7 Things Netflix's Yu Yu Hakusho Live-Action Gets Right About The Anime

Introduction

Netflix's live-action adaptation of Yu Yu Hakusho has garnered attention for its faithful representation of the beloved anime. While it has faced some criticisms, there are several aspects in which it has excelled, aligning with the spirit of the original story and characters from Yoshihiro Togashi's iconic manga series.

Kurama, Yusuke, and Hiei in Yu Yu Hakusho live-action

The Yu Yu Hakusho anime, which premiered in 1992 and concluded in 1994, holds a special place in the hearts of fans, and the live-action adaptation had the challenging task of capturing the essence of the source material. In this article, we explore the seven key areas where Netflix's Yu Yu Hakusho gets it right, offering a compelling experience for both fans and newcomers to the world of Yu Yu Hakusho.

Yusuke Urameshi in the Yu Yu Hakusho anime and the Netflix live-action adaptation

The Yu Yu Hakusho Fight Scenes

One of the most critical aspects of any anime adaptation is the quality of its action sequences. Yu Yu Hakusho is renowned for its captivating fight scenes, and the live-action adaptation had the arduous task of recreating these iconic moments in a visually compelling way.

Yusuke jumps over a car to to escape Gouki in Yu Yu Hakusho

Despite the inherent challenges of translating animated fight sequences to live-action, Netflix's adaptation succeeds in capturing the essence of the original story. The hand-to-hand combat is reminiscent of the best martial arts films, while the CG-heavy sequences seamlessly integrate the characters' superpowers with a grounded fighting style. Notable highlights include the intense confrontations between Yusuke and Gouki, as well as Kurama's gripping battle against Karasu.

Kurama fighting in Yu Yu Hakusho episode 4

The adaptation strikes a balance between honoring the anime's distinct visual language and presenting the fights in a fresh and engaging manner. This achievement sets a high standard for live-action anime adaptations, showcasing the dedication to preserving the essence of the original story while embracing the unique opportunities of the live-action format.

The Yu Yu Hakusho Characters’ Costumes and Hairstyles

A defining aspect of Yu Yu Hakusho's visual identity lies in the distinctive costumes and hairstyles of its characters. The live-action adaptation successfully recreates the iconic outfits of Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei, staying true to the unique visual style of the anime.

Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Botan in the live-action Yu Yu Hakusho show

Moreover, the attention to detail extends to the portrayal of the characters' hairstyles, a challenging task given the singular and often intricate hairstyles of anime characters. The adaptation's commitment to accuracy is evident in the faithful representation of each character's distinct hairstyle, reflecting a deep respect for the source material.

Yusuke punches Kirino in Yu Yu Hakusho episode 1

The Personalities Of Each Yu Yu Hakusho Character

While the live-action adaptation focuses primarily on Yusuke, it successfully captures the essence of the main characters' personalities. Despite the limited screen time for some characters, including Kurama and Hiei, their personalities are authentically portrayed, enriching the narrative and staying true to the anime counterparts.

Notably, the performances of the actors bring the characters to life, showcasing their distinct traits and dynamics. Even supporting characters, such as Botan and Koenma, embody their anime personas, contributing to the cohesive portrayal of the Yu Yu Hakusho universe in the live-action adaptation.

Meiko Kaji as Genkai looking serious in Netflix's Yu Yu Hakusho

Kuwabara & Yusuke’s Friendship

An often overlooked but integral aspect of Yu Yu Hakusho is the dynamic between Kuwabara and Yusuke. The live-action adaptation successfully captures the essence of their friendship, portraying the emotional and humorous moments that define their relationship.

Yusuke Urameshi punches Kuwabara in Yu Yu Hakusho episode 1

From Kuwabara's heartfelt frustration at Yusuke's apparent demise to their lighthearted interactions upon Yusuke's return, the adaptation effectively portrays the depth and humor of their bond. Despite the differences in the portrayal of their backstories, the adaptation finds compelling ways to showcase the endearing dynamic between Kuwabara and Yusuke, adding a layer of warmth and authenticity to the narrative.

Kuwabara running away from a yokai in Yu Yu Hakusho episode 4

The Visual Effects For The Yu Yu Hakusho Techniques

In a world where characters wield spirit energy to conjure special techniques, the visual effects play a crucial role in bringing these abilities to life. The live-action adaptation of Yu Yu Hakusho effectively renders the special techniques, from Yusuke's Spirit Gun to Kurama's demoniac plant manipulation, with impressive visual fidelity.

Yusuke prepares to use the Spirit Gun in Yu Yu Hakusho episode 5

While the show's VFX shots vary in quality, the overall presentation of the special techniques is commendable, enhancing the impact of the action sequences. The faithful adaptation of these iconic abilities contributes to the immersive experience of witnessing the characters' supernatural powers in the live-action format.

Jun Shison in Kurama's demon fox form in YuYu Hakusho

Yu Yu Hakusho’s Fast Pacing

A distinguishing feature of Yu Yu Hakusho is its fast-paced storytelling, devoid of filler episodes and encompassing the entirety of the manga in 112 episodes. The live-action adaptation maintains this brisk pacing, delivering a focused and engaging narrative that progresses seamlessly from one important arc to the next.

Takumi Kitamura as Yusuke stares at his off-screen corpse in YuYu Hakusho

While the timeline of events differs from the anime, the adaptation's streamlined storytelling effectively introduces newcomers to the world of Yu Yu Hakusho. The script's emphasis on Yusuke and the clear roles of the supporting characters contribute to a cohesive and compelling narrative structure, making it accessible to both fans and newcomers.

Keita Machida as King Enma Jr/Koenma holding a sphere of energy in Netflix's Yu Yu Hakusho