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Blue Literature Series

Updated: Apr 10, 2020

Or Aoi Bungaku Series, is a twelve episode animated anthology based on the literary works of some of Japan's most prominent authors. Featuring the works of Osamu Daiza, Ango Sakaguchi, Natsume Soseki, and Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Blue Literature will captivate, enthrall, horrify, and move you.


Blue Literature is brought to life by Madhouse Inc., whose works include Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Wicked City, Death Note, and Monster. Five different directors, three different manga artists, and six different writers took on the task of bringing these incredible literary works to life which was no easy task in my opinion, but was done with so much patience and love that it truly shows. Each story is given its own tone and even though they all have a very Madhouse feel, they are still very uniquely done, each director having put his or her stamp on it.



No Longer Human (Episodes 1-4) is about the struggles of a young man with his own humanity and society as a whole.


The animation in Blue Literature is also incredibly Madhouse, trademark if you will in how they draw things. It's very similar to what you would have seen in Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust and Monster and is almost ethereal in a way. I really love their use of color and how, depending on the context of the story, it can be bright and blinding or dark and depressing. They know how to deepen shadows or brighten landscapes to bring them to life or make you feel a sense of impending doom. They seem to physically catch the emotions being expressed by each character with such ease. Even though I know that isn't true and it took many hours of dedication, it still seems so effortless.



In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom (Episodes 5-6) tells the story of a bandit who comes across a beautiful woman and demands that she become his wife. He soon realizes that she is not all she seems.


The voice acting is also superb in Blue Literature. Pain, depression, rage, fear, love, and loss are expressed with such sincerity that you can't help but feel touched by each and every word. They do a phenomenal job at making these characters feel real and relatable, making you love and hate some of them with a few simple words. This, along with the animation and music, gives each episode a realness you don't expect.



Kokoro (Episodes 7-8) is the story of two men in love with the same woman. The episodes are told from each of their perspectives.



Run, Melos! (Episodes 9-10) is about a playwright's struggle to come to terms with his friend's betrayal as he adapts a Greek myth for the stage. This was my personal favorite.


Blue Literature covers many subjects, some incredibly sensitive. Depression, anxiety, alcoholism, child abuse, love, loss, betrayal, friendship, forgiveness, understanding, murder, and horror are just a few things you will witness. Some of these things will may make you feel uncomfortable, fill you with understanding, or even help you to find hope in your own world of darkness. If you are sensitive to depictions of depression, suicide, abuse, or substance abuse, but you really want to watch Blue Literature, then I would say prepare yourself because it may not be easy to watch. It leaves you thinking about a couple of the authors and how they may have survived if they had been able to get the help they needed.



The Spider's Thread (Episode 11) is the story of an evil bandit wading through and attempting to escape Hell.



Hell Screen (Episode 12) depicts an artist's descent into madness after being given a momentous task by his Emperor.


Blue Literature is a beautiful work of art. There is such love and reverence put into each episode by every person who worked on them. You can feel that they were important and that Madhouse really wanted to use the medium of anime to bring these literary works to a new audience. Between the animation, voice acting, and story telling, I would say that they absolutely succeeded. It will reach out and grab your attention immediately and won't let you go until the credits roll on that final episode.



If you or anyone you know are suffering please reach out, there are others out there ready to talk to you.


 
 
 

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