This dark anime proves that shojo can also be incredibly violent

Shojo is understandably known for sweet romances tailored specifically to teenage girls, but a dark and bloody anime called Love to kill proves that the target audience can also be just like their Shonen counterparts and possibly even like Seinen. In fact, it would be very difficult for Love to kill not to have at least a little bit of violence, just to take into account the specific professions of the two protagonists. Song Ryang-ha is a contract killer and Chateau Dankworth is a bounty hunter, and of course both are meet in the bloody aftermath of a successful mission (ie assassinated targets).

Naturally, Love to kill still contains romantic moments, as is the case with most shojo. In fact, the entire story is driven by Ryang-ha’s unrequited affection and almost unhealthy obsession for Chateau.

However, it is Ryang-ha’s disturbing treatment of Chateau that ironically Love to kill even less so than most shojo, although the anime makes a conscious effort to portray these interactions as harmless as possible in order to appeal more to its target audience. Chateau’s sometimes comical reactions and outbursts of anger somehow manage to minimize the severity of his transgressions towards her. Obviously It is both the violence and the questionable way Ryang-ha treats Chateau that makes Love to killThe classification as shojo is confusing.

The shocking violence in Love of Kill is complemented by well-implemented mystery and suspense elements.

Based on the manga by Fe; produced by Platinum Vision

Particularly noteworthy is how Ryang-ha and Chateau’s previous lives are connected by bloodshed beyond their similar professions. However, the origin of this connection remains secret until the end, which is the third distinguishing feature of this enigmatic series. Love to kill is a mystery and romance anime in equal measure. Viewers are slowly presented with clues and flashbacks that eventually give context to the situation, as is the case with most mystery stories.

What is particularly artful, however, is that all the violence culminates in the aftermath of Chateau and Ryang-ha’s first meeting long ago, thus bringing their bloody past full circle.

Keeping with the usual tone of a shojo series, it’s even more ironic that the particularly violent way Ryang-ha and Chateau really met actually explains why the truth is kept hidden from viewers. Because even though the story is mostly told from Chateau’s perspective, it somehow remains in the dark.

Fortunately, the journey to this revelation is gripping, as one would expect from a thriller. The more Chateau gets into Ryang-ha’s orbit, the greater her dangers become. As her life begins to spiral into bloody chaos, Cars crash into ravines during epic chases, characters are shot at close range, and others are stabbed in the neck. What is particularly artful, however, is that all the violence culminates in the aftermath of Chateau and Ryang-ha’s first meeting long ago. and brought their past into a bloody circle.

For those understandably put off by Ryang-ha’s involvement with Chateau, skeptical viewers can rest assured that the answer to this mystery at least partially salvages his character. In fact, his devotion to her is almost admirable when you consider the whole story. That alone should pique the interest of those who haven’t seen any of the novel yet. Love to kill, which is currently streaming on Crunchyroll. That means when the prospect of a bloody and violentShojo is not attractive enough.