Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge

First of all, I am under the assumption that viewers interested to watch this movie have at least a little knowledge or background of the Hunter x Hunter franchise before watching. If not, it might be a little hard to completely get the best experience out of this. But at any rate, enough talk about interest and let's talk about the movie itself. For fans of the ongoing remake series as well as the original Hunter x Hunter, this should be a gift delivered early from Santa. The movie itself is called Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge. It is a side story rather thana prequel/sequel. For those who have seen the original series though (at least up to episode 58), there should be enough interest already because the series deals with what the synopsis mentions – the Phantom Troupe. In particular, a young boy with golden hair and scarlet eyes (Kurapika) plays the role of an avenger. He still holds a blood thirsty vengeance against the spiders. However at the same time, he seeks answers to what's happening in the present. It is also noticeable that the movie takes events after the actual Yorknew Arc from the original/remake series. Therefore, expect some surprises as we see old faces return but also new characters pop up. As for the movie goes, it offers a good balance of comedy and more of that darkness. In terms of comedy, perhaps the brotherly bond of Gon and Killua are the most noticeable. In fact, it is very clear that they share a strong friendship despite coming from very different backgrounds. Gon was raised from a normal family while the latter comes from a family of elite assassins. On the other hand, we also see a more in-depth past of Kurapika. His brotherly bond with a new character in the series can be mirrored with Gon/Killua. In essence, both of their relationships are tied by trust with great values. Additionally, they are even joined together by a new comrade along the way. It's an adventure tale all over again and one that fans of HxH must see. The plot itself follows as the premise goes although with certain twists. For instance, we see the Phantom Troupe return but in a different way especially in regards of a particular character. Then, there's also the story involving Kurapika and his old teammate whom he once trusted with his life. There are plenty of foreshadowing going on. In particular, some of the little important scenes are shot with more depth in term of music and artwork. Then, there's some of the intertwined arcs where our main characters gets involved with events related to the spiders. They encounter familiar faces while also facing off against a new threat. Epic is also misused word. If I would used the word epic, I would describe the majority of the movie as such whether it's from the fights, the dialogues, the comedy/darkness, or just a mere character. However, this movie can be summed up with such a single word at several stances. The action scenes are pretty fluid. Most of the are quick paced that combines both physical and psychological aspects. That's also one of the strong points in Hunter x Hunter. The franchise makes usage of the fights to incorporate it into more of a psychological mind game at many instances. In this movie, these mind games comes to fruition especially into the head of Killua. The concept of vengeance, betrayal, and struggle are packaged together that brings out the entertainment at its finest. Even the Phantom Troupe tastes some of that in particular of a member whom once shared a strong bond with. Despite of the action scenes being well performed, some of them are a bit too quick paced and old fashioned. It would have been better to see some new techniques from the Phantom Troupe but most of them are still what they are. Perhaps it's because they are in a different form that they lack their true power. But at any rate, it's nice to see some of them back again in action mode. As for characterization goes, the main characters make their stance and presence well known. Obviously, the main focus of the film focuses on Kurapika but it's also nice to see Killua and his side shine when he faces his struggles. Then of course, Hisoka makes his stances with the way he talks and walks. Furthermore, we even see Leorio playing more of a direct role. Considering his lesser screen time during the Yorknew Arc, it's actually refreshing to see his character shine more so. Indeed, the four main characters functions well as a team and together, they take on any challenge they face together. Visual wise, the series maintains its composure and balance just as well as the remake of Hunter x Hunter. The beautiful landscapes and cities are designed to give off that adventure like feeling. The Phantom Troupe displays their ferocity with their stances. Then, there's are the comedic and lighter toned artwork during the more humorous scenes. As even more so, a particular character gets dressed different for the first time in a way they feel different. The artwork makes the movie somewhat memorable although nothing spectacular. It doesn't incorporate the usage of CGI so expect fluid scenes but again, nothing considered a masterpiece in the arts department. As for the soundtrack, Hunter x Hunter have been criticized in the past before for its orchestra. In this movie, it reuses some of the OST from the remake. However, it does fit within the series quite well. The VA who plays their roles in this series also did their job well. In particular, Hisoka and Retz's voice tones should be praised for their performance especially for the latter. Considering Retz's gender, the voice of its character must seem to be ambiguous and Hirano Aya portrayed her part quite well. The overall OST is above average but not earth-shattering by technical standards. All in all, Hunter x Hunter Phantom Rouge is a gift for the fans. Obviously, this gift can be opened and enjoyed by different standards. For me though, I was quite satisfied with the results. If you're a fan of the Yorknew Arc, this is definitely something to keep an eye on. The way it incorporates the usage of its characters again show that the A-class band of thieves is still around. At the time of this movie was being aired, the Yorknew Arc was just reaching its conclusion but we still can't forget about the spiders, can we?

Hunter X Hunter is a series known to many people especially to shonen fans. It's one of those shonen anime that proved that the mainstream shonen genre can also be intelligent yet exciting. Hunter X Hunter has been serialized for a decade now and spawned two anime adaptations, one being a remake. As the popularity of the series rises again because of the remake, the series finally now have a film that many hunter x hunter fans would be excited about. Is this movie worth the hype for us fans? Let's check it out. Hunter X Hunter phantom rouge is about Kurapika one of the maincharacters of the series who wants to take vengeance against The Phantom troupe. A notorious group of criminals whom have massacred kurapika's entire clan, the Kurta clan. Although in search for the troupe and for the eyes of his comrades which is said to be stolen by the the troupe, Kurapika's eyes has been stolen by a another surviving member of the Kurta clan. The whole film's story revolved for kurapika regaining his eyes so to speak. Many of the fans would expect that Kurapika would have the spotlight in this film although the film mostly revolved to both Gon and Killua. Killua probably had the most characterization in this film as he can't still forget his dark past as an assassin and his brother Illumi's word that in the end he would kill his own friend. As weird as it is, this have become one of the most focusing theme in the whole film. Gon is still the typical naive but lovable kid we mostly get to see in the TV series and so he didn't get any development in this film at all. Kurapika is still the same as ever and we did get some background during his childhood along with his blind friend pairo who would only serve as a plot device in this film. Leorio, probably the most forgettable protagonist out of the four, is still forgettable in this movie as usual. He is just there to help his friends and nothing else. Barely any development and didn't even get any spotlight in the fights in the movie. We are introduced to two new characters in this film. Of course, that would be the former number four of the troupe, Omokage who is known as the master puppet god and Rentz, a beautiful girl who is pretends to be a boy. I have to say that i was pretty disappointed at Omokage. Most of Yoshihiro Togashi's villains are all top notch in characterization but here, Omokage comes up to me as only a one-dimensional villain. I also feel that his presence as a villain is unintimidating and underwhelming. Rentz on the other hand interests me and finally a girl who is the same as Gon and Killua's age who is beautiful. She had the potential to be a great character although i feel that her potential has been wasted due to poor execution. Hisoka and some of the notable members of the phantom troupe are here such as Machi and Nobunaga and are badass as usual but had barely any screen time at all which probably also one of my main gripes in this film. So if you're expecting a good phantom troupe awesomeness, i am sorry but you will be disappointed. If this film have only focus more on Kurapika and his relationship with the Kurta clan then i think this movie would have been better. They could also make Leorio to have some spotlight in this film. We always get to see Gon and Killua in the TV series so honestly why focus on them especially Killua? It really felt out of place to be honest. Hunter X Hunter is also known for having smart and analytical fights. The fights in this movie are mediocre compared to the TV series itself. The fights may entertain a bunch of people but to me i find it boring compared to the TV series. The animation and visual is still the same as the TV series only much smoother in some cases. Nothing spectacular about to be honest and i think it could have been way better considering this is Madhouse. This nothing like the original Fullmetal alchemist where the already good visuals was upgraded higher in it's movie Conqueror's of shamballa. One of my main gripes in the Remake is the soundtrack. It pales in comparison when it comes to the 1999 TV series. Not saying that the soundtrack is that bad, but mediocre when it comes to it's another anime adaptation. Why am i talking about the TV series soundtracks? Because most of the soundtracks in the TV series are also in the film with some new ones with guitar metal madhouse style OST. In the end Hunter X Hunter: Phantom rouge is a pretty okay film but it's definitely underwhelming. Out of Naruto: Road to Ninja, One Piece Film Z and this, i feel this is the weakest. Most people would probably be disappointed in this film but then again die-hard Hunter X Hunter fans will probably also gonna enjoy this film. I also did enjoyed this film but not that really much that i sometimes wants to sleep into most of the fight scenes. The pacing are fine and i didn't noticed much problem with it. But still, if you are a fan of the TV series and really like it, i'd say go and still give this movie a try and decide for yourself.

This movie made me excited the first time I've heard of it. I expected too much especially I faithfully followed Hunter X Hunter 2011. I kind of got disappointed because I gained ONLY 2 THINGS out of watching this. I decided to score it 7. NOTES: 1. Even though the movie is out of the scrapped chapter made by the mangaka Togashi, the movie has successfully made it seem connected to the show. 2. The setting and plot starts after Yorkshin Arc but before Greed Island Arc. 3. IF YOU JUST WANT TO WATCH IT TO KNOW ABOUT THE BENEFITS I WILL MENTION LATER, you better just readthe manga's special chapter for Kurapika, it's more complete. Just research about Phantom Troupe #4 Omokage if you're interested. And just continue watching the series. STORY: It's somehow acceptable but lacks excitement and very little to expect. ART: Same as usual. Some skills like Chrollo's Indoor Fish used higher quality graphics but it feels like the one in the TV series is better. SOUND: They use the same as what they use in TV series. CHARACTER: Their personality is being exaggerated or less firm than in the TV series. ENJOYMENT: I leave the decision to you after you read everything I think here. BENEFITS: 1. The movie features the past of Kurapika. But I could say only 99%. 2. The movie features the Phantom Troupe member #4, the one replaced by Hisoka. FLAWS: 1. The rest of the plot seems to be dry. 2. Killua's personality sufferings is there but it seems to be not the Killua you know. I think you better watch Chimera Ant Arc of Hunter X Hunter 2011 if you wanna see the real Killua. 3. Gon in the entire anime and manga series is shown as someone who gets fired up especially when he has a hard time fighting but in the movie, you can barely see this fire. 4. You don't have something to expect about the other Phantom Troupe. This might not have passed the standards of fans out there including myself, but I'll still look forward for the 2nd movie "Hunter X Hunter: The Last Mission". Hunter X Hunter 2011 series still continues to give us the thrill and the art of fighting with strategies and also the emotional meaning of life. So let's still continue supporting Hunter X Hunter 2011.

Anime movies can usually never hold a candle to their series counterpart. Phantom Rouge, the first movie of the Hunter x Hunter franchise, is no exception. Chronologically, this film takes place immediately after the Yorknew/Phantom Troupe Arc. So before watching this film, be sure to have finished the Yorknew/Phantom Troupe Arc of Hunter x Hunter as this movie pulls from the fact that the viewer has an idea of the characters in that arc and the events that had happened. With Phantom Rouge's premise of Kurapika's eyes being "stolen" and the involvement of the Phantom Troupe, Phantom Rouge had a lot of potential to createa very interesting and unique spin-off of the popular Yorknew/Phantom Troupe Arc. However, it follows a simple and predictable formula that relies mostly on action sequences. Although action is not a bad thing by itself, action sequences in movies usually come with deus ex machina that stunt the storytelling. The potential mystery and thrill that the movie sets up also disappear because of conveniently placed plot devices or in other words, the anime original characters. While the mains are all fine, as Killua gets quite a bit of development, Kurapika gets some backstory, and Gon and Leorio's personalities and behaviors are consistent with the main series, the two new characters introduced, Retz and Omokage, are underdeveloped and underwhelming. In the movie’s 1 hour and 37 minutes, only around 45 minutes were dedicated to Retz or Omokage total. Considering that Omokage is a previous member of the Phantom Troupe, he is expected to be intimidating like the rest of the Spiders but he feels like a stock villain that lacks all the development that the rest of the Phantom Troupe members have. Retz too, could have been an interesting character with very intriguing interactions with Gon and Killua if she was given the time and chance to develop, but as it is, she is just a device to help move the plot forward. Several inconsistencies also pull the movie back. For instance, characters triumph in battles they would never win in the main series because of their lack of experience/Nen knowledge/power. Hunter x Hunter is known to be a smart battle shounen, but the movie throws away the logic and strategies that are used in the series for more mainstream fights. It isn't horrid by any means as the animation is very fluid and well choreographed but the movie loses some of the Hunter x Hunter magic. The motivational speeches throughout the movie are also elements that would never be included in the main series, which makes some of the interactions between characters seem quite forced and unnatural. Despite the movie's undoings, the superb sound helps the stunted plot and along with the smooth animation, brings the story and characters to life. Some soundtracks like The Red-Eyed Monster and Way to the Town are variations of OSTs that were used before but they are given a kind of flare that makes them sound novel and fresh. Meanwhile, many of the soundtracks such as The Emperor's Time, To Give a Marionette Life, and most notably, Reason (instrumental and original) are used again in the main series without ever tiring. Considering where the Hunter x Hunter series is now, this movie was a refreshing watch because Kurapika and Leorio haven’t really appeared since the Yorknew Arc and won’t for a long time. Unfortunately, the two of them are put in the backseat as most of the movie is focused on Gon and Killua and their friendship. Nonetheless, it’s good to see Kurapika and Leorio again, and even Hisoka and the Phantom Troupe. Gon and Killua’s interactions with each other are still very nice to watch too, albeit somewhat redundant. Overall, more Hunter x Hunter is always welcome since it’s a franchise that deserves it; however, when the producers continue to make Hunter x Hunter movies (which a second movie has already been announced), they would need to do better to keep the quality of their movies consistent with the series. To conclude, Phantom Rouge is an okay watch, it's nothing spectacular but it's still probably worth your time if you like Hunter x Hunter. I hope my first review helped, if not, please tell me why. Thanks for reading.