Bleach (2018) Movie Review

 

Bleach (Original title: Bleach: Burîchu) | 2018 | 1h 48m

Genre: Action/Fantasy/Adventure | Country: Japan

Director: Shinsuke Satô | Writers: Tite Kubo, Shinsuke Satô, Daisuke Habara

Cast: Sôta Fukushi, Hana Sugisaki, Ryô Yoshizawa

IMDB: 6.3

My Rate: 7/10

Ichigo, who can see astral beings, must confront Hollows and become a substitute Soul Reaper after Rukia inadvertently transfers all her powers to him.

Warning:

Contains violence and strong language.

 

Synopsis:

Ichigo (Sota Fukushi) possesses the ability to see spirits, a gift he's had since childhood. He lives with his father and two younger sisters. His mother died saving him from a malevolent spirit.

One night, Rukia (Hana Sugisaki) appears in his room. Ichigo initially mistakes her for another ghost, but she is a Soul Reaper hunting Hollows. Rukia is surprised that Ichigo can see her.

A Hollow attacks, taking one of Ichigo's sisters. Ichigo tries to save her, and Rukia helps fight the Hollow.  However, Rukia is severely injured and unable to continue fighting.  In desperation, she transfers her powers to Ichigo to defeat the Hollow.

Rukia unintentionally transfers all her power to Ichigo, leaving her powerless as a Soul Reaper. She attends Ichigo's school, intending to reclaim her powers, but Ichigo's energy levels are too low. Rukia attempts to train Ichigo.

Ichigo ignores her and is unconcerned about Rukia's condition until he learns she faces severe punishment if the power transfer is discovered.  He remembers failing to keep his promise to protect his mother and decides to protect Rukia and defeat the powerful Hollow that killed his mother.

Will Ichigo succeed in saving Rukia?

 

Review:

Bleach is a live-action adaptation of Tite Kubo's popular manga series of the same name. Adapting a famous manga into a live-action film is challenging. This film is reasonably successful, but many aspects could be improved to better capture the manga's essence.

The casting choices feel somewhat off. The manga's characters' auras are not well-represented in the film. For example, Ichigo, depicted in the manga as tall, muscular, and gangster-like, is not accurately portrayed. Rukia's aloof and cold demeanor is also lacking. The appearance and styling also seem sloppy, appearing strange.  Some details, like Ichigo's sword, differ from the manga.

Despite this, the acting is quite good, with strong interactions between the actors. The sound effects, music, and camera work are also well-done.

Unfortunately, the action scenes fall short of expectations. The fights are intense but lack the adrenaline-pumping quality. For instance, the final battle with the legendary Hollow, supposedly difficult to capture for 54 years, feels underwhelming. Nothing truly emphasizes this claim.

Ichigo's character development is also lacking. Ichigo, initially ordinary, undergoes intense training, culminating in breaking a bottle. His dialogue about restoring Rukia's power and defeating the final Hollow creates high expectations.  However, the film offers no surprises regarding Ichigo's abilities.

Overall, this film is watchable, with a clear storyline.  There is much potential for improvement. A sequel is warranted, but greater attention must be paid to meeting the expectations of manga fans.

 

Memorable Scene:

Ichigo commemorates his mother's death with his family. Rukia questions the importance of family ties. This scene reveals Rukia's loneliness and her growing attachment to Ichigo.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"I was protected again."

 
Ending:

Happy Ending

 
Recommendation:

Worth to watch

 

(Aluna)