Yoshiro Togashi Hunter x Hunter is known for its complex plot and subversion of shonen tropes, making it one of the most timeless stories in the genre. The 2011 Madhouse adaptation does justice to Togashi’s story and artwork, leaving its audience craving more. Phantom Rouge is the first of two Hunter x Hunter films, and while it looks like HXH, It lacks the quality of storytelling and emotional payoff characteristic of the series. Non-canonical anime films are a great entry point into established franchises, however Phantom Rouge does a terrible job of distilling Togashi’s brilliance into its 97-minute runtime.
Hunter x Hunter Tells the story of a world inhabited by strange animals and monsters, where the Hunter Society regulates the strongest members of society, such as adventurers Gon and Kurapika, the main protagonists of the series. Phantom Rouge Focuses on Kurapika’s revenge mission against the Phantom TroopA group of powerful N users massacred his entire village, treading ground already covered in the anime’s New York City arc. Unfortunately, the result is a cluttered mess of contrived plot conveniences and hollow character development that neither benefits newcomers nor satisfies Hunter x Hunter Fans.
The first Hunter X Hunter film is a pale imitation of the series
Hunter X Hunter’s scope is too broad for a limited runtime
Pacing is critical to balance Hunter x Huntr’s lengthy explanations of the mechanics of Nen with the awesome displays of power the characters show once they’ve mastered it. Where a film adaptation like Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone) Benefits of condensing and streamlining the story to introduce an audience to its unique world, Phantom Rouge Buckles under the weight of its lore and tries to serve too many characters and plot points of the series. What’s worse is that the film doesn’t improve on the plot points and emotional beats it does.
Someone stole Kurapia’s eyes – and according to him, this is another survivor of his clan, whose members died for their scarlet eyes! Gon and Killua begin to investigate on his behalf, but shortly after they begin, the Phantom Troop appears! – VIZ Media
The film’s inspiration is derived from an unpublished story Togashi wrote years earlierAnd the inclusion of Retsu, Omokage and his soul dolls are original characters and concepts for the movie. Neither Retsu nor Omokage are compelling additions to the cast, and the former’s ability to create soul puppet copies of the Phantom Troupe to do his bidding comes as wish fulfillment. Gon and Killua face off against Uvogin, who is Kurapika’s first victim during his revenge mission against the Spiders during the York New City arc, but the match-up doesn’t hold the same emotional weight. Bringing back a soulless copy of such a pivotal character does not sit well with the audience, and neither does Uvogin’s best friend, Nobunaga, who decapitates the soul doll.
Phantom Rouge is somehow both overstuffed and empty
Kurapika’s feature film is all style, no substance
The opening “Hunterpedia” segment of the movie is absolutely necessary to prime the audience for what’s to come, because Phantom Rouge Splits his focus between Kurapika’s quest to recover his eyes, and Killua’s overprotective brother, Illumi, shielding him from danger through mind-control. Not only is the last plot point borrowed from the main canon, it lacks the emotional resonance that the series achieves by giving the story time to breathe and evolve naturally. most difficult, The film’s use of soul puppet copies introduces too many characters with no consequences for whether they live or die.
What’s interesting about Phantom Rouge Is how the animation quality falters compared to the anime series. Typically, feature-length anime films have a higher budget and an extended production timeline, resulting in a more polished version of the world.Like the original trilogy of Sailor Moon films. Phantom RougeThe character models are a bit off and at times appear distorted, but the real downfall of the movie is the lighting. Many extended set pieces are shrouded in darkness, set at night during a heavy rainstorm, or bathed in an inexplicable soft glow that usually suggests a dream or flashback sequence.
Hunter X Hunter’s Return from Hiatus signals more to come
Togashi’s iconic manga is back after a two-year hiatus
Hunter x Hunters manga series experiences extended breaks, sometimes years-long, due to Togashi’s medical leave. During the production of Phantom RougeTogashi returned from an excursion to produce a two-part prequel that chronicles Kurapika’s origin story, which forms the basis for the film’s opening, and is easily the movie’s strongest section. Shawn Jump recently agreed to release the chapters as they were finished, rather than force Togashi to adhere to the demanding schedules imposed by the manga industry, which promises a more consistent stream of Hunter x Hunter Content.
While the 2011 anime ends with the Hunter x Hunter S 13th Chairman Election Arc, the manga continues the adventure with the highly anticipated showdown between Chrollo and Hisoka, an expedition to the forbidden Dark Continent led by former Chairman Netero’s son, and war of succession between the princesses of the Kakin Empire. These storylines have sparked speculation of a revival of the Madhouse series, or feature-length films, and With Togashi’s source material to work from, the results are likely to far exceed Phantom Rouge and its sequel, Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission.