Yu Yu Hakusho

The series in question is an adaptation of a popular work about thirty years ago, the original work is rich in story, characters and fights, however, this live action adaptation is not up to the standard of the original work.

First of all, the series is not faithful to the original work, this has created a product that is not comparable to the original work.

Secondly, the series lacks much of the story of the work it is based on. The series focuses only on some events, however neglecting a lot of the original story, just think that the entire final part is completely absent, but it is just an example of the numerous cuts to the story.

Furthermore this live action is not suitable for those unfamiliar with the original work, as it does not provide a satisfactory introduction to the story and characters.

And there are also other defects that I won't list so as not to make my review too long.

First of all, I'm a fan of the YYH anime, so was hard for me to not compare this mini-series to the anime. The story changes made was understandable to me. Especially, when it was obvious that Netflix wasn't going into the Dark Tournament saga.

There are some things this mini-series fail to deliver. I believe it was due to it being 5 episodes. One of YYH anime's highlights was the resonating backstory and motivations of the main antagonists, which the anime builds up as the story moves forward. But this mini-series failed to do that. They tried to do a quick retelling of younger Toguro's backstory with just few minutes of dialogue during the last episode. But that's weak. I think younger Toguro's backstory itself deserves one whole flashback episode. It might've made the climax battle and ending more emotionally impacting. In other words, in order for me to care about the deliverance of a tortured soul, I need to get to know the tortured soul first. If not, I won't care and don't know how to care about the deliverance. And again, this mini-series was just 5 episodes, maybe that's why they're forced to only use dialogue.

I wondered if this series was meant to be a one off and season 2 was never considered. It seemed to wrap up so nicely. Hopefully, it performs decent enough for a season 2. I want to see how Netflix would do Sensui (this antagonist is so emotionally scarred that he 7 personalities inside him). Please make at least 8-10 episodes if there's season 2, like One Piece or other Netflix original series.

I don't care much about changing the original script to fit into just 5 episodes. However, he was run over, which had an impact on the final fight, it didn't cause that tense air of fear. Much of this factor was because it shortened the narrative a lot.

It's a shame it doesn't have at least 10~12 episodes, it would have been possible to improve this, following the recipe of the first two episodes which, despite adapting and summarizing, everything was fine.

Congratulations to the cast, you surprised me and the battle effects, especially Yusuke's initial fights and Karazu's fight at the end. Perfect choreography and using objects from the scene well, making it more dynamic than in the anime.

The Netflix adaptation of "Yu Yu Hakusho" wasn't perfect but wasn't bad. Those new to the anime might find it a bit confusing initially, but overall, it should still be entertaining. On the other hand, fans of the anime and manga might feel that it rushes through the storyline and doesn't stay entirely true to the source material, by cramming nearly 70 episodes of the anime into five live-action episodes, creating a feature length experience if seen in one sitting. And though it keeps out many aspects from the original. It manages to retain the fundamental essence of "Yu Yu Hakusho."

The decision to exclude certain elements was interesting as animes often involve lengthy story arcs and characters that don't easily transition to live action and instead of prolonging fights across many episodes, the series combines different story elements into one cohesive storyline, which works effectively, but feels rushed. But, with only 5 episodes there's isn't much room for more.

Visually the show is quite good, although there's a moment where the CGI reminded me of the fight scene between Neo and Agent Smith in "The Matrix," giving off a video game cutscene vibe. But, it still manages to be really cool. The "One Piece" live-action adaptation was a significant improvement in bringing some eccentric anime characters and fights into live action and "Yu Yu Hakusho" is no different. The characters, especially the villains, are well-designed, and the fight sequences are very well executed and choreographed. But, like many anime adaptations, it still carries a certain cringe factor that seems to be inevitable.

Overall, despite deviating from the source material, the live-action adaptation of "Yu Yu Hakusho" offers a pretty enjoyable experience for both newcomers and fans seeking a nostalgic journey. However, it's possible that more hardcore fans might not fully embrace the adaptation due to its differences. Either way, it's a step forward for anime adaptations!

I was waiting for this live action with fear, although Netflix seems to be hitting the same lately, it is not easy to adapt a shonen like this and with so little visibility beforehand.

It was a pleasant surprise to see that it has the soul and spirit of one of my favorite series.

The casting is excellent, the effects surprise at times due to their level, it is not easy to make CGI during the day and here it really looks very good. The plot goes straight to the punches, it is understandable by the fact that it is only 5 chapters but I think it is quite good.

Of course I would have liked a greater character development, Genkai for example is null in this adaptation but once again, it is understandable given the little time that was had in terms of chapters.

I sincerely hope it is renewed for a new season, if not I think it ends quite well.

A good live action for fans.