Dororo

The 2007 movie, Dororo, is a thrilling action-adventure film hailing from Japan. It is an inventive and stylistic adaptation of "Dororo," a well-loved manga series by Tezuka Osamu, often proclaimed as the "godfather of anime". The film presents a fascinating blend of supernatural, samurai and horror themes, combining them into a mesmerizing exploration of good versus evil under director Akihiko Shiota's guidance.

The primary protagonist of the movie is Hyakkimaru, portrayed masterfully by the talented Satoshi Tsumabuki. The story enfolds a sordid tale of his birth. In thirst for power, Hyakkimaru's father, Kagemitsu Daigo (Kiichi Nakai), makes a pact with 48 sealed demons: in return for power, the demons can each take a piece of his unborn child. The result is a child born without limbs, nose, eyes, or skin. However, rather than die, the child is rescued by a kindly, if not a little eccentric, medicine man who outfits the infant with artificial body parts.

The tale truly begins when the eponymous Dororo, played enthusiastically by Ko Shibasaki, a scrappy and determined female thief, encounters a now grown-up, deadly Hyakkimaru, who, despite his artificial body, is a formidable swordsman who harbors a deep-set desire to regain his original body parts. A body that can only be regained upon the defeat of each of the 48 demons that claimed them.

What sets "Dororo" apart is the unique premise of its story. It deftly weaves a narrative around samurai lore, horror elements, and comic relief. Each demon that Hyakkimaru faces differs significantly from the last, resulting in progressively inventive and thrilling battle sequences.

Its character development is unarguably among its greatest strengths. The biographical journey of Hyakkimaru from a cursed birth to a warrior on a demon slaying quest is crafted beautifully. The relationship between Hyakkimaru and Dororo presents interesting questions about humanity, companionship and what it means to be human, adding much-needed depth to an action-packed premise with moving scenes and passionate performances.

Moreover, the film's historical context adds layers of richness to the plot. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Sengoku period, it reflects on themes of power and authority, exploring the human consequences of an insatiable lust for power.

In addition, the film's production values deserve praise. The rich, vibrant colors, dynamic cinematography, and creative set designs create an atmospheric setting that switches effortlessly between somber, eerie, and lively moods. The special effects and CGI work utilized for the demon creatures and Hyakkimaru’s prosthetic body parts are commendable for its time, enhancing the film's visual appeal.

As for the performance, Satoshi Tsumabuki as Hyakkimaru portrays a tormented and socially detached hero with finesse, beautifully depicting his tragic life and unyielding resolve. In contrast, Ko Shabasaki's Dororo offers a lighter, comical performance. Her lovable rogue provides the narrative with its funniest moments and serves as an effective foil for Hyakkimaru’s seriousness. Kiichi Nakai as Kagemitsu Daigo manages to bring depth to the archetype of a power-hungry samurai lord, presenting a nuanced figure driven to doom by his avarice.

Inescapably, the movie grapples with a few pacing issues, and the melange of genres may sometimes feel cluttered in execution. Besides, the runtime may feel a bit stretched out, focusing on episodic demon battles that might feel repetitive.

Despite this, "Dororo" stands as a well-crafted live-action representation of Tezuka Osamu's original work, offering an intense and emotional journey laden with supernatural elements, sword fights, and historical intrigue. It encapsulates an excellent mix of action, humor, and sentiment, drawing audience members into its absorbing world.

Overall, Dororo is an accessible entryway into the world of Japanese live-action fantasy films, and a must-watch for fans of the original 'Dororo' manga and of Japanese cinema in general. It holds the capacity to engage and entertain audiences with its unique storyline, exciting fight sequences, emotional depth, and visually striking world, making it a worthy watch.