Fantasia 18' Film Review - Bleach

Many a director has found it difficult to match the free-flowing format of manga. They have struggled with bringing the paperback heroes to the big screen. Shinsuke Sato may have found the right formula for the genre with Bleach. Sato's film mixes the two main elements teenage life and action. Ichigo
(Sota Fukushi) is strong with the spirits being in able to see them where other humans can't. Into his path comes Soul Reaper Rukia (Hana Sugisaki) who had a memorable turn in last years Blade of the Immortal losing her battle with a giant spider shape soul stealing Hollow. She transfers some of her power to Ichigo who proceeds to defeat the creature. However, Rukia did not account for Ichigo's spiritual abilities thus transferred all of her power to him trapping her on earth until she can claim them back.

The playful banter amongst the students in Ichigo's class are the most charming moments of the film. Orihime (Erina Mano) has a huge crush on Ichigo almost unable to speak in his presence. She becomes suspicious or Rukia who is paying the part of a transfer student until she can get her powers back. Ryo Yoshinzawa's Uryu has a special glowing bow looking to settle a score with Ichigo's Soul Reaper alter ego. Class normally starts with the students frantically recounting the remarkable events of the day before concluding with the thought that Ichigo is likely dead queuing him to enter the classroom proving them wrong.

Eventually, two senior Reapers Byakuya (Miyavi) and Renji (Taichi Saotome) come to the planet in search of Rukia both are outraged that she has given her powers to a human. To protect her Ichigo offers to take on the most powerful of all Hallows the Grand Fisher in exchange for Rukia to have her freedom.

Sato's film has the flavour of high school life a manga staple. The students exchange barbs in class, throw shade at rivals, recount events of the day before and hang out a Rob's Burgers en masse. The special effects team add a lot to the project from the initial appearance of Ichigo's Reaper sword to Uryu's electric bow to the weaponizing of full-sized car and buses in the climatic armed encounter.

Bleach is a faithful adaptation of the widely popular magna. Lovers of the franchise will like the persona of the stories hero onscreen right down to his orange hair. Sato hits all of the main beats. The action sequences a Sato strength are worthy of any North American popcorn movie. It.s a production that will hit a positive note with the Manga veteran, genre newcomer and action film enthusiast alike.

*** Out of 4

Bleach | Shinsuke Sato | Japan | 2018 | 108 Minutes.

Tags: Soul Reaper, Manga, Adaptation, Human, Ghosts, Afterlife, Widower, Anniversary, Grave, Sword, Bow and Arrow.