Life's hard, and for some, it's even harder from the moment of birth. Such is the premise of Osamu Tezuka's classic tale, Dororo, which received a modern revival that is action-packed, filled with comedic scenes, and at times, heart-rending. The story follows a young boy named Hyakkimaru, born into a world of hardship due to his maniacal father's bargain with demons. This pact, made to gain power and fulfill his deepest desires, resulted in Hyakkimaru being born without sight, a nose, limbs, or even skin.
Hyakkimaru grows up facing unparalleled adversity. His journey is one of slowly regaining the senses and limbs he was born without, achieved by defeating the demons that inhabit the world around him. Each major kill signifies breaking ties with his greedy and uncaring father, who cast him away, and reclaiming more of his body. It is a compelling sight to witness Hyakkimaru, equipped with prosthetic limbs and functionally blind-able to perceive only others' auras-as he systematically tears through the remaining demons.
The Companionship of Hyakkimaru and Dororo
Fortunately, Hyakkimaru is not alone on his arduous journey. He is accompanied by the titular Dororo, an orphan who lost his parents due to unfortunate circumstances long ago. Dororo is a young thief who travels alongside Hyakkimaru, often making a living by swindling people out of their hard-earned cash. The two become inseparable travel companions, with Dororo acting as a guide for his "aniki," or "bro." Dororo is characterized as rash, boisterous, and always ready to charge into danger at a moment's notice to defeat a demon. He is also a shrewd dealmaker with astute observational skills, diligently ensuring the pair manage their finances and avoid trouble, though the latter often finds them anyway.
Dororo and Hyakkimaru exhibit a bond akin to that of brothers, each caring for the other as if they were blood relatives, making their relationship touching to observe. They fight together and solve problems collaboratively from episode to episode. Dororo is clearly invested in Hyakkimaru's eventual wholeness, and it is a poignant moment when Hyakkimaru utters "Dororo" for the first time.
Dororo's Hidden Identity: A Twist in the Narrative
However, Dororo harbors a secret that is not immediately apparent to the audience. In a significant plot revelation, it is revealed that Dororo is actually a young girl. The new anime series has yet to fully explore this plot twist, but it presents an intriguing direction for the story, one that was certainly not obvious from the outset.
This creative choice to keep Dororo's identity a secret adds a compelling layer to the narrative. The anime does not make a grand spectacle of this revelation, nor does it attempt to explain it away. Dororo remains Dororo, regardless of whether one perceives the character as a boy or a girl, and continues to be the massively important sidekick to Hyakkimaru, who requires all the assistance he can get to regain his hearing, vocal abilities, and hopefully, his sight.
Themes of Humanity and Sacrifice
Dororo offers an intriguing twist on the typical feudal-era ancient Japan series, particularly with its exploration of gender roles and the hurdles the protagonists must overcome to achieve a semblance of normalcy after the difficult circumstances life has dealt them. The series delves into the concept of humanity, presenting two forms: physical and spiritual. Physical humanity is defined by having the physiological attributes of a human body, while spiritual humanity is represented by the color of one's soul-red for demon, white for human.
Hyakkimaru constantly grapples with his spiritual humanity throughout the story. His encounters, such as the one with Mio, a girl he seems to fall for, only to later unleash a berserk fury upon her murderers, exemplify this struggle. Dororo remains wary, recognizing Hyakkimaru's violent outbursts as symptoms of his growing monstrosity. In Dororo, spiritual humanity is ultimately defined by the decisions one makes to show love to oneself and others.
The narrative also explores the moral quandaries of utilitarianism versus individualism and bodily autonomy. Hyakkimaru's quest to reclaim his body parts by killing demons raises the question of whether one life is more important than the collective well-being of those who benefit from the prosperity granted by those demons. This is further complicated by the fact that Hyakkimaru's sacrifice, which brought prosperity to his father's land, also means that his own recovery could lead to renewed suffering for that same land.
The Role of Family and Rivalry
The story prominently features the complex relationships within Hyakkimaru's family. Tahomaru, Hyakkimaru's younger brother, harbors a lifelong bitterness towards his parents. His mother, consumed by grief over Hyakkimaru's loss, neglects Tahomaru, and both parents seem to conceal truths from him. The revelation of Hyakkimaru as a potential threat to the land's prosperity and the cause of his mother's neglect pushes Tahomaru to confront his brother.
Their final confrontation highlights the depth of Tahomaru's resentment, stemming from a lifetime of feeling overshadowed. The battle reveals that Tahomaru's animosity is not solely about duty or the land, but also about the personal bitterness of being eclipsed by an unspoken presence his entire life. Hyakkimaru's existence threatens not only Tahomaru's inheritance but also the love of his mother. Ultimately, Hyakkimaru spares Tahomaru, recognizing their shared humanity despite their physical differences. This act of empathy marks a culmination of both characters' arcs toward spiritual humanity.
Similarly, Lord Daigo, their father, undergoes a development of sorts. After his pact with the demons initiates Hyakkimaru's suffering, he is eventually spared by Hyakkimaru, who urges him not to abandon his humanity. In the end, Daigo is left alone, having lost everything, and admits that Hyakkimaru might have been a better lord for the realm.
Hyakkimaru vs. Tahomaru Final Fight to the Death Dororo
The Ripple Effect of Humanity
The series emphasizes that demonstrating love and possessing spiritual humanity does not necessarily equate to being morally "good." Lord Daigo does not regret the suffering inflicted upon his son, and Hyakkimaru's mercy is not an act of forgiveness. The narrative suggests that most people strive to do good, implying a shared humanity. This pattern is evident in other characters as well, such as Jukai, the prosthetics-maker who shows compassion to Hyakkimaru, aiding him in regaining physical humanity.
Dororo's actions demonstrate that humanity creates a ripple effect. The decision to embrace humanity is not confined to an individual or a group; once realized, its effects resonate outward, enabling others to find their own humanity, whatever that may mean for each person.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
The series, spanning 24 episodes, is structured episodically, often with each episode titled "The Tale of _______," introducing new characters or recurring ones. This format allows for a deep dive into the various struggles and encounters Hyakkimaru and Dororo face. While the story is primarily Hyakkimaru's quest to recover his stolen body parts, Dororo serves as the viewer's guide, offering a more relatable perspective amidst Hyakkimaru's stoic journey.
The pacing of the anime has been noted as a point of discussion. Some reviews suggest that while the story is engaging and delivers deep moments, it occasionally falls short of a truly meaningful impact. The pattern of demon-slaying and traveling from village to village can become repetitive. However, the introduction of the moral dilemma concerning Hyakkimaru's quest and its impact on the land adds complexity. The ending, while providing resolution, has been described by some as vague or not entirely satisfying, with the story sometimes feeling rushed towards its conclusion.
Animation and Voice Acting
The animation of the 2019 revival is generally praised, with well-drawn main characters and lovely backgrounds. However, some awkward moments in animation and character designs have been noted. The voice acting cast has been commended for their performances, with the voice actor for Dororo capturing a wide range of emotions energetically, and Hyakkimaru's voice evolution reflecting his journey of regaining his senses.
Overall Reception and Themes
Dororo is an enthralling story with a complex, gray morality, making it a highly bingeable anime. The central premise of Hyakkimaru pursuing the body stolen from him is compelling. The series explores themes of sacrifice, the nature of humanity, the consequences of ambition, and the profound impact of companionship. It offers a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with its exploration of difficult choices and the enduring spirit of those who strive for wholeness.