Starring: Yuki Matsuoka, Johnny Yong Bosch, Fumiko Orikasa, Michelle Ruff,
Running Time: 275 minutes
Certificate: 12
The third and final part of the saga that rudely interprupted the show’s main plot. That’s the thing with anime, the word ‘hiatus’ isn’t a common one, so when the show caught up with the manga, it was time to make stuff up. The collection even puts heavy comical emphasis on such a break by using the “next week” segments to have characters question where the scripts are and when things can get back to normal. Ironically though, this story of the spirits of the swords rebelling and joining the physical world has been far more engrossing and focused. BLEACH has suffered from becoming overly complicated, while not furthering the characters.
This storyline, as filler as it may be, has actually captured a lot of what was great about the show when it first started. With the rebellion fully explained and laid to rest, characters are able to return to their hometown, which is a place that allows for some respite from the constant onslaught of supernatural locales.
It’s also great to see the show rely on a more episodic structure. That’s not something I’d usually encourage, but having individual stories provides a decent mix of humorous tales, as well at getting to the core of certain characters. As the Zanpakuto who are left masterless wonder the earth, they soon begin to lose control. This escalates into a tragic storyline which forces out some complex emotions and difficult decisions.
Best of all though, there is a sense of finality to the events portrayed in the last three collections on DVD. BLEACH has been going on for so long with storylines that seem never-ending, that it’s hard to continue giving it your full attention. BLEACH is now impenetrable to anyone who hasn’t remained loyal from the outset, but the Zanpakuto arc is a lot easier to get into and enjoy for its merits.
Hopefully things will settle down soon, as it is also very hard to distinguish characters and arrange events chronologically at the moment. Those who enjoy the fast and furious action, but don’t mind pausing for exposition, as well as consistent visuals that still hint towards creativity, will no doubt enjoy what BLEACH has to offer, but I’m a bit sad to see this story end.
[usr=3]BLEACH Season 12 Part 3: Zanpakuto: An Alternate Tale is released on DVD on 17th February via Manga Entertainment.
Check out more Anime news and reviews here!
Luke likes many things, films and penguins being among them. He's loved films since the age of 9, when STARGATE and BATMAN FOREVER changed the landscape of modern cinema as we know it. His love of film extends to all aspects of his life, with trips abroad being planned around film locations and only buying products featured in Will Smith movies. His favourite films include SEVEN SAMURAI, PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC, IN BRUGES, LONE STAR, GODZILLA, and a thousand others.
1 Comment
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
Latest Posts
-
Features
/ 47 mins agoAdele Parks – From Page to Screen
Adele Parks MBE is one of the UK’s best-selling authors. She has sold over...
By Paul Heath -
Film News
/ 2 hours agoA third ‘Downton Abbey’ film is on the way
Simon Curtis is returning to direct after helming 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era.
By Paul Heath -
Film Trailers
/ 3 hours agoNew trailer for Jeff Lipsky’s drama ‘Goldilocks and the Two Bears’
A new U.S. trailer has been released for Jeff Lipsky’s provocative drama Goldilocks and...
By Paul Heath -
Film Trailers
/ 3 hours agoTrailer for ‘Unicorns’ with Ben Hardy and Jason Patel
Signature Entertainment has landed a trailer and poster for their upcoming release, Unicorns. The...
By Paul Heath
David B
Jul 10, 2014 at 3:34 pm
This is a great review. I’ve been waiting for the complete collection to be released so I can watch series 12 in one go, and I’m glad to hear it’s become more episodic and back to what made the series so great to begin with. I’m looking forward to watching this now!