Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura Review: An Underwhelming Clash of Titans

Rating: 3/5

The highly anticipated clash between two iconic fighting franchises, Baki Hanma and Kengan Ashura, finally materializes in this new anime film. While the premise promised an exhilarating showdown, the film takes its time to build and only does slight justice to the legacy of both series. Scroll down to watch online free.

Story

The film sets the stage for a monumental battle between Baki Hanma and Ohma Tokita, also known as Kengan Ashura. Representing their respective worlds of intense martial arts and underground fighting arenas, this match is touted as the ultimate test of strength and skill.

Review

The Return of the OGs

Fans will be thrilled to see the return of characters like Ohma Tokita, Metsudo Katahara, and Mitsunari Tokugawa. These stalwarts from the worlds of Ashura and Hanma are crucial in establishing the competitive spirit that drives the narrative. However, cameos by characters like Sea Emperor Kaku, Retsu, and Jaku feel underwhelming and add little to the plot.

Voice Acting

Nobunaga Shizamaki and Tatsuhisa Suzuki reprise their roles as Baki Hanma and Kengan Ashura respectively, delivering standout performances that stay true to the franchise. Their vocal presence adds depth to their characters, making their eventual face-off more impactful.

Pacing and Build-up

The film opens with an earthquake, a signature motif in the Baki universe that signals impending chaos. As the narrative unfolds, we see familiar faces and a slow build-up to the much-awaited clash. However, this build-up feels overly prolonged, consuming an hour before the real action begins.

Fights and Action

The initial fights, such as Saw Paing Yoroizuka versus Kaouru Hanayama, offer surprising twists and a good dose of violence and gore, aligning with the WWE-esque brutality that fans expect. Julius Reinhold and Biscuit Olivia’s confrontation, mediated by Goki Shibukawa, adds another layer of tension.

Raian Kure and Jack Hammer’s demon-like personas and their intense fighting style bring a visceral thrill to the screen. Yet, the exaggerated effects, like the glowing punches, might feel overdone to some viewers. The backstory and the emotional stakes are well-crafted, providing a solid foundation for their conflict.

The Main Event

The long-anticipated showdown between Baki Hanma and Ohma Tokita is a fast-paced spectacle. Their contrasting fighting techniques and training philosophies are showcased brilliantly. Despite the seemingly one-sided nature of the fight, a supernatural twist keeps the audience on edge.

Surprise Appearances and Final Moments

Yujiro Hanma’s surprise entry escalates the stakes, transforming the dynamic from junior versus junior to junior versus senior. His brief appearance, even in a softer era, reaffirms his dominance and sets the stage for potential future conflicts.

Gensai “The Devil Lance” Kuroki’s dramatic entrance from the dust is another highlight, marking him as a significant player in the narrative.

Soundtrack

The opening and closing themes will please longtime fans with their familiarity, even if they lack strong visual accompaniments. The music complements the tone of the film, enhancing the viewing experience.

Humor and Relief

Attempts at humor, such as the competition between Adam Dudley and Chiharu Shiba, fall flat. The jokes feel outdated and fail to provide the intended relief in the tense atmosphere.

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Verdict

While Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura has its moments, it struggles to match the high standards set by its predecessors. The extended build-up and occasional pacing issues detract from the overall experience. However, the film succeeds in maintaining the core themes of power, respect, and the relentless pursuit of martial excellence. For fans committed to following the storyline, this film is worth a watch, albeit with tempered expectations.

In summary, Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura offers glimpses of brilliance but ultimately falls short of delivering the knockout punch that fans of both franchises were hoping for.