BURN THE WITCH

BURN THE WITCH is an enthralling action-fantasy anime film, meticulously brought to life by Studio Colorido and helmed by director Tatsuro Kawano. Released in October 2020, this cinematic experience transports viewers into a vibrant, hidden corner of Tite Kubo's expansive Bleach universe. The narrative centers on two dynamic witches, Noel Niihashi and Ninny Spangcole, who serve as agents for Wing Bind, the formidable Western Branch of the Soul Society, operating in the clandestine realm known as Reverse London. Their paramount mission involves the meticulous management and protection of dragons—powerful, magical entities that, if left unattended, pose significant threats to both the human and magical worlds. The anime masterfully weaves together elements of urban fantasy and supernatural intrigue, crafting a distinctly unique atmosphere that seamlessly fuses the iconic aesthetics of modern London with profound mystical elements. Character designs are notably distinctive, featuring innovative stylistic touches such as magical circles manifesting through unconventional means like spray-painting, which injects a fresh layer of originality and visual flair into the magical combat sequences. The overarching narrative introduces audiences to a richly complex world where witches not only coexist with formidable magical beasts but actively engage them, confronting threats through a combination of strategic teamwork and formidable magical prowess. As a spin-off from the renowned Bleach series, BURN THE WITCH significantly enriches the established lore, yet it remains entirely accessible to newcomers, requiring no prior knowledge of the original series to fully appreciate its depth and excitement. The film, comprising three episodes, boasts a collective runtime of 63 minutes, delivering a tightly paced and visually breathtaking experience. Studio Colorido’s signature vibrant animation quality is on full display, with stunning sequences that underscore their technical expertise. The story expertly balances high-octane action, intriguing mystery, and moments of lighthearted camaraderie, all revolving around the compelling and close-knit partnership of Noel and Ninny as they navigate perilous dragon-related incidents across Reverse London.

BURN THE WITCH emerges as a notably refreshing and impactful entry within the action-fantasy genre, adeptly expanding the mythos of the Bleach universe while simultaneously forging an independent narrative with broad appeal. The core premise, featuring witches dedicated to protecting dragons within a hidden London, skillfully merges familiar fantasy tropes with innovative urban settings, effectively distinguishing the series. The protagonists, Noel Niihashi and Ninny Spangcole, are crafted with considerable depth, exhibiting compelling and well-developed personalities that, through their contrasting temperaments, generate an engaging and dynamic partnership. Their synergistic teamwork and nuanced characterizations provide essential emotional grounding amidst the series' high-energy action sequences. Director Tatsuro Kawano’s confident debut is underscored by consistently smooth animation, a vibrant and thoughtfully curated color palette, and fluid, impactful fight choreography that respectfully nods to the source material’s aesthetic while imbuing it with Studio Colorido’s distinctive polish. The magic system, notably its integration of modern artistic influences such as graffiti, alongside the imaginative design of the dragons, showcases remarkable creative ingenuity. The voice acting, delivered by Rina Hidaka as Noel and M.A.O as Ninny, is consistently strong, lending distinct personalities and emotional weight to the characters, thereby enhancing viewer immersion. While the series' concise format of three episodes naturally limits the exhaustive exploration of every narrative thread, this focused approach ensures a cohesive and satisfying viewing experience, leaving a potent impression and suggesting considerable potential for future expansions. The seamless integration of fantasy within urban landscapes and the compelling, female-led duo are particular highlights that contribute significant diversity and freshness to the genre. In conclusion, BURN THE WITCH stands as a visually stunning and narratively engaging anime film, reaffirming Tite Kubo’s storytelling prowess and further solidifying Studio Colorido's escalating reputation for animation excellence. It is highly recommended for both devoted Bleach enthusiasts and newcomers seeking a stylish, original, and thoughtfully executed fantasy story.