Coming off the success of the first live-action adaptation of Tokyo Ghoul, we dive back into the world of Ghouls and Humans with the latest installment Tokyo Ghoul S.
Now a member of Anteiku, Ken Kaneki grows closer to the ghouls around him. Determined to protect his new home against anti-ghoul forces, he trains his powers in secret. But when the infamous gourmet, Shu Tsukiyama, wishes to savor some half-ghoul flavor, Kaneki’s training is put to the test of a lifetime. Based on the thrilling supernatural manga, Tokyo Ghoul.
Review
Tokyo Ghoul S picks up where the first film left off. Kaneki is still coming to terms with his new life, while Toka tries to get him to accept reality and train to become stronger. The film covers the next arc of the manga, the Gourmet arc and the introduction of one of the most twisted characters yet, Shuu Tsukiyama. To see his character finally brought to life was as gruesome and twisted as you would have expected.
He quickly learns of Kaneki and becomes obsessed with his scent and wants to taste him. Shuu isn’t without some level of restraint though, as he protect Kaneki from the vultures whilst preparing him to be the best meal he has ever had. Tokyo Ghoul S is mostly story building with less action then its first film.
However, we do get the final battle with Shuu, Toka and Kaneki which was again worth watching the visuals crafted to bring their Kagune to the screen. There are many little hints throughout the film that lead to the bigger plot points later on in the manga, including a slightly after credit scene. Be sure to stick around after the credits start to roll.
Some may not like the lack of action, but the story building around the world for me is something I enjoy in any bigger world. Knowing what is coming next makes the little hints all the more interesting to watch and see what I missed the first time around when I read the manga itself.
When it comes to music and the score for this film, it falls short of the first one. The opening music is terrible and feels like a saturday B movie. I much preferred the score of the first film. But as a fan of the manga and the anime (even with its faults) I still enjoyed the film a lot.
Tokyo Ghoul S is another faithful adaptation of the source material that provides beautiful visuals without overdoing it to the point where it looks fake. The fact that I had to look away at a few scenes with Shuu due to the sheer nature of his obsession is a testament to the casting as well.
Tokyo Ghoul S hits select US theaters for a limited time on September 16, 18 and 20th from Funimation Films. Be sure to snag a ticket and check it out.
