Basilisk

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  • TV-MA
  • 2007
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.8  (4,270)

Basilisk is an anime series that premiered in 2005 on IFC. The show is based on a Japanese novel entitled "The Kouga Ninja Scrolls" by Futaro Yamada. The novel tells the tale of two rival ninja clans known as the Kouga and the Iga. The series follows in their footsteps and tells the story of these two clans who have been at war with each other for over 400 years. The war began when the Shogun was unable to decide which of the two clans to entrust with his scrolls, and therefore, he tasked the two clans with battling it out to determine which clan would be worthy enough to receive his trust.

The show is set in the 17th century, during Japan's feudal period. The clans' warfare is intertwined with a forbidden love story between the Kouga's Gennosuke and the Iga's Oboro. The two are trapped in the middle of a political situation that has been handed down to them through their ancestors, who have been at feud with each other for centuries.

The series shows a lot of violence, and there are multiple gruesome deaths throughout the episodes. However, the fighting sequences are beautifully choreographed and aesthetically appealing. The ninja clan members are skilled in various combat techniques, and their fighting moves are well thought out and executed brilliantly.

The voice actors for the characters did an excellent job of bringing them to life. Nana Mizuki, who portrays the character of Oboro, is a talented voice actor who brings depth and emotion to her character. Risa Hayamizu, who portrays the character of Hyouma Muroga, is excellent at giving her character a menacing and eerie aura, while Yasushi Miyabayashi, who portrays the character of Gennosuke, is fantastic at conveying his emotions through his voice.

The show's storyline is well-crafted and keeps the viewers engaged through its entirety. It uses flashbacks to provide insight into the motives behind the characters' actions, which helps link the story together in a very satisfactory way. The use of symbolism in the show is also very prominent and adds an element of depth to the plot.

The animation is a mixture of 2D and 3D, which compliments the show's fighting scenes quite well. The landscapes and backgrounds are also finely detailed and accurately depict Japan's feudal period.

The series portrays a lot of emotional undertones through its characters, which the audience may find relatable. The characters are not one-dimensional, and each has their strengths and weaknesses. The show explores each character's psyche, and at times, it can be quite difficult to determine which character to root for.

The show's intro and outro theme music are well suited to the show's dark and intense nature. The intro music, "Heart of Sword," by T.M. Revolution, is fast-paced and captivating, while the outro music, "Wild Eyes," by Nana Mizuki, is mellow and calming.

In conclusion, Basilisk is an impressive show that has a lot to offer. The storyline is compelling, and the characters are well-rounded and contribute a great deal to the plot. The animation is high quality, and the soundtrack is on par with the series' tone. However, due to its violent and bloody nature, it may not be suitable for younger audiences. Overall, the show is an excellent watch and a must-see for fans of action-packed anime.

Basilisk is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (48 episodes). The series first aired on January 5, 2007.

Basilisk
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Seasons
The Cherry Blossoms Bloom
24. The Cherry Blossoms Bloom
June 19, 2018
In a parallel world, Hibiki and Hachirou face off with the Joujinshuu one final time. The Joujinshuu are caught off guard and overwhelmed, but Joujin still has a final trick up his sleeve: a deep connection to a powerful, hidden ninja.
The Cherry Blossoms Scatter
23. The Cherry Blossoms Scatter
June 12, 2018
Nobunaga revives, only to quickly die again. Then Hibiki and Hachirou are trapped in a bizarre space created by the Joujinshuu's techniques. When they escape, they find themselves in a parallel world.
The Demon Revives
22. The Demon Revives
October 4, 2022
Kujaku's secret is revealed as Joujin meets a grisly end, and the Demon King Nobunaga revives.
Remembrance Must Fade
21. Remembrance Must Fade
May 29, 2018
The ninjas make their way up Murakumo castle, but they're stopped by Neirichiou. He's still alive, and he wants them dead.
We Must See the Lotus Flowers Together
20. We Must See the Lotus Flowers Together
May 22, 2018
Saizou is dead, but his sacrifice has allowed the ninjas to proceed into Murakumo at last. But even greater threats await them inside.
100 Eyes See Their Destiny
19. 100 Eyes See Their Destiny
May 14, 2018
Hachirou enters the castle at last, as Saizou falls victim to Yasha Itaru's Destiny's Passage.
The Cherry Blossoms Must Fall
18. The Cherry Blossoms Must Fall
May 8, 2018
Hadaebou's attempt to retrieve Tadanaga from Mukakumo Castle does not go as planned. Hachirou appears before the gathered ninjas of Kouga and Iga, faced with an enemy he cannot defeat alone.
Everyone Gathers at the Battlefield
17. Everyone Gathers at the Battlefield
May 1, 2018
Tenkai's servant infiltrates Murakumo Castle with a mission: to bring Tadanaga back or to kill him if he refuses to leave.
The Massive Castle Rumbles
16. The Massive Castle Rumbles
October 4, 2022
Murakumo is back! Now the castle is on wheels and it's slowly heading towards Edo. The ninjas try to break in as Hachirou attempts to flee.
The Shielding Eye Is Deceived
15. The Shielding Eye Is Deceived
April 17, 2018
The Murakumo castle has vanished without a trace, and it seems as if the Joujinshuu have disappeared. The ninjas return to their normal lives, but is everything really over?
Murakumo Must Be Destroyed
14. Murakumo Must Be Destroyed
April 10, 2018
Hadaebou infiltrates Murakumo castle, where he attempts to kill the Lord of Suruga. Joujin tries to get Hachirou and Hibiki to join forces with him.
Utsutsu Dreams of Hell
13. Utsutsu Dreams of Hell
April 3, 2018
The assault on Murakumo continues as Utsutsu's terrible past, and the origin of her techniques, is revealed.
The Wind Blows Through the Pines
12. The Wind Blows Through the Pines
March 27, 2018
The assault on the Murakumo castle has begun, and the first task is to draw away the troops surrounding it. Rui and Shichigen attempt an assault, but the enemy has prepared for their techniques...
Like a Rhinoceros
11. Like a Rhinoceros
March 20, 2018
As the ninjas prepare for an assault on the castle, Shikibu's armor breaks. Gorone attempts to repair it, but he's vulnerable when he's not wearing it. Then an enemy attacks, and separates him from the group...
The Heavenly Robe Sees Carnage
10. The Heavenly Robe Sees Carnage
March 13, 2018
The local daimyo stages an attack on the Joujinshuu's Murakumo castle. As their massive army is annihilated by the Murakumo's cannons, Tenkai realizes only ninjas can destroy the castle...
The Butterfly Dances
9. The Butterfly Dances
October 4, 2022
Hachirou is determined to slay Joujin and his Joujinshuu, but Joujin has deeper plans for the Lord of Suruga than he'd thought.
Advent of Joujin
8. Advent of Joujin
October 4, 2022
Summary is not available.
Tadanaga's Change of Heart
7. Tadanaga's Change of Heart
October 4, 2022
As the black castle towers in the forest near the tea stand, Hachirou is called to meet Tadanaga, where he learns the truth about Tadanaga's thoughts during the incident four years ago.
Evil Clouds Begin to Stir
6. Evil Clouds Begin to Stir
February 13, 2018
Many years have passed. The surviving ninjas are in hiding, and Hachirou has disappeared. The Joujinshuu have yet to return, but can these days of relative peace last forever?
The Cherry Blossoms Run Mad
5. The Cherry Blossoms Run Mad
February 6, 2018
The Joujinshuu continue to cut a swath through the ninja, and Hachirou himself is forced to join the fray.
The Joujinshuu Appear
4. The Joujinshuu Appear
January 29, 2018
The slaughter of the Iga and Kouga continues as the Joujinshuu cut a swath through the Five Flowers. Who are they, and what do they want?
The Kouga Must Die
3. The Kouga Must Die
January 23, 2018
A dark force descends upon the Five Treasures as they are attacked by a mysterious ninja... or is he a ninja at all?
The Five Treasures Have Arrived
2. The Five Treasures Have Arrived
October 4, 2022
Hachirou wants to leave the ninja village and start a new life. He and Hibiki are destined never to be together, and he's terrified of their powers. But the war between the Kouga and Iga may not yet be over...
The Cherry Blossoms Have Fallen
1. The Cherry Blossoms Have Fallen
January 9, 2018
A decade after the destruction of the Kouga and Iga ninja clans, only two survivors remain in a hidden village. But fate isn't done with the ninjas yet...
Description
Where to Watch Basilisk
Basilisk is available for streaming on the IFC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Basilisk on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Apple TV and Crunchyroll.
  • Premiere Date
    January 5, 2007
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (4,270)