Netflix Original Anime 'Seis Manos' Packs a Punch

Netflix

Seis Manos 六隻手 (Six Hands) is an original Netflix anime set in the 70s in Mexico featuring a woman police officer, Officer Garcia, a black American Drug Enforcement Agency agent, Brister, three kids, Isabela, Silencio, and Jesus, and a whole lot of trouble. The story introduces the three orphans, raised by a Daoist martial artist, Sifu Chiu, practicing martial arts at their home. In another part of town, Officer Garcia complains that nothing exciting ever happens in her sleepy Mexican town of San Simon, and the DEA agent is sent to the town for an assignment. Their paths meet when a supernatural power rips through San Simon and throws their lives into chaos. The next 8 episodes are filled with twists, turns and surprises as they work together put their lives and their townspeople’s lives back into balance. Be prepared for a show that is action packed and full of blood.

As for production, the show was created by Brad Graeber and Alvaro Rodriguez. Graeber is known for his animation on Clerks and a producer for the DC Universe Online. Rodriguez is a recognized writer for Machete and as a composer for El Mariachi. Seis Manos was also written by Daniel Dominguez whose previous works include writing for SpongeBob Squarepants and The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants. Together, the three bring their experience in animation, Mexican culture, and storytelling to craft the production of Seis Manos.(3) Seis Manos’ director, Willis Bulliner, directed all 8 episodes and is known for Castlevania’s animation department and storyboarding and Meet the Patels’ animation. (4) This TV series is Bulliner’s directorial debut VIZ Media and Powerhouse Animation Studios are credited for producing the animation. Originally a publisher, VIZ Media is a self proclaimed “international authority on manga for more than three decades.” (5) VIZ Productions started their foray into production by coordinating the licenses of Japanese material to American film companies first with All you Need is Kill into Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. (7) Powerhouse Animation, which has Director Willis Bulliner on their roster, has a portfolio including works like Castlevania and Magus Elgar. 

Audiences of Seis Manos, will be excited to observe not only a period anime in Mexico but also the Chinese elements and influences that are woven into the story, animation, and music. The intro credits have Chinese words overlaying scenes from the show set in Mexico. All the episodes begin with a Chinese proverb except for the first and last episode. Seis Manos’ script uses Chinese or Daoist philosophy to guide character’s development. For example, Sifu attempts to show Silencio how to deal with anger with the phrase, “What is soft, is strong.” Isabella’s struggle is being able to let go after a loved one’s death and the cycles of life. The mix of the two people of color cultures is refreshing and intriguing. A favorite character that stands out in the show is Garabina, the elder healer who communicates with the spirit realm. She wins over the audience with her weathered experience and tenderness for those who are in pain which is received in equal doses of comedic relief and drama development. A critique of use of character would be Silencio’s love interest, Lina, who is missing a hand and also relegated to a typical supporting instead of a lead role. A few loose ends in the story include, does Silencio like his Silencio name? Perhaps the answer will come in the next season and possibly help explain why he has anger issues. Overall, the diverse representation among people color in the cast makes for a fun story to watch with nuanced depth.

For this animated series acting comes down to the drawing of emotions and the feel as well as the voice acting the actors did. The seis manos were played by the following actors, Aislinn Derbez is Isabela, Jonny Cruz is Jesus, Angelica Vale is Officer Garcia, Mike Colter is Brister, and Danny Trejo plays El Balde. Powerhouse Animation did a great job allowing each character to emote authentic and believable feelings and thoughts. The voices and animations created an atmosphere that pulled in their audience. While almost the entirety of the main cast were perfection, Sifu Chiu, played by Vic Chao potentially causes hiccups for viewers. It is arguable that Chao’s Chinese accent is arguably not authentic enough to convince audiences and therefore Chao should forgo it all together. Another could counter for numerous reasons, including but not limited to Chao’s accent is indeed authentic, that the detail of Chiu’s accent is not blaring enough to dock the series. Nonetheless, Chao is an esteemed and established actor, previously in 24, Miss Congeniality 2, and Mortal Kombat X and should continue to work. Last but not least, since Silencio’s character is mute, his persona is based purely on animation and barely any voice contribution. For those who have audible voices, they did a great job of not only matching the feel of the animation with their voices, but also provided an authentic experience of sound effects during the physical fights.

Seis Manos is a bold foray into animation not only around a Mexican story, but a uniquely refreshing mix with Chinese story, culture, and sound elements. Audiences can expect to be entranced with the non-stop action, mystical components, and a balance between a gripping story and heartfelt lessons. Applause for first-time director Willis Bulliner’s work and we will be looking forward to the second season.