Random Thoughts.....What Are You Thinking?

Master Kogan has never forgotten that he would have been Sword Instructor to the Tokugawa Shogunate, but for one tiny social impropriety he was tricked into committing. This is an intense story that charts the decline and fall of the Kogan Sword School, led by its insane and evil Sensei. Sword skills border the supernatural--and these are portrayed deftly. The slightest difference in grip or timing is what wins duels, not leaping 3 stories or shooting fireballs. This is an amazing, deep and powerful series that tells a story at all levels, from the political machinations of high officials, down to the petty ranks of the Samurai class. Within the sword school, a rivalry between star students is fueled primarily by ambition, greed, pride and devotion to Bushido. There are no real heroes; everyone is ruthless, cold, twisted and calculating...and this is refreshingly honest and straightforward about the true nature of much of the Samurai class. There are no wandering do-gooders, no selfless acts, no respect whatever of women, peasants or other animals. Little evidence of love is portrayed between any of the couples, only devoted partnerships that are leveraged to achieve the goals shared by psychopaths and the emotionally catatonic. This tapestry is further embellished by secondary characters that are each distinct, unique, and driven by their individual motivations. When the stoic surface of Tokugawan society is lifted to reveal the darkness that writhes beneath, the various perversions can be stomach-turning to see. Hamazaki has left no stone unturned. Shigurui is sensual, brilliantly animated, artistic and brutal. I have trouble saying that I like it or enjoyed it, but the dark artistry of its compelling storyline is undeniable. Like watching ants devour a dying cicada, Shigurui is repellent, yet draws us to look closer. It is complex, subtle, mysterious, contradictory, artistic and aberrant; much like the era of the society which it portrays.