When the gates of Hell appear in Karakura Town and strange spirits called Unforgiven (Togabito) escape, Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai are sent to investigate. Ichigo Kurosaki's family is targeted by the Unforgiven, who are led by Shuren, and Ichigo's younger sister Yuzu Kurosaki is abducted.
There is nothing like this anime nor will there ever be. Bleach has proven to be the most versatile and entertaining anime of its day and I am glad to have witnessed its growth thus far. Don't believe me? Then check out this movie, Bleach: Jigoku-Hen, and then post what you think about it. This film is, for lack of a better phrase, a really good surprise. You get to see characters act outside of their more original paradigms and for once you will find that characterisation in anime is an ever mobile thing that changes course with each new setting. Dare I say that this Bleach seems to include a far more human essence that is sincerely lacking within the first three Bleach films. Even within certain Shinigami the viewer gets to see a shadow of emotion normally unexpected within his weekly appearances in the Bleach anime and Manga. Ichigo is not very predictable either as he seems to take a more mature approach in this film than he does in the rest - his mission here surpasses duty and has everything to do with the emotional psyche. I love it. A definite must see if you are longing for a change of pace in the Bleach series. The action is epic and the animation is really strong. The plot seems a bit vague but it does not deteriorate the high value that is this film. Another wonderful piece of art from kubo tite.
