Beyond the Boundary Complete Collection
Released By: Animatsu
Rating: 15
Running Time: 129 Mins
Audio: Japanese 5.1 & English 5.1
Release Date:Out Now!
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes
Anime that appear to be mysterious might not be everyone's idea of the perfect watch, but its okay to give some anime series a chance and in this ones case it is worth it. Beyond the Boundary is in a modern day world where humans have their own world and one which they do not see, a form of spirit world full of Yomu. Yomu are a take on the Japanese yokai we are familiar with in anime like Naruto and xxxHolic.
Mirai is a new person to come to the village unaware of this other world and has to discover it on her own, like us the viewer have to. The story centers around Mirai and fellow Yomi hunter Akihiko, the difference with the two being Akihiko is half-human half-yomu. Mirai is human with the ability to use her blood against the enemy, much like Choji Suitengu from Speed Grapher. The two of them are considered outcasts as they have special powers though as they have got to know each other in the short time he has known her. A lot of this has mystery in it; nothing is what it seems, friendships, alliances and even the yomu themselves.
Elements of the story remind me of others I have watched over the years. Tokyo Ghoul is about a boy who slowly descends into becoming a flesh devouring zombie, Attack on Titan and Blood C. As a half-yomu, Akihiko has to control his inner nature if he wants to continue living as there are those around him who wouldn't hesitate to kill him.
The yomu are reflections on existing yokai from Japanese myth and as the most fairy tales in the world are from Japan , its no wonder they make a comeback here. The rokuro-kubi, the kappa are seen as frightening spirits that are part of the procession of a hundred demons. Once the villagers discover this other world, they want to fight back. With Akihiko being half-human he can only imagine how the other villagers think of him and their intent to kill him should they push the issue.
Beyond the Boundary is a serious story yet there is a good bit of humour that is enough to make you smile through the danger, fighting and heartache the two characters go through.
Summary: What we think we know, we don't - this proves it and is a great insight into another world.
This is an odd anime like Paprika and Darker Than Black, but I do like it. Glad I gave this one a chance, I don't do that with all anime I watch.
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