刺客伍六七
Scissor Seven
An amnesiac barber, a pair of scissors and assassination jobs that always go wrong
Synopsis
On Xiaoji Island, Wu Liuqi runs a small barbershop. He makes ends meet as a cut-price assassin, armed with his scissors and a strange gift: he can disguise himself as anything. The problem is that he has never completed a single job.
Fished out of the sea with no memories, he was named after his shop number by Ji Dabao, a chicken-like creature who acts as his agent. Mission after mission, memories resurface, and his past, tied to the Kingdom of Xuanwu, eventually catches up with him.
Created by He Xiaofeng and his studio Xiaofeng Pictures (小疯映画), the series has aired since 25 April 2018. It spans five seasons, from the early episodic comedy to a much darker action story, and was distributed internationally by Netflix.
World
The story takes place on Xiaoji Island, a quiet, colourful place reminiscent of southern China, then in rival kingdoms such as Xuanwu. Assassins there form a ranked profession, with grades, schools and contracts.
Power system
Fighters master martial techniques and unusual powers. Wu Liuqi fights with scissors and can disguise himself as anything. Over the seasons, the power of the Thousand-Blade Sword, tied to his past, emerges.
Reception & popularity
First known for its absurd humour and short episodes, the series won a worldwide audience thanks to Netflix. Seasons 3 to 5, more serious, are praised for their fights and the depth Wu Liuqi's story gains.
My take
Scissor Seven is one of the easiest donghua to love: absurd humour, an adorable hero and short episodes that fly by. Then the series changes tone and becomes a real story of action and lost memory, with superb fights.
The shift from comedy to drama can surprise, and some seasons are stronger than others. But that very mix is what makes it unique.
Who is it for?Watch it if you like offbeat action comedies such as One Punch Man or Mob Psycho, and heroes who are deeper than they look. A great entry point into donghua.
Main characters
More character profiles are coming.
Adaptations
This franchise also exists in other formats — each with its own pacing and audience.
Trivia
- The name Wu Liuqi (伍六七) reads as "five-six-seven", his barbershop's number.
- Creator He Xiaofeng also voices Wu Liuqi in the Chinese version.
If you liked…
More donghua to discover after Scissor Seven: same author or same genres.
