Yu Yu Hakusho

I have watched many anime but never heard of this anime and today I randomly started watching this live action series on Netflix and really I loved it.

As a newcomer to the "Yu Yu Hakusho" universe, I found the Netflix series to be a pleasant surprise. The live-action adaptation seamlessly blends captivating visual effects with emotionally charged storylines. The VFX work is impressive, bringing the supernatural elements to life in a way that complements the narrative without overshadowing it.

The series introduces a fresh perspective for those unfamiliar with the original anime, making it accessible to a broader audience. The storytelling is engaging, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonates with both seasoned fans and newcomers. The characters are well-portrayed, and the cast's performances contribute to the overall charm of the series.

In summary, the "Yu Yu Hakusho" Netflix series offers a compelling mix of VFX spectacle and heartfelt storytelling.

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.

The plot may be thin and felt so rushed up but the fights to me is just a fun ride. Great watch just for those action sequences. Kudos to the choreographer and the camera angles because they produced something so fluid and I can actually see how they "danced".

As for the story. When I heard that it would just be 5 episodes I didn't think it could do any good but I did try to keep hope up and well the plot line needs more work but I'm pleasantly surprised to find the whole thing watchable. They don't dig in deep but it's still easy to keep up. I do lament the lack of time to get to know more of some of the leads though.

The VFX bordering on uncanny is doable. I like the color gradient they chose. There wasn't any point where I went "TOO DARK" because I can actually see. They didn't hide the VFX under darkness and you know what. Kudos.

Warning: Bright flashing lights sequence in ep 1. Also had plenty of blood if you're queasy on that.

Yu Yu Hakusho's first episode sets a promising tone for the series, impressively capturing the essence of its original manga. The episode's lighting is a standout feature, with its use of darkness adding a layer of depth and intensity to the scenes. This is particularly evident during the fight sequences, where the lighting effectively enhances the action. The animation of the fighting scenes is remarkably smooth, showcasing fluid movements that keep the viewer engaged. This fluidity in combat sequences promises an exciting viewing experience, especially as the series progresses and the action intensifies.

Overall I liked the show, but unfortunately, as this was my first experience with the characters, having never read the manga or watched it, I felt it was severely lacking in character development. I could see how an avid fan might be a much bigger fan of the live action version but for me, when it came to the last episode I couldn't understand their emotions or drive and wasn't really invested. Generally I'm the that is completely taken over emotionally from stories like this but it just wasn't happening. Like I said before though, it was good, I did enjoy it, I wouldn't tell anyone it's not worth a watch, but maybe read the manga or watch the animated version before this one for more context on the backstory.