Search - Shadow Star Narutaru (Vol. 1) + Series Box & Action Figure on DVD

Words can hardly describe my dread of watching this title

khryoleoz | 05/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If one were interested in seeing an anime that paints a picture of the makings of the human heart as a grotesque, menacing, and horribly tragic iniquity, then there are actually quite a few titles to pick from. Of the more recently released titles, where Elfen Lied has been all but successful in its shameful (or shameless maybe?) attempt, and Gunslinger Girl's character tragedies are slightly overshadowed by gratuitously well-sequenced human slaughter that is its marketing ploy, Narutaru is a gem among the genre.

Beneath the innocence that belies its surface is a sinister progression of events that at its consumation reveals a terrifying fate for most of whom we come to know. Unlike the aforementioned Elfen Lied, Narutaru resorts to no such pretention for sympathy towards its characters. Instead, it illustrates what is already clear to us, that left to his own devices this pitiful creature called man merely accelerates towards increasing debasement. And by his own limited knowledge and incomplete spiritual development that is too commonly and quite perversely mistaken for wisdom, having command of the powers of god or being himself a demigod only proves one's self to be too defficient and inept to wield such power, ensuring the destruction of all including the self rather than the preservation of anything.

No, Narutaru is by no means enjoyable. I would be hard pressed to recommend it to anyone as it is too freightening a portrait of the truths of humanity. The school girl bullies arouse every ounce of hatred you can muster, yet you avert your gaze at the witness of what you know in your mind but cannot swallow in your heart is some form of justice, however disturbing, being exacted upon them. The abused main characters may elicit your concern, but you curse them for not having the wits and the proper perspective to pursue and create better lives and destinies for themselves. Narutaru is a title I will watch only once to satisfy curiosity then never again. And however troubled I am at what I've just seen, knowing full well that I didn't like any of it, I concede it worthy of high marks as a striking effort at taking a profound look into battered souls who become devils with the aid of demons. Watch it at your own discretion. It has only a fraction of the blood and carnage that other similarly executed or foully intended animes had, but proves itself to be a substantially more perturbing, shocking, and truly horrifying viewing experience."

Don't judge a book by it's cover...

G. Ward | USA | 04/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't let the cheery animation and music of the opening fool you - Narutaru isn't just another kid's show.
The series starts out innocently enough when a young girl name Shiina visits her grandparents' house. One day while outside by the ocean, she decides to swim out to an ancient structure, and ends up nearly drowning herself. When she comes to, and before she leaves her grandparents, she meets a strange star-shaped creature whom she dubs "Hoshimaru" or "round star".

As the series goes along, you're introduced to many new characters, all of different backgrounds, and all with different views on the world, some of which, aren't the most lighthearted. The show revolves around these views of the world and how they use their pets - dragonets - to fit the world to them.

The first episodes in the series contain mild violence and a few disturbing subjects. However, the latter episodes in the series is what has given a 16+ rating, and it should be held to that.

In order not to spoil the series, I don't want to give much more, but overall, Narutaru is a very splendid, deep series, which I would reccomend to anyone who has enjoyed titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Elfen Lied, or Gunslinger Girl. Nice animation, character designs, and music, of course, make this a nice contemplative show, and is perfect for anyone looking for a series that'll make you think."

Just what you need to watch

Ronnie Clay | Winnsboro, Louisiana | 09/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It should be said that regardless of the description, Narutaru has two very distinct sections to it (that aren't really integrated at all, for that matter). The first 7-8 episodes revolve around Shiina and Akira with their dragonets, and the web of destruction and death they are drawn into because of them. Sound dark? IT IS. What's funny is that the first episode makes you think of something totally different.

You know many perple complained about the character designs of Narutaru, but I enjoyed them. Rather than designing way-too-endowed high school (or even grade school) students, who are all beauty queens, Narutaru opted for the more natural look."