Suspense (174)

Instilling a sense of anticipation and excitement takes priority, and is accomplished with a narrative that is rife with twists, turns, and red herrings. Uncertainty is present every step of the way, often drawn out for maximum effect. A variety of tools are used to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, such as withholding important information, intentional misdirection, or even outright subversion of expectations. Suspenseful moments do not mean a work is Suspense; the feeling of anticipation or anxiety must be maintained throughout the story. Contrast with Horror where the audience is in a constant state of apprehension and dreads the next event, rather than craving it. While Mystery also instills anticipation, the tension is focused on discovering the solution to a puzzle, rather than knowing what the characters will do next. Sometimes a story can mix Suspense with Horror or Mystery, but this is rare.

Shion no Ou

Shion no Ou

Shion no Ou

Shion no Ou follows the story of Yasuoka Shion, a 13-year-old Shougi player with a past of tragedy. Shion's parents were brutally murdered in front of her when she was 5 years old. The murderer sat down with her and challenged her to a game of Shougi, after telling her that if she wanted to stay alive she should forget how to speak, and forget what happened that night.

Now Shion has entered the realm of female pro Kishi, mute but strong. As her playing gathers more and more attention, so do the questions about her past and the brutal murder she witnessed. Shion's memories slowly come back, and the mystery begins to unravel, thread by thread.
Oct 14, 2007 to Mar 23, 2008 | 22 eps | Publishing

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei

A series of eerily similar suicides occupy newspaper headlines in late '90s Japan. Amidst all the bizarre resemblances, there is one detail that stands out above the rest: the victims have all taken their lives by leaping from the Fujou building, a run-down abandoned structure rising high above the city.

Shiki Ryougi, a cold-hearted girl living in an empty apartment, suspects that these sinister events have a supernatural cause. Possessing a mystical power herself, Shiki works to investigate the incidents alongside Touko Aozaki, a doll-making detective specializing in magic, and her friend Mikiya Kokotou who works as Touko's assistant.

Shiki unravels the mystery as she ventures through an enigmatic world to uncover the dark secrets surrounding the strange phenomenon.

Dec 1, 2007 | 1 eps | Publishing

Death Note: Rewrite

Death Note: Rewrite

Death Note: Rewrite

When approached by a fellow death god tempted to visit the human realm, Ryuk recounts his own journey to the other side and the story of Light Yagami—a brilliant young man who impressed him there.

One day at school, Light stumbles upon Ryuk's lost Death Note and realizes it is not an ordinary notebook. He learns that it has the ability to kill every person whose name is written inside, provided that the user can visualize the victim's face. Having long deplored the decadence of current society, Light believes this sinister weapon offers him an unexpected opportunity: to eradicate all evil and bring about a new ideal world.

Following a string of fatal heart attacks, the authorities start to suspect that the alarming number of dead criminals is not coincidental. Determined to uncover the mysterious culprit, they join forces with L, an internationally renowned detective. As the death count escalates, Light and L clash in a breathtaking confrontation of wits and deception—a duel that will decide the future of humanity.

Aug 31, 2007 to Aug 22, 2008 | 2 eps | Publishing

Kara no Kyoukai Remix: Gate of Seventh Heaven

Kara no Kyoukai Remix: Gate of Seventh Heaven

Kara no Kyoukai Remix: Gate of Seventh Heaven

In August of 1995, Mikiya Kokutou meets a young kimono-clad woman named Shiki Ryougi. When he finds out that they go to the same school, he attempts to befriend her. Though her upbringing is unconventional and she herself is strange, Mikiya is not deterred, and Shiki gradually opens up to him. But Mikiya's life will be changed forever by this simple meeting, and in ways that he never imagined, as he begins to see a deadly side to his new friend...

Mar 14, 2009 | 1 eps | Publishing

Higashi no Eden Movie II: Paradise Lost

Higashi no Eden Movie II: Paradise Lost

Higashi no Eden Movie II: Paradise Lost

As one of the 12 Seleção that needs to save the country in order to win a game, Akira Takizawa decided to become the "King of Japan." With that in mind, after his return from the U.S.A., the remaining Seleção will also need to follow up on their own plans as they strive to outdo each other.

Saki Morimi and the other members of the "Eden of the East" are under suspicion of being terrorists, but they still do everything they can to help Takizawa reach his goal and unravel the secrets of his past, as the last fight between the Seleção begins.

Mar 13, 2010 | 1 eps | Publishing

Mouryou no Hako: Chuuzenji Atsuko no Jikenbo - Hako no Yurei...

Mouryou no Hako: Chuuzenji Atsuko no Jikenbo - Hako no Yurei no Koto

Mouryou no Hako: Chuuzenji Atsuko no Jikenbo - Hako no Yurei no Koto

A side story that reveals the investigative notes that Atsuko, the younger sister of the main character Akihiko Chuzenji, wrote about the brutal dismembering incidents in the main story.

(Source: ANN)
May 22, 2009 | 1 eps | Publishing

Higashi no Eden: Air Communication

Higashi no Eden: Air Communication

Higashi no Eden: Air Communication

A re-editing of the 11 television episodes of Higashi no Eden.
Sep 26, 2009 | 1 eps | Publishing

Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

After one of his coworkers fails to repay a debt, apathetic bum Kaiji Itou is pressured by loan sharks to settle the large sum of cash. Since Kaiji has little money and no future prospects of his own, he is unable to return what his colleague borrowed. Faced with massive financial burdens, Kaiji is given an offer to board the illustrious Espoir—it is said that "one night aboard the ship, and all of your debts will be paid."

What seems like a simple night of gambling quickly turns into a game of strategy and betrayal. With the losers of the tournament being subjected to a backbreaking life of indebted servitude, Kaiji must choose his actions—and allies—carefully. However, this is only the beginning of a series of gambles that will wager Kaiji's life, testing the full extent of his wits and will to survive.

Oct 3, 2007 to Apr 2, 2008 | 26 eps | Publishing

Kizuoibito

Kizuoibito

Kizuoibito

Yuko Kusaka is a Japanese journalist sent to Brazil to do a report on the gold rush phenomenon that seems to be making many people rich from night to day. Rumors say that among the many "garimpeiros" (gold diggers) currently on the Amazon forest, there is a Japanese known as Rio Baraki. Reaching their destination, her crew member is promptly attacked and she is raped as a warning to stop their work and return immediately to their home country. Determined to do her job, she stays and finds out from the attacker that he is none other than Baraki, a white haired muscular man with a large scar on his back. Later she discovers that his real name is Keisuke Ibaraki. Once a promising quarterback, he ended up falsely incriminated by a powerful organization known as GPX.
(Source: ANN)
Jul 5, 1986 to Aug 25, 1988 | 5 eps | Publishing

Shigofumi

Shigofumi

Shigofumi

There are some things that people are unable to say while they are alive; for these, there are "shigofumi," letters carried from the world of the dead to the world of the living. When a person with strong emotions dies, they are able to create a shigofumi, whether their feelings are of love, longing, or resentment. It is the quiet and mysterious Fumika's job to deliver these messages from the departed. Along with her talking magic staff Kanaka, she ensures that each shigofumi reaches its intended recipient, even if that person does not want to face its contents.

Fumika witnesses the tragedies of people, both dead and alive, and sees their deepest secrets revealed. What is unclear, however, are the details of Fumika's past. Who was she before she came to be a carrier of shigofumi?

Jan 6, 2008 to Mar 23, 2008 | 12 eps | Publishing

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei

The infamous series of unexplainable murders in Hinamizawa have been solved and the chains of fate have broken due to the efforts of Rika Furude and her friends. Rika believes she has finally obtained the normal and peaceful life she desired with her friends; however, she is proven wrong when the wheels of fate begin turning once again after an unfortunate accident.

Rika suddenly finds herself in a "perfect" world, the constant cycle of brutal killings having never taken place, where all of her friends are content and satisfied. Not wanting to abandon the world that she fought so hard for, she learns she must destroy an essential "key" to get back. But can Rika abandon the faultless world she is given the chance to live in, after all of her battles have brought her this far?

Feb 25, 2009 to Aug 21, 2009 | 5 eps | Publishing

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 2: Satsujin Kousatsu (Zen)

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 2: Satsujin Kousatsu (Zen)

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 2: Satsujin Kousatsu (Zen)

In the winter of 1995, Mikiya Kokutou passes a young woman during a late night stroll in the snow. Clad in a striking white kimono and bearing an enigmatic gaze, Shiki Ryougi smiles at Mikiya who stares back with curiosity. Later that spring, Mikiya notices Shiki at his high school entrance ceremony, and they become acquaintances through lunchtime conversations. As Shiki begins opening up to him, Mikiya learns about her unique upbringing.

Meanwhile, a series of unprecedented murders takes place across Mifune City. Seemingly related, these murders are particularly brutal and warrant a large scale police investigation. Because of his cousin's work as a police investigator, Mikiya is given insight into the investigation. Concerned for Shiki's safety, Mikiya decides to monitor her actions, but in doing so, he stumbles upon a truly frightening discovery that changes his life forever.

Dec 29, 2007 | 1 eps | Publishing

Loups=Garous

Loups=Garous

Loups=Garous

In a future governed through the lens of a camera, where people eat synthetic food and pursue an online existence in lieu of physical contact, a group of children begin meeting up in the real world. The aloof Ayumi Kono, the genius hacker Mio Tsuzuki, and the socially awkward Hazuki Makino set out to find the fourth member of their group, Yuko Yabe, who has gone missing. With the help of Myao Rei, an unregistered citizen proficient in martial arts, they are able to find Yuko. However, when their situation takes a sudden turn for the worse, the group stumbles headlong into a dark mystery that challenges everything they know about their world.

Aug 28, 2010 | 1 eps | Publishing

Biohazard 4: Incubate

Biohazard 4: Incubate

Biohazard 4: Incubate

Sep 28, 2006 | 1 eps | Publishing

Shiki Specials

Shiki Specials

Shiki Specials

As the epidemic terrorizes the quiet secluded village of Sotoba, three women have found themselves amidst the escalating crisis. Nao Yasumori is tormented by visions of the deceased; Kanami Yano must keep a secret at risk of losing a loved one; and Motoko Maeda goes through insurmountable grief as the mysterious illness spreads throughout her family.

With rising tensions testing the limits of family relationships, even the smallest of mistakes can easily sever the ties that bind .

May 25, 2011 to Jun 22, 2011 | 2 eps | Publishing

C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control

C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control

C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control

Apr 15, 2011 to Jun 24, 2011 | 11 eps | Publishing

Another: The Other - Inga

Another: The Other - Inga

Another: The Other - Inga

May 26, 2012 | 1 eps | Publishing

Bloody Night

Bloody Night

Bloody Night

May 21, 2006 | 1 eps | Publishing

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 1: Hajimari no Monogatari

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 1: Hajimari no Monogatari

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 1: Hajimari no Monogatari

Oct 6, 2012 | 1 eps | Publishing

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 3: Tsuukaku Zanryuu

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 3: Tsuukaku Zanryuu

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 3: Tsuukaku Zanryuu

On a solemn night in July 1998, teenager Fujino Asagami is mercilessly raped by a street gang in a dilapidated bar. No matter what physical or sexual abuse they deal, however, the girl regards her captors with the same apathetic expression. The next day, mangled bodies are discovered in that same building, so torn apart that investigators find it infeasible to even consider the culprit human.

Elsewhere, a client request reaches Touko Aozaki's detective agency, tasking Shiki Ryougi with either capturing or killing the perpetrator of last night's incident. But soon, word spreads that a single survivor escaped the slaughter, and now the murderer is plowing down everything in their path to locate and exterminate him. A brutal race against time begins, pitting Shiki against a dangerous foe imperceptible even to her legendary eyes.

Feb 9, 2008 | 1 eps | Publishing

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 5: Mujun Rasen

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 5: Mujun Rasen

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 5: Mujun Rasen

In November 1998, a double homicide occurs at the newly constructed Ogawa apartment complex in the heart of Mifune City. The murderer, Tomoe Enjou, has fled in a panic. To his astonishment, he is not pursued by the police and news of the incident has not been reported through media outlets. After Shiki Ryougi defends Tomoe from a group of thugs, she allows him to use her residence as a hideout. However, a few days later, Tomoe is shaken to discover that his mother is alive, even though he is convinced that he killed her.

Coincidentally, Mikiya Kokutou is investigating a tip that his associate Touko Aozaki receives regarding the murder at the unique apartment complex. As he uncovers more information about the incident, Mikiya takes a particular interest in Tomoe. Deciding to investigate him further, Mikiya soon discovers the disturbing truth of the foreboding Ogawa complex.

The fifth installment of the Kara no Kyoukai film series, Mujun Rasen combines an intricately constructed mystery with established themes and characters to produce a dark, thought-provoking story.

Aug 16, 2008 | 1 eps | Publishing

Ga-Rei: Zero

Ga-Rei: Zero

Ga-Rei: Zero

In Japan, there exists a government agency known as the Supernatural Disaster Countermeasures Division (SDCD), whose duty is to protect the citizens from creatures unseen. They are able to dispatch these monsters swiftly and without alerting the general public. But currently, they face a different challenge: the betrayal of one of their own.

After the death of her mother several years ago, Kagura Tsuchimiya has been fostered by the Isayama family and forms a close sister-like bond with their daughter Yomi. The two become inseparable, and together they work for the SDCD as highly skilled exorcists. However, as the stress and consequences of their sacred duty weigh on them both, and family politics come into play, Kagura and Yomi begin to slowly drift apart. One of them grows earnestly into her role as an exorcist, and the other heads down a dark path from which there may be no redemption...

Oct 6, 2008 to Dec 22, 2008 | 12 eps | Publishing

Mouryou no Hako

Mouryou no Hako

Mouryou no Hako

Absent-minded schoolgirl Yoriko Kusumoto only has eyes for Kanako Yuzuki. After planning for their summer trip, their journey comes to a premature and brutal end when Kanako is found severely wounded on train tracks and Yoriko in tears on the station's platform. Shuutarou Kiba, a detective who happened to be on the train that hit the girl, takes up the investigation. However, he discovers that the mystery behind this case is intertwined with an intricate network of deceptions involving the Yuzuki family, especially its most prominent member, Youko Yuzuki—a famous actress and Kanako's sister.

Although Kanako survives after surgery, her critical state prompts Youko to entrust a doctor, Dr. Koushirou Mimasaka, to take care of the girl in an ominous, box-shaped facility in the forest where she will receive experimental treatment. But soon after, on a night where Kiba and Yoriko visit Kanako, the convalescent suddenly vanished. Now searching for her whereabouts, the burden on Kiba dramatically grows when he learns about other gruesome discoveries: limbs of young girls in boxes.

Kiba is suggested by a colleague that the macabre findings are related not only to Kanako's disappearance but also to the truth behind her sister. As the investigation continues, the detective—enlisting the help of his partners Tatsumi Sekiguchi and Akihiko Chuuzenji—has to find a way to solve this series of crimes and find Kanako back.

Oct 8, 2008 to Dec 31, 2008 | 13 eps | Publishing

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 2: Eien no Monogatari

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 2: Eien no Monogatari

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 2: Eien no Monogatari

Oct 13, 2012 | 1 eps | Publishing