Mouryou no Hako (2009)

Type: Detective, Psychological, Supernatural, Seinen
Year: 2009
Studio: Madhouse
Overall Rating: 4.16
Reccomendation: Must Watch
Episode Recaps: Introduction, 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-13

Covering Eve no Jikan together with Mouryou no Hako back-to-back was tough, when both series appeared last fall. I had to go heavy on screencapping for both series, Eve no Jikan for its superior animation, Mouryou no Hako, in order not to miss any of the plot details. But Mouryou no Hako is one of my comparatively highly-rated series due to its original combination of supernatural with detective. Surprisingly, the detective reasoning remains clear and unclouded by use of supernatural concepts, which contributes to the story on a more symbolic and thematic level.

Ratings Breakdown:
Visuals: 4.0
Music: 4.0
Once again, visuals and music are not the boast of the series, there are much deeper things to be concerned about. But the soundtrack for the series deserves a special mention. There are 2 basic tracks which are continuously featured throughout the series, one underscoring creepy encounters, the other with a melancholic sound. I found it amazing how the mood changes when you simply switch between these two tracks. The series also uses a special sound effect — the twinkle of the windchime to symbolize something — a change of mood? a change in mise-en-scene? coming to the realization of something important?

Setting: 3.8
The story is set in post-war Showa- Japan. This is an excuse for the author to weave in a large amout of supernatural explanations, with some implausible scientific theories, which all contributes to the themes in some way. One interesting thing I noted, was the frank acknowledgement of Japanese war-time atrocities, and inclusion of true events such as the clairvoyant experiment of Mifune Chizuko. As the story unfolds, there is a sense of firm realism amidst all the horror and supernatural spectres.

Plot: 5.0
The main plot itself is simple and straightfoward enough, but because the story is so highly symbolic and layered, it becomes difficult to tell fantasy and truth apart. At first glance, this is a difficult story to digest and understand, but its one of the stories which you can read/ watch many times over, yet arrive at a new realisaion each time you read it.

Characters: 4.0
Some reviewers complained that interesting characters did not get enough screentime. This is absolutely true. Kyougoku-dou and sister Atsuko Chuzenji, private detective Enoukizu Reijiro, even our main protagonist himself Sekiguchi, did not get much character development, because they were treated as a plot devices that propels the narrative forward. Yet, each of them are unique and memorable in their own ways, so I rated them highly. The only drawback is how character development is sacrificed in favor of larger themes.