and promise her your soul also when you die..

This series is one of the best I have seen but it has many things going against it, Some of these may make this series unwatchable if you like lots of action or aren't captivated by the characters and concepts. Repetitive and predictable plots, reuse of Hell Girl's dialog over and over, gratuitous amounts of violence and inhumanity. It also employs some of the most overused character types in the genre; the super grownup child with special powers who communicates with Ai. Her irresponsible father is also widowed. Her father is also a corrupt but good-hearted journalist who wants to stop Hell Girl and her revenge for hire service.

The way the entire production works is such a pleasure to watch that nothing detracts from it. I don't normally like this type of story and it took a few episodes to grow on me. The animation is top notch. The creepy way Hell Girl looks in a black school girl's uniform unsettles me. The beautiful backgrounds are works of art. The musical score is perfectly matched to the mood of the scenes and defines the characters like operatic motifs. The opening and closing animation sequences and the accompanying songs I watched for all 26 episodes I enjoyed them that much.

The stories follow a formula much of the series. Single self contained shows that show someone being wronged so badly by someone they summon Hell Girl who gives them a way to get the ultimate revenge, sending that person straight into Hell. Mixed into the episodes are subplots such as the reporter and his daughter and the reason behind Hell Girl's interest in them. Another sheds light on why Hell Girl does what she does. There are numerous other threads woven in the episodes.

Miss Ai lives in a ephemeral place with her shinigami assistants and her kindly grandmother. The English voice actor for Hell Girl does an excellent job, delivering her lines without emotion, perfectly in character.

The last three episodes are combined to form a final story that wraps up the subplots, adds closure and also promises of more to come from this series.

I don't know if another season is coming, it would be difficult to top this. Hell Girl reminds me of Witchblade or Speed Grapher for story quality and content. It combines Western and Japanese elements in a very unique way and should be enjoyable to non-anime fans who like scary stories with lots of psychological intensity.

Not much nudity, less than one scene per episode, but many scenes per episode of violence and cruelty. Not much swearing outside of the use of the word "Hell". And there are some scary scenes with Hell and its evil minions. And the series overall is grossly violent and depicts nastiness of every type which is difficult to watch at times.

Some reasons for using Hell Girl's "Instant Karma" method are questionable at best. Mistakes are made and even redemption and salvation are possible but few black straw dolls are returned unused to Hell Girl. Most pull the scarlet thread for some reason plus their desire for vengeance.

I rarely write reviews of anime because everyone has their own tastes and I doubt I like what most anime fans like. I feel a need to promote it because I enjoyed each episode so much. This is really good adult anime that has all the elements for greatness. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

SPOILERS -- sort of.

"Hell Girl" is a series of loosely related stories about revenge by proxy and cowardice, very Japanese in its single-minded focus in the art, characters, and narrative on only a few moral themes. When is it right not merely to kill someone but to send them to scream in Hell forever? Enma Ai, the elegant and deadly demon girl of the title, warns you there is a price: YOUR soul is also forfeit if you untie the red thread that signals your contract with Hell to take your resented enemies to a dark and eternal afterlife.

Each episode tells a different version of a story where someone accepts this bargain. I have read bored fans who say that "Hell Girl" is slow, annoyingly repetitive, and never really makes any progress. And it is true that if you want demon battles, sword-swinging monsters, and raging hormones, you shouldn't bother with "Hell Girl." You are likely to be bored witless by these stories of desperation - bullied schoolgirls, terrified victims of vicious psychological blackmail, helpless frightened people who see no way out - and of why each turns to the dark paths of the demons to seek a freedom they cannot see how to reach otherwise. But "Hell Girl" was not made for fans of sword-swinging demon-and-hero stories. It is far subtler and - make no mistake about this - a great deal creepier. These stories get under the skin of one's mind and crawl around in there. (That means "Hell Girl" is NOT for children.)

In parallel to these stories is the story of Enma Ai herself, and of a reporter and his daughter who are trying to track her down. No spoilers here: this story is riveting and thoroughly satisfying - and in some ways much creepier than all the other stories (which is saying a lot).

The animation and plotting has the curious effect of making us want to reach into the story and shake up people. So we are caught in a bind as well, trapped by the same helpless desire for revenge that we are simultaneously watching. Don't underestimate the capacity of these stories to get at you. And throughout, the same moral question: is it right to seek revenge by demonic proxy - and be sent to Hell for it - or is it better to defeat not one's enemies but one's own cowardice? Beware of the knee-jerk answer: "Hell Girl" quite convincingly shows us, over and over, why people do not refuse Enma Ai's offer. "Hell Girl" is not a horror anime - it's much too sophisticated for that. It's unique in narrative, character, animation, and moral framework - not a nice story at all, but very powerful, like Enma Ai herself.

Highly recommended.

Reminiscent of Vampire Princess Miyu ovas in the beautiful artwork and gloomy storylines, Hell Girl certainly takes it's name to heart. You feel bad for the heroes and villains alike in a world where you can send your foe to hell with a click of a mouse. The story of a lonely girl cursed to spend eternity ferrying the souls of victims to hell with only the help of her few companions is at the center of the plot. Why must hell girl do this? Who is she working for? The true horror is when you picture what would happen if this were availible in our own world.