Yu Yu Hakusho (2023) - General Discussion

[Tenshinhan]

 

The Japanese live action Yu Yu Hakusho series from Netflix is set to premiere on December 14th worldwide.  Based on the popular manga/anime from author Yoshihiro Togashi.

 

 

Edited November 13, 2023 by Tenshinhan

[Spartan Girl]

Not sure if we needed this, but I loved the original anime show on Toonami, so what the hell?

[AnimeMania]

More people watch certain anime titles than watch those huge Netflix run away hits like Stranger Things and Squid Games. Netflix is trying to capture some of the people by making live-action versions of the extremely popular anime that the people are watching, hence you are getting live-action One Piece and Yu Yu Hakusho. If it keeps working, expect more soon.

[AnimeMania]

[Tenshinhan]

Looks like they are merging multiple arcs into one new storyline.  I like that they are going their own way with it.

The various Yokai designs all look cool.

[Spartan Girl]

Watched the first episode. They gave Yusuke a very Steve Harrington kind of look, which I’m not complaining about because he is pretty. As is Kuwabara, though I miss his pompadour. 

On 12/6/2023 at 5:24 AM, Tenshinhan said:

Looks like they are merging multiple arcs into one new storyline.  I like that they are going their own way with it.

The various Yokai designs all look cool.

While I’m glad they didn’t drag out his ghost arc, my Yusuke/Keiko shipping little heart is smarting that we didn’t get the revival kiss. Ah well.

[Spartan Girl]

I watched the rest of the episodes. Lmao I forgot what a dork Kuwabarra was over Yukina. I had a laugh when Hei, despite refusing to tell her that he’s her brother, warned Kuwabarra not to talk to her because he’ll corrupt her.

I wonder if this will get renewed.

[Tenshinhan]

I really enjoyed this.  There was a lot that worked and a lot that didn't work, but I would definitely watch more of it.

I love how faithful it is to the original series, while also going its own way.  I noticed right away that much of the dialogue was taken directly from the manga/anime.  Same with the visuals throughout.

The Yusuke/Keiko relationship was my favorite part.  The acting and writing definitely delivered in that area.

I liked Kuwabara's role in this and thought they got his characterization just right.  Hiei and Kurama I wasn't feeling so much, and Kurama's look *really* bothered me.  The Hiei actor really sounds just like his anime counterpart though.

I'm not sure about the decision to adapt the Dark Tournament in the way that they did.  I thought that in some ways it worked, but in other ways it didn't.  The Genkai/Toguro story feels rushed, and I'm not really sure why they decided to do it this way.  Maybe if it had been more like ten episodes instead of just five?

I liked what they did with the Sakyo character.  The actor was very good in the role and well written.  His scenes were all strong.  Toguro's actor was good, but needed more to work with (and better cgi!)  His older brother was really hamming it up though lol.  Also, kudos to the actor who played Tarukane the gambler.  He really embodied the role in such a small part.

I thought Botan/Koenma were both well done.  Also liked the Yukina actress.

The first two episodes and the last one were probably my favorites.  The final battle was emotional and I liked seeing the gang being friends together at the end.  Overall it was rushed but had a lot going for it so I hope it gets renewed, and with a higher episode count next time.  I can see them doing at least two more arcs.  There was a reference to Sensui in the first episode, and I'm wondering whether they might be saving some of the Dark Tournament contestants for a possible Demon Realm season later on.

Miscellaneous:

Nice easter egg with "Smile Bomb" playing on the truck driver's radio in the beginning.

The subtitles had some odd translations at times.  For example makaichuu (Demon World insects) are called "Roundworm Monsters" in the subs.  And whenever the characters refer to Genkai as baasan (a term for elderly women), the subtitles say "Master".  It's not really a big deal and I understand them taking certain liberties, but just something I noticed.

 

 

 

[Tenshinhan]

See Closed Captions for subtitles.

Edited December 27, 2023 by Tenshinhan