Requiem from the Darkness: Turmoil of the Flesh, Vol. 1

Based on the novel by Natsuhiko Kyogoku, this anime series calls to mind the classics of Japanese ghost stories such as Kwaidan, only it's not nearly as good. Momosuke, a neophyte writer in 19th-century Japan seeking material for an anthology of ghost tales, is taken in by a trio called the Mataichi Gang, who possess supernatural powers enabling them to seek out and punish criminals guilty of human and karmic misdeeds (the threesome clearly believe that the punishment should be greater than the crime, and the convicted inevitably meet fates that are violent and gruesome). Unfortunately, the four episodes collected here are not the least bit scary, and the formula grows old very quickly (Momosuke is a weakling and dullard, while his ghostly trio of crimebusters who dish out the punishments are equally one-dimensional). Even the animation is less than satisfactory, with a contemporary punk style that seems oddly misplaced, given the distinct period setting of the stories. Rated 16-up, this dual-language series opener might have worked as a standalone short feature, but the idea that more volumes will follow is easily the most frightening aspect of the production. Not recommended. [Note: Requiem from the Darkness, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, and Vol. 4 are also available.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)