Tokyo Ghoul (2017) Review: A Dark and Intense Live-Action Adaptation
Tokyo Ghoul, directed by Kentarō Hagiwara and released in 2017, is a live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series of the same name created by Sui Ishida. The film brings the dark and complex world of ghouls and humans to the screen, offering a unique take on the source material with a mix of horror, action, and psychological drama.
Plot Summary: A World of Ghouls and Humans
The story centers around Ken Kaneki (Masataka Kubota), a college student who finds his life turned upside down after a fateful encounter with a ghoul. After a date with a girl named Rize (Kōki Uchiyama), who turns out to be a ghoul, Ken is gravely injured in an attack. In a desperate attempt to save his life, he receives an organ transplant from Rize, inadvertently turning him into a half-ghoul.
As Ken struggles to adapt to his new existence, he must navigate the dangerous and hidden world of ghouls, who feed on human flesh and are hunted by an organization called the CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul). The film delves into Ken’s internal conflict as he grapples with his new identity and the moral implications of his actions.
Performance and Characterization: A Gritty and Emotional Portrayal
Masataka Kubota delivers a strong performance as Ken Kaneki, capturing the character’s vulnerability and inner turmoil. Kubota’s portrayal effectively conveys Kaneki’s struggle with his transformation and his desire to maintain his humanity despite his ghoul nature.
The supporting cast, including Fumika Shimizu as Touka Kirishima and Nobuyuki Suzuki as Nishiki Nishio, adds depth to the film’s narrative. Shimizu’s portrayal of Touka provides a crucial connection to the ghoul world, while Suzuki’s role as Nishiki introduces additional layers of complexity to the story.
Direction and Cinematography: A Visually Striking Adaptation
Kentarō Hagiwara’s direction of Tokyo Ghoul is marked by its dark and intense approach. The film captures the gritty and violent nature of the source material, while also exploring the psychological and emotional aspects of Kaneki’s transformation.
The cinematography, by Kazuhiro Suetake, enhances the film’s atmosphere with its moody and visually striking style. The use of lighting, color, and camera angles contributes to the film’s sense of unease and tension, reflecting the dark and complex world of ghouls.
The action sequences are well-executed, with dynamic choreography and visual effects that bring the supernatural elements of the story to life. The film’s pacing is generally effective, though some moments may feel rushed for those unfamiliar with the source material.
Themes and Legacy: Identity, Humanity, and the Supernatural
Tokyo Ghoul explores themes of identity, humanity, and the supernatural through its portrayal of Ken Kaneki’s transformation and his struggle to reconcile his human and ghoul sides. The film delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by characters living in a world where humans and ghouls are in constant conflict.
The film’s legacy is marked by its ability to bring a beloved manga and anime series to life with a live-action adaptation. Tokyo Ghoul has been praised for its faithful representation of the source material’s dark themes and complex characters, though some fans may find that the film’s pacing and character development could benefit from a longer runtime or more detailed exploration.
Where to Watch Tokyo Ghoul Online
For those interested in watching Tokyo Ghoul, the film is available on various streaming platforms and rental services:
Streaming Services
- Hulu: Tokyo Ghoul may be available for streaming on Hulu, depending on regional licensing and availability.
Rental/Purchase Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: The film may be available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
- Apple iTunes: Tokyo Ghoul can be rented or purchased on Apple iTunes, providing viewers with the option to watch on Apple devices.
- Google Play Movies: Google Play Movies offers the film for rental or purchase, allowing for easy streaming on various devices.
- YouTube Movies: The film may also be available on YouTube Movies for rental or purchase.
Final Thoughts: A Dark and Engaging Adaptation
Tokyo Ghoul is a dark and intense live-action adaptation that brings the complex world of ghouls and humans to the screen. With its strong performances, striking visuals, and faithful representation of the source material’s themes, the film offers a compelling and engaging experience for fans of the manga and anime series.
While the film’s pacing and character development may leave some viewers wanting more, Tokyo Ghoul successfully captures the essence of its source material and provides an entertaining and thought-provoking adaptation of the beloved series. For those interested in supernatural horror and psychological drama, Tokyo Ghoul delivers a memorable and impactful cinematic experience.
