The Birth of Kitarō: The Mystery of GeGeGe Review

Horror anime often feels like the black sheep of anime sub-genres. While some, like Higurashi When They Cry and Hellsing Ultimate, have stood the test of time, others are mocked for being so over-the-top that they verge on comical. Just look at the infamous umbrella death in Another for reference. So, when you come across a good horror anime, it’s like finding a diamond in the rough. The Birth of Kitarō: The Mystery of GeGeGe is a prequel film to the GeGeGe no Kitarō series, telling the story of Kitarō’s origins. While not without flaws, the film strikes an ideal tone and weaves an engaging mystery that draws you in. Unfortunately, as the story unfolds, it begins to lose its way.

Set in Japan in 1955, the story begins with the death of the Ryuga clan’s head. Mizuki, a salaryman and war veteran, believes he knows who will inherit the position and travels to Yagura Village, where the new head is to be chosen. In the village, Mizuki encounters Medama Oyaji, who is searching for his missing wife. As the struggle for succession intensifies, a brutal murder within the family sets off a chain of grim events.

The film’s strongest aspect is its atmosphere. From start to finish, an unrelenting sense of dread permeates the narrative. The red glow of Mizuki’s office signals impending danger, while Yagura Village gradually transforms into a nightmarish hellscape. Even as the third act escalates into shocking horror—with gnarly kills and gruesome bloodshed that will make you wince—the film maintains its oppressive mood. This ever-present tension ensures that the experience remains haunting throughout.

Toei Animation has created a visually stunning film, with breathtaking locales that enhance the atmosphere. One particularly striking location near the end features a massive tree rising from the center of a waterbed—a setting that is both visually unique and hauntingly spooky. What surprised me most, however, was the animation during a key action sequence. The presence of clear sakuga in this scene elevates it to one of the best anime fights I’ve seen in a long time.

Where the film falters is in its narrative. What begins as an intriguing murder mystery with supernatural elements soon veers into a potential romance involving characters who appear to be around fifteen. The plot becomes overly complex, juggling so many threads at once that even I found myself questioning what was happening. It seems the film may be attempting to comment on how older, wealthier individuals exploit the young and vulnerable for their own gain. This idea is reflected in Mizuki’s experiences during the war—where it wasn’t the older, high-ranking officers who charged into battle, but rather young men like him. “It should be an honor that a young man like yourself died for Japan,” they imply. Thematically, this could tie into the ending, but the sheer number of competing plot points leaves me uncertain if my interpretation is correct.

While it isn’t perfect and may not leave a lasting mark on the horror anime sub-genre, The Birth of Kitarō: The Mystery of GeGeGe is an enjoyable experience. It’s the kind of film I’d gladly revisit to uncover more of its underlying themes—just as a good mystery should inspire.

★★★

Played as part of Scotland Loves Anime 2024 / Toshihiko Seki, Hidenobu Kiuchi, Miyuki Sawashiro, Umeka Shōji, Toshio Furukawa / Dir: Hiroyuki Yoshino / Toei Company