Common Sense Media Review
Violent yet inspiring anime has action, gore, body horror.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dororo
What's the Story?
Set in feudal Japan, DORORO starts with a man who makes a deal with the 12 demons. In exchange for power and prominence, Daigo Kagemitsu (voiced by David Wald in the English dub), Lord of Ishikawa, offers the 12 demons anything they want. The demons choose to take his firstborn son. When his son, Hyakkimaru (Adam Gibbs), is born deformed, he tells the midwife to drown him in the river. The baby survives, and as a young man who's blind and mute, meets Dororo (Chaney Moore), a young thief. They join forces along with another priest who's blind to fight against demons.
Is It Any Good?
This series is violent and disturbing, but its action and mystery pulls you in. Dororo may be inappropriate for younger audiences, or those who are sensitive to gore, violence, and body horror, but those who can look past the gore will find a compelling, fast-paced story. When the nurse places Hyakkimaru in the river, you wonder what will happen to the poor infant, and it's easy to get hooked.
The central story of Dororo and Hyakkimaru fighting against evil and forming a bond that turns into friendship is inspiring. Though Hyakkimaru physically cannot talk, he shows Dororo that he's aware of his presence, and Dororo has his eyes and ears out for danger and takes care of finding money and food for the duo. This show is a display of strength despite weakness, good vs. evil, and friendship.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about compassion, a theme in this series. Why is it important to be compassionate? What is an example of a time you have used compassion?
This fictional story takes place in a nonfiction historic setting. Why do you think the creator chose this setting; why is it important to the story?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 29, 2021
- Cast : Chaney Moore , Adam Gibbs , David Wald
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , History
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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