Shiki

Those seeking action and quick resolutions I'd suggest skipping this, but anyone who enjoys a well crafted tale should really take the time to watch this.

The animation style is a bit dated, but it holds up pretty well.

Pros: Character depth Colors Human side of things Mood

Meh: Story

Cons: Plot holes Many important events to move the story happen off screen.

This anime is a strange one. The story itself is average and much if not most of it makes no sense. The plot holes are bigger than the plot, and i almost stopped watching it in middle because of that.

Nonetheless, the mood and music are nice, the story is slightly interesting, and not everything can be guessed with regard to what will happen next. The characters are drawn interestingly and with much color, so it's not boring to watch.

There is a human side to the story, and they take the time to develop many of the characters insofar as it is possible. That is the show's saving grace.

If you don't watch this anime, you won't be missing much. Conversely, if you do watch it, you probably won't regret it too much.

Shiki is a wonderful anime and manages to build suspense while also having a more slow-burn approach to horror. I have seen many horror anime/anime in general, and Shiki is one of the only ones where I find myself revisiting scenes or listening to the soundtrack regularly to relive it.

Shiki is a piece that treats Vampire Culture differently than you would expect in western cinematography, providing a deeper insight to personality afflicted by eternal living, and slowly pulling you inside a questioning of human soul and nature. Can you be corrupted life form that has usual wish to pursue happiness? Can you be "normal" life form, but still be cruel and evil, selfish and a beast? This is not just an anime about vampires, this is a piece that slams big questions about life in your face without hesitation. Are you a traitor if you cherish and accept every person as they are cut out to be, and why do we have to choose sides from the start of mankind's existence, determined to root-out everything we assume to be different from ourselves? Is it just the fear of death that turns us into animals, or it's life as we imagine it just a mask behind which a beast slumber...

Shiki will not provide answers, but it may make you think a bit deeper about human nature.

Out of all the vampire movies/TV shows I've seen in my years, this is the show that really made me ponder. Yes, they kill people. To live. That's it. There may be some who enjoy the hunt and eventually they do but to live is is their priority. And they made the point that it's no different than humans killing animals for food, and I can't argue with that. So what is evil? Wanting to live? In a way, when you think about it, we are vampires too. No food is ever given without taking a life. Animals, plants, and even our own people. Look at the Donner Pary, for example. This kind of reminds me of 'Salem's Lot and Interview with the Vampire; Vampires come to a quiet little village and some vampires don't always agree with the method or the sacrifice they have to make to survive, but they eventually become what they are. So after watching the whole series, who are we suppose to root for and who to blame, the humans or the vamps.

There are some scary scenes but mostly just visually. The voice acting is decent. There's some sad moments that actually surprised me; I didn't think those situations would hurt my heart. The music is haunting, beautiful and unforgettable. Shiki is one of my favorite anime and the perfect way to address the harsh realities of vampires and also relating to them. I hope it will have an impact on you because it did to me. Bigtime.