My thoughts on Hanaoni/ Battle of demons/ 華鬼×神無編
So, I watched this movie for the first time when I was in junior high (mind I’m 22 now). And I was amazed by it. Yes, it’s cringe but do I love clingy things? HELL YEAH!
It’s a pretty unknown movie, to be honest. For me, it radiates the same energy as twilight (the first movie I mean). It has this weird filter on so you can feel the intensity.
The story moves us with Kanna, a 16yo girl who is sexually harassed by men and despised by women her whole life. That’s also the case with her mother (which is so so so sad). At her 16th birthday some guy shows up and takes her with him to some school in the mountains to marry some other weird guy (who is the source of her sadness), she wants to escape and so on.
I don’t want to describe the whole story for 1st, 2nd nor 3rd part. What I recommend is to watch all 3 of them one after the other because they are connected closely.
What I like
I actually liked acting. Some people say that it was boring and unnatural, and Kanna was so emotionless. I mean come on, she was constantly assaulted and almost raped SO MANY TIMES. If you think that you would be acting normal after that, you are wrong. Liked the actors and their acting.
I liked the clear line who is good who is bad (maybe not in 3rd part). But it was easy to follow.
Ever since I was a kid I loved the idea of other creatures living among us, but since they are the same we wouldn't know (and damn it was real).
Music was fitting like a glow.
Even though it was shot in 2009 I still can kinda see it happening now.
It is not a comedy, so don't expect it to be is way too dark for it, so many scenes were just brutal.
I liked a lot of cinematography, I’m a sucker for that so yup.
Visuals were straight out of the manga, and so were the characters so no complaints for that.
The story was ok (but more in what I don’t like).
I actually liked the fact that 3 parts are about different couples, though I was a bit disappointed at first as Kanna and Kitos’ story was my favorite.
What I don’t like
Budget. It was cheap and you can see that.
Story cuts. I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED AT THE 1ST PART ENDING LIKE COME ON.
Sometimes plot was boring, sometimes not.
I wished there was a continuation. And I believe there supposed to be one (looking back at 3rd part ending).
I hated how all people were saying that Kanna was ugly. I’M SORRY SHE WAS THE PRETTIEST OF THEM ALL.
it's confusing. For many people it will be to cringy and too cheep but that’s preference.
So now, what’s the difference between demon and human-being apart for longevity, I see none and wish it would have had a better explanation.
A bit more introduction to the whole marks system would be perfect too. I mean I guess the stronger you are the most appealing the mark it. But how and why some of them felt for it some not. That’s weird. And if you have more than one mark how they disappear.
The whole guardian thing with ‘If you don't want to be with him, be with me’ BRO THAT’S JUST WRONG.
OK, WHO THE F EVEN KITO IS, like please more details about the role.
So to end things. I liked it. Some will not enjoy it. But I recommend watching all three parts before complaining. For me, the perfect thing would be a remake - with a better budget, younger actors, and more story (4 movies with normal length would be fine). Personally 2nd part was my least favorite one and the first one was the best (but my friend liked 2nd the best so it depends). If you’re into that horror-romance fling go for it.
And yes I’m judging only movie. I’ve never played the game I guess probably because of the game they never made a proper ending.