Red Data Girl

Inspired by Noriko Ogiwara's fantasy novels, this exquisitely animated series focuses on 15-year-old Izumiko, who was raised by her grandfather in an ancient shrine within a secluded forest. After being enrolled at the Houjou Academy, Izumiko is promptly bullied by her ill-tempered classmates. Her problems are further compounded by a strange affliction—she somehow destroys any electrical appliance that she touches—and by the presence of Miyuki, the brooding son of a gentle monk, who takes an immediate dislike to her. Izumiko also discovers that she's a vessel for a Shinto kami (spirit) that is both powerful and vengeful. Red Data Girl is arguably a triumph of style over substance, but what style! Characters and settings are brilliantly captured in rich and subtle hues, while the tale's mystical elements are presenting in boldly vibrant detail. Compiling all 12 episodes from 2013 in a dual-language set, rated TV-14, DVD extras include audio commentaries. Highly recommended. (P. Hall)