Kuroshitsuji: Sono Shitsuji, Kougyou

Earl Ciel Phantomhive's Funtom Corporation is sponsoring a charity performance of Hamlet to be shown to a group of poor children as a celebration of its third anniversary. However, when the theater company hired for the stage play is suddenly delayed and won't make it in time for the scheduled performance, the company is faced with a dilemma. With the promise of plenty of press coverage, Ciel must find a way to rectify the situation and commands his butler, Sebastian Michaelis, to ensure the success of the play.

But with a haphazard ensemble of amateur actors—including Ciel, his fiancée Elizabeth Midford, his servants, and many others—how can they possibly put on the show in time?

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Michaelis, Sebastian Main

Ono, Daisuke Japanese

Phantomhive, Ciel Main

Sakamoto, Maaya Japanese

Sutcliff, Grell ing

Fukuyama, Jun Japanese

Undertaker ing

Suwabe, Junichi Japanese

Mey-Rin ing

Katou, Emiri Japanese

Finnian ing

Kaji, Yuuki Japanese

Midford, Elizabeth ing

Tamura, Yukari Japanese

Spears, William T. ing

Sugiyama, Noriaki Japanese

Kadar, Soma Asman ing

Tachibana, Shinnosuke Japanese

Tanaka ing

Fujimura, Shunji Japanese

Cook, Justin Producer

Ichimura, Tetsuo Episode Director

Okada, Mari Script

Shinohara, Toshiya Storyboard

Reviews

Jul 5, 2010

-Naami-

Recommended

To watch or not to watch, that is the question of this review for Kuroshitsuji’s Hamlet.

And so begins the production of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in the Phantomhive household. Master Ciel had intended to put on a play for the disadvantaged children as a means to gain publicity for his company by coming off as a philanthropist. But what’s this – a sudden mishap had occurred meaning his professional actors won’t be able to make it?! Whatever shall they do? Well, his faithful and most competent butler, Sebastian has an idea: cast themselves in the play!

The OVA is a nice little side story that quenches the ... viewer’s thirst to see some more screen time of their objects of affection. In other words, it is for fans. Nevertheless it is genuinely an entertaining piece to watch with much comic relief and yet another glimpse of an insight to Ciel’s troubled character. The first half is about preparation for the play whereas the second half is the play itself. The play does not quite follow the original version as Ciel had intended to do (forgetting lines does sometimes have that effect on a play) but somehow ends up revolving around Ciel’s own situation since the resemblance to his and Hamlet’s quest for revenge is almost uncanny.

The whole cast of Kuroshitsuji returns in this little OVA; from the bona fide gay shinigami, Grell to the ostentatious and somewhat lecherous Viscount. You get the feeling that it is a little hectic but at the same time sets the mood of the bustling OVA.

Art is as gorgeous as ever, especially with the costumes. Ciel is criminally adorable (I’m starting to feel like a paedophile here) in his play get up and Sebastian is actually out of his butler attire! The second OP is used for this special, and is probably the best piece you will hear during the 20 minutes as all other themes aren’t even worth mentioning in this. It’s not that they were particularly bad as they serve their purpose of entertaining for that moment, but afterwards you won’t even that there was music being played.

For a side story, Kuroshitsuji’s OVA provides decent character development for Ciel and shows off Sebastian mischievous side to the maximum. It is both comical and serious, and ultimately enjoyable. To be honest, it was more of a pleasurable experience than the actual series. So to answer that question at the beginning: I think the first option is the most adequate.

After all, where would the Phantomhive household be if Sebastian could not even pull off a play?

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Jan 23, 2010

HungerGamer

Recommended

The OVA was very fun to watch.

First of all the idea was very nice. And it ended well done. It had the regular Kuroshitsuji's climat and humor, the OST was fitting and seyius did a great job. Nothing to be mad about.

Though it wasn't a perfection. I'd like to see more practicing before the actual 'Hamlet' play. The OVA could've been done better than that but still it was a real fun to watch.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Apr 24, 2025

colelouch

Mixed Feelings

This OVA serves as a lighthearted summary that offers viewers a glimpse into the tone and style of Black Butler's filler episodes. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet it also avoids going fully comedic, striking a balance between playful absurdity and subtle character-driven charm. The story is loosely inspired by a historical event or myth, which is then filtered through the quirky personalities of the Black Butler cast, creating an experience that’s amusing in its own eccentric way.

While it’s enjoyable for what it is, the episode doesn’t bring much new to the table in of character development or narrative impact. It feels more ... like a standalone detour, offering familiar interactions and some light fanservice without changing the dynamics or themes of the main series. You could easily slot it between episodes of Season 1, and it wouldn’t affect the continuity or emotional arc of the characters in any meaningful way.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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