Article Key Points
The Netflix anime adaptation of
Onimusha
distinguishes itself from other game adaptations by creating its own unique story while maintaining the samurai versus demons concept of the games.
Memorable quotes from the series include Musashi's declaration of "I'm Going Hunting, Demon Hunting," adding to the show's action-packed vibe.
Onimusha
The content fragment explores the theme of humanity and features characters like Sahei who express concern about the protagonist's loss of identity due to the powerful Oni Gauntlet. The Netflix anime adaptation of Capcom's Onimusha franchise deviates significantly from fans' expectations. In contrast to Netflix's adaptation of Konami's Castlevania franchise, which heavily incorporates characters from the games, Onimusha takes a different approach by crafting its own original narrative while drawing inspiration from samurai battling demons in feudal Japan.
8. “I’m Going Hunting, Demon Hunting.”
The plot of Onimusha centers around Miyamoto Musashi, who embarks on a mission alongside a group of samurai to eliminate the demons that plague the land. Equipped with a mighty gauntlet infused with the power of Oni, will Musashi be able to lead his comrades to triumph? Although the answer to that question remains shrouded in mystery, let's shift our focus to the show's collection of badass, funny, and thought-provoking quotes. But be warned, spoilers lie ahead.
Musashi: Episode 1
The opening scene of the initial episode features an exhilarating battle in which Musashi confronts a group of monks. His impressive ability to fight without any weapons astonishes the audience. Eventually, he triumphs and is rewarded with the Oni Gauntlet by the temple's master, who grants it to him on a temporary basis.
Curious about Musashi's plans for the gauntlet, Unsyo, the master, inquires about its purpose. Musashi responds with a remark indicating his intent to use it for hunting demons. In terms of action-oriented anime, this gripping introduction effectively establishes the premise of the story.
7. “But Enough Talking, I Challenge You.”
Kensuke: Episode 1
Musashi, having obtained the Oni Gauntlet, reunites with his band of traveling samurai, who are on a mission to assassinate a rebel known as Iemon. As they journey together, Musashi uncovers the unsettling truth that there is a betrayer among them. This treacherous individual is none other than Kensuke, the very swordsman who had been training the samurai in the group.
After delivering several speeches, he reaches his breaking point and confronts Musashi in a duel that concludes swiftly. However, it is the subsequent battle against Gensai, a treacherous individual, that truly intensifies the action, making Kensuke a mere warm-up for Musashi.
6. “What If, In The Process, Your Humanity Breaks Down?”
Sahei: Episode 6
In Onimusha, the concept of humanity is a central theme. Throughout the game, individuals willingly sacrifice their lives to serve demons through the Genma, or they are revived from death as zombies. Additionally, Musashi, the protagonist, continuously utilizes the Oni Gauntlet, gradually diminishing a part of his own humanity. This contemplation on humanity is voiced by Sahei, who, like the rest of the characters, expresses concern regarding the consequences of Musashi's persistent use of the gauntlet. The question arises: where should the boundary be drawn when it comes to the pursuit of power?
5. “Perhaps They’re Ghosts?”
Kaizen: Episode 2
This scene refers back to a previous moment in episode two. Initially, the group discovers themselves in an apparently deserted village. However, their perception changes abruptly when they spot a young girl and decide to pursue her, only to witness her vanishing mysteriously.
Heikuro suggests that it could be a ghost, but Kaizen counters by pointing out the illogicality of seeing a ghost in broad daylight. Subsequently, as the zombies begin to invade the village, Kaizen jokingly taunts Heikuro by referring to them as ghosts.
4. “I Invited Him To Dinner With A Rock.”
Sayo: Episode 3
Sayo, the young girl introduced in episode two, was not a ghost but rather the only survivor of the village that was destroyed due to Iemon's Genma tricks. Despite her age, she impresses Musashi and the rest of the group with her skills as a talented cook.
During their search for dinner in the woods, Sayo comes across a rabbit and cheerfully announces her discovery to the group. This alternative way of expressing it adds a touch of cuteness, avoiding the mention of her using a rock to kill it, which could detract from the endearing nature of the situation.
3. “Yoshiokas, When I Send You To Hell Again You’ll Stay There For Good.”
Musashi: Episode 4
The majority of the series, leading up to episode four, revolves around minor conflicts. Only in this episode does Musashi showcase his true strength. Following Goromaru's demise, the group becomes trapped in an deserted temple.
Three brothers from the Yoshioka family, who had previously confronted Musashi, rise from the grave possessing enhanced Genma abilities. Filled with fury over the loss of Goromaru and his sister Sayo's captivity, Musashi vows to avenge their suffering by engaging in an intense battle where he effortlessly dismantles his adversaries.
2. “Wherever It’s Been, It’s Much Heavier Now Than It Was When It Left.”
Master Unsyo: Episode 8
This marks the closing moments of Onimusha, as it returns to the monk temple in a full circle. Master Unsyo utters this line upon recovering the Oni Gauntlet from the archway of the temple. Who was responsible for leaving it there? Could it have been Musashi? Has he survived his clash with Kojiro, or has he perished as a valiant warrior?
Numerous lingering queries remain that a potential second season could address. Perhaps another individual will assume the Oni Gauntlet, now brimming with an immense force.
1. “To Be The Best; Isn’t That A Good Enough Reason?”
Kojiro: Episode 7
The entire storyline of Onimusha revolves around the ultimate confrontation with Iemon. However, when the moment finally arrives and the protagonist meets Iemon face-to-face, his opportunity to make an impact is quickly thwarted. Instead of engaging in a battle of words and imposing presence, Iemon is immediately incapacitated by his subordinate, Kojiro, who severs his arms and legs. This unexpected turn of events defies typical anime expectations, revealing that Iemon was not the formidable antagonist anticipated by the audience.
Kojiro, who has returned from the afterlife to battle Musashi, isn't inherently wicked. That's why, before their duel, he utters these words to him. His aspiration lies not in governing the country or pursuing any such ambitions, but simply in becoming the most formidable warrior Japan has ever witnessed.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about Netflix's Onimusha anime adaptation. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's unique take on the samurai versus demons concept, and I think the animation is top-notch. On the other hand, I'm disappointed that the show deviates so significantly from the games. I would have liked to see more of the characters and storylines from the games, and I think the show could have done a better job of capturing the feel of the games.
Overall, I think Onimusha is a solid anime series, but it's not quite what I was hoping for. I'm still holding out hope that Netflix will produce a more faithful adaptation of the games in the future.