Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Review Pages

Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo
(The Case Files of Young Kindaichi)

Gakuen Nana Fushigi Satsujin Jiken: File 3

Copyright: © 1997 Toei Animation
Length: 23 minutes
Rating: NR, Parental Guidance Suggested
Format: Original Japanese Dialogue (VHS, LD)

synopsis:

vhs jacket

This time, the Houkago no Majutsushi has gone too far attacking Miyuki when she was in the Mystery Club room. As a result, Kindaichi, blaming himself for Miyuki's injury, becomes unwilling to continue investigating.

In the meantime, Kenmochi keibu has finished checking into Takahata Seiyaku, the pharmaceutical company which was the original owner of the building which is now the old wing of Fudou High School. It seems that when Takahata Seiyaku owned the building, there were some human trials of some of the drugs being produced. At that time, all people involved in the human trials disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The total number of people in the trial... 6.

How is it, that originally, there were only six school mysteries, but now there are seven? Will Kindaichi be able to solve the mystery of the seven school mysteries, or will he withdraw fomr the investigation out of concern for Miyuki?

capsule review:

This is the final file for this first murder mystery in the Kindaichi series. The story and wrap-up to the mystery are handled in a manner which is both logical (albeit convenient at times) and at the same time, provides enough information that the viewers watching along have the necessary tools to have solved the reasoning behind the mystery as well. However, there are a couple of points which may have eluded viewers which are covered more clearly as Kindaichi unveils the full truth of the seven school mysteries.

The acting in this final episode while a touch weaker than the second episode is still quite solid. Some of the timings are a touch too strongly portrayed with musical timings, lines and animation, but still all works well together to create the overall tension and atmosphere of the episode. Indeed I found Kindaichi's reactions to the events occuring just prior to this final episode a touch too fast for reality. The rapidity of his about-face given the severity of events is just a bit too unrealistic and too convenient for the plot. However, despite this minor peeve, the actual story keeps viewers glued and unlikely to notice the convenience of this turn of events.

The music to the series thus far continues to be most enjoyable to the point that I've since purchased the CD for the series. It makes for a fun listen and the j-pop tunes are also very good. Also, the music continues to work solidly with the story, animation and acting to build atmosphere and tension throughout. Likewise, the animation shows itself to be very much in the TV realm for quality with some good detail in certain scenes, but lacking in smoothness with respect to motion.

All in all a solid first storyline to the series and an excellent introduction to the main characters of Kindaichi, Miyuki and Kenmochi keibu.
- JN, 2001.02.06

café rating (original japanese):

Story:	[4 / 5] - All the pieces are there, and it's very possible for those who have been following closely to solve the mystery at hand. A solid wrap-up to a very good story overall.
Direction:	[4 / 5] - Good direction although some timings in the wrap-up are a touch too convenient for moving the story to its conclusion. Still, there are a couple of surprises to throw viewers in the end.
Acting:	[3 / 5] - A touch odd in a couple of places here in the wrap-up. Still overall quite well done for this first story in the series and the voice cast are all well into character.
Animation:	[3 / 5] - As per the previous episodes in this story. Some good detail but not the smoothest animation.
Music:	[4 / 5] - Again overall solid music track for the first story in a TV series.
Translation:	[ N/A ] - Based on the original Japanese release.
Overall Rating:	[4 / 5] - A solid end to this first story to this series. Indeed, this first story makes an excellent beginning to this series. Solid story, direction, acting and music all work together to keep viewer attention from beginning to end. Onwards to the next mystery!

[ << prev ] [ top ] [ next >> ]

[ home ] [ what's new ] [ café contest ] [ café reviews ] [ parent's guide ] [ encyclopædia ]
[ café trivia ] [ café latté ] [ café espresso ] [ about the café ] [ feedback ] [ links ] [ site map ]

© 1997-2001. All rights reserved. The Animé Café logo and the Crystal Kyoko award are original creations of the Animé Café. Please do not use any of the materials on this site without the expressed written permission of the Animé Café.

Page last modified 2001.02.06

synopsis:

capsule review:

café rating (original japanese):

Story:

Direction:

Acting:

Animation:

Music:

Translation:

Overall Rating: