English Dub Review: Hell’s Paradise: “Screening and Choosing”

Overview: Gabimaru (Alejandro Saab) and the rest of the criminals are presented with a challenge that’ll decide if they live, let alone go to Shinsenkyo.  

Our Take: The screening process into the island ensues with the added twist being it’s a kill or be killed entrance exam. The test is an exciting way of establishing the unique, ragtag criminals while trimming the fat of cannon fodder ones. 

Sagiri working out what kind of man Gabimaru is a strong testament to how jaded he is with death. The demons that haunt her are compelling in how she grips with her job as an executioner. Even more so is how she seeks to squash her horrors rather than turn a blind eye to them. Sexism also plays a role in her struggles in the discriminating manner she’s viewed as an executing swordswoman. 

Gabimaru’s morals in how he kills, only doing so when necessary is, more or less, standard procedure. The execution is a little too talky with him over-explaining his ideals. However, his viciousness when threatened helps solidify his conscience and a lot of that comes down to MAPPA. The team has an eye for detail, bringing his savage moments to life with vicious elasticity. Their incredible work makes his fight scenes a brutal, bouncy delight to the eyes. 

One aspect that’s much appreciated is the effect that Gabimaru has on Sagiri. It would be all too easy for her internal struggles to be quelled. Instead, she’s allowed to evolve in accepting the burden she must bear as an executioner. The groundwork is being laid for an excellent chemistry that will have them learning from one another.