If there’s one Anime series that has received national acclaim from Anime audiences in U.S., it’s Tite Kubo’s “Bleach.” The series about a secret society of Soul Reapers who protect the safety of the outside world just seems to get better and better every time you watch it. And, if there’s one character that never seems to let fans down, it is Toshiro Hitsugaya.
“Bleach Movie 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion” is a far cry above the mediocre first Bleach movie. The film focuses on the tragic loner, Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya. When Squad 10 is tasked with protecting the legendary Ouin, a masked villain appears who surprises Hitsugaya and steals the Ouin. Toshiro abandons his squad and goes in pursuit of the thief. Unfortunately, the Soul Society deems him a criminal for abandoning his post and disappearing with the masked thief. The only people who still believe in Hitsugaya are his lietenant and Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki.
The DiamondDust Rebellion explores Hitsugaya’s clouded past. Everyone knows him as the quiet stoic, but this film exposes another side of Hitsugaya. When the mysterious Ouin thief is revealed to be Toshiro’s childhood friend, Kusaka, we learn the truth about the captivatingly cold leader of Squad 10. This film also delves into some of the darker secrets of the Soul Society. Similar to Dragonball Z movies, the Bleach movie takes some liberties with the TV series mythos. In Movie 2, it is revealed that there can only be one owner of a zanpakutō spirit. As such, if there ever existed two owners, one must die. Also, all of the Squad leaders take a moment to band together against a common enemy.
The film tries to draw parallels between Ichigo and Hitsugaya to some extent. Both are compares as loners. However, Ichigo comes off more as a rebel child, while Hitsugaya is more of an outcast due to his youthful genius.
Bleach The Movie 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion is a fast paced thrill ride that will make your heart beat faster with each passing minute. The DVD comes with the original Japanese behind the scenes features, subtitled in English. Also included is a limited edition movie pamphlet. This is a great addition to any Anime collection.
Title: : Bleach Movie 2: The DiamondDust RebellionStudio: Viz Media
Release Date: September 8, 2009
Rating: 9.0 / 10
Bleach is one of the best anime series out there. I’d have to think before saying top 10, but definitely top 25, which is saying a lot since there are so many out.
The only think I’ll say is that I watched it in Japanese audio and the US Voices are only “meh.” Movie 2 is a great way to jump into the series without any real TV series spoilers. Movie 1 wasn’t that great.
Never really got into Bleach, but friends claim it’s an awesome series. Nevertheless, any one else able to back that one up?