Kitaro

Synopsis

Kitaro, known in Japanese as ゲゲゲの鬼太郎, is a fantasy adventure film released in 2007, featuring the iconic yokai character created by Shigeru Mizuki. The story follows Kitaro, a lovable monster whose primary mission is to protect humans from malevolent spirits while embracing his role as a guardian of the unseen world. Eiji Wentz stars as the titular character, delivering a charismatic performance that brings charm and humor to the role. The film seamlessly blends live-action with engaging CGI, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of traditional Japanese folklore. Kitaro faces various challenges and adversaries, including the notorious yokai and other supernatural beings, as he strives to maintain peace between humans and the spirit realm. With its themes of friendship, courage, and the age-old battle between good and evil, Kitaro invites audiences of all ages to explore the captivating world of yokai and imbues a sense of cultural nostalgia that resonates deeply with fans of Japanese mythology.

Cast

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  Eiji Wentz

  Kitaro

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  Mao Inoue

  Mika Miura

• 

  Rena Tanaka

  Catgirl

• 

  Yo Oizumi

  Nezumi Otoko

• 

  Kanpei Hazama

  Konaki Jiji

• 

  Go Riju

  Mr. Haruhiko Miura

Reviews

Kitaro has garnered mixed reviews from critics, landing an IMDb score of 5.3/10, reflecting its polarized reception. Many reviewers praised the film's vibrant visual effects and engaging premise, noting that it captures the whimsical nature of the original manga and anime. The Japan Times described it as ‘a colorful ride through Japanese folklore’ that successfully introduces Kitaro to a new generation. However, some critics expressed disappointment with the film's pacing and character development. 'While visually stunning, the story lacks depth and fails to fully realize its characters,' stated a review from IGN. Metacritic demonstrates this sentiment, giving the film a score that indicates mixed or average reviews. Nonetheless, audiences appreciated the film's humor and nostalgic elements, making it an enjoyable family viewing experience. It successfully intertwines real-world issues with fantasy, albeit not without its flaws. As one Rotten Tomatoes user commented, 'Kitaro is a delightful entry into the world of yokai, though it stumbles at times on the narrative front.'