Truly beautiful.
This series is better crafted than the sequel. More work went into building a convincing world, and there are no 'artistic' experiments taken at the viewer's expense.
Continue on to the sequel only if you're really into Japanese culture.
An unforgettable, beautiful, and bittersweet dream of an anime. This is the second time I've watched this, and it won't be the last. The opening is one of my top 3, if not my absolute favorite. It really sets the tone for the series.
Anime: The Hakkenden
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During the war-torn feudal wars in Japan, the Awa clan faced certain extinction from a rival clan backed by demonic forces.
However, a careless promise by their lord leads to both salvation and disgrace when their family dog brings back the head of the enemy warlord and insists on marrying the lord's daughter. Their unnatural union bears fruit but when both are killed, the eight unborn pups are reincarnated as the eight Dog Warriors - The Hakkenden.
As they slowly find each other and come together as a group, these eight warriors, who represent the eight separate aspects of Bushido, engage in bloody battles with demonic entities and evil samurai in a final attempt to redeem their clan!
However, a careless promise by their lord leads to both salvation and disgrace when their family dog brings back the head of the enemy warlord and insists on marrying the lord's daughter. Their unnatural union bears fruit but when both are killed, the eight unborn pups are reincarnated as the eight Dog Warriors - The Hakkenden.
As they slowly find each other and come together as a group, these eight warriors, who represent the eight separate aspects of Bushido, engage in bloody battles with demonic entities and evil samurai in a final attempt to redeem their clan!
Statistics
Favourites/Rec.
Running Time
approx. 3h
Completed
597 (43.0%)
Watching
61 (4.4%)
Plan to Watch
712 (51.3%)
Dropped
19 (1.4%)
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directly related anime
Sequel
OVA, 1993-1995, 7 eps, ,
Similar Anime
show rejected
add/edit/vote on entries
reasons
Both are based on the same story.
TV Series, 2013, 13 eps, ,
Approval: 50.00% (2 votes)
reasons
Similar animation, character designs, both take place in Tokugawa period. Demons, Samurai
OVA, 1998, 2 eps, ,
Approval: 33.33% (3 votes)
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recommendations
recommended by 3 users - 2 recommended - 1 must see
recommended
by ymasumac on 2018-05-25 09:52
must see
by Sleekie on 2014-05-31 21:52
This is the best samurai series in anime.
Yes, the animation is dated. Sorry kids. The show clearly suffered from budgetary restraints, so the animation quality ranges from strong to weak. They try to cover up the cheaper animation in some episodes by using a surrealist style, which I think works, but it still may be jarring to the viewers who started watching anime in the 21st century and are used to digital eyelash rendering. However, what the animation lacks in frame-rate or color it makes up for in style. It's artistic. It takes risks. Don't be afraid.
Still, even if the animation doesn't "work" for you, give this show a chance. You will be rewarded. The story is fantastic. The characters, while appearing cliche at first glance are well nuanced. The plot progression is deep and powerful. The life of a samurai and the warring states period have never better dramatized. And, the supernatural component is downright scary.
Yes, the animation is dated. Sorry kids. The show clearly suffered from budgetary restraints, so the animation quality ranges from strong to weak. They try to cover up the cheaper animation in some episodes by using a surrealist style, which I think works, but it still may be jarring to the viewers who started watching anime in the 21st century and are used to digital eyelash rendering. However, what the animation lacks in frame-rate or color it makes up for in style. It's artistic. It takes risks. Don't be afraid.
Still, even if the animation doesn't "work" for you, give this show a chance. You will be rewarded. The story is fantastic. The characters, while appearing cliche at first glance are well nuanced. The plot progression is deep and powerful. The life of a samurai and the warring states period have never better dramatized. And, the supernatural component is downright scary.
recommended
by metalotaku on 2013-03-20 03:04
Excellent adaptation of the epic Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, the 109 volume novel written by Kyokutei Bakin. A fascinating dark tale of bloody battle, demon, love and loyalty well craft and elaborate. I gotta admit it could be a bit hard to follow at time, as dream and reality often collide in the ways of the other side. Great animation at time and solid cast of seiyuu. Very recommended!
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- Cast
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Cast
appears
Inuta Kobungo
voiced by:
Genda Tessyo
Group status
| Last Update | Name | State | N | Episodes | HE | SP | Languages | Source | Rating | Cmts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24.04.2010 | TNNAC | complete | 6 | 0 | ja pt-BR | DVD | N/A (0) | 0 | ||
| 06.11.2009 | DS76 | complete | 6 | 0 | ja en en | DVD | N/A (3) | 0 | ||
| 16.04.2009 | oot.clan | complete | 6 | 0 | ja fr | DVD | N/A (0) | 0 | ||
| 13.01.2009 | Knights-Anime [knights] | complete | 6 | 0 | ja fr | DVD | N/A (0) | 0 | ||
| 13.07.2008 | D-A | complete | 6 | 0 | ja en | DVD | 5.29 (7) | 0 | ||
| 01.08.2007 | Sakaato | complete | 6 | 0 | ja en en | DVD | N/A (1) | 0 | ||
| 11.03.2007 | eXe | complete | 6 | 0 | ja fr | DVD | N/A (0) | 0 | ||
| 12.04.2006 | AR.Ru | complete | 6 | 0 | ru | DTV, DVD | N/A (0) | 0 | ||
| 20.02.2005 | AHN | complete | 6 | 0 | es | DVD | N/A (0) | 0 | ||
| 11.07.2004 | IkaGe | complete | 6 | 0 | ja de de | DVD | N/A (3) | 0 | ||
| no group |
Explanation by xill on Monday, 29.03.2010 20:25