Kurosaki Ichigo has always had the uncanny ability to see spirits and ghosts. Despite his unusual skill, he lives the normal life of a 15-year-old boy, aside from the moments when his rambunctious father body-slams him by surprise. Then one day, a Shinigami named Kuchiki Rukia crosses his path. She is hunting for an evil spirit but is shocked by Kurosaki's ability to see both her and the demon. It is obvious that Kurosaki was born to be a Soul Reaper like her and, so, when she is injured by the foe, she allows her powers to transfer to him so that he can fight it before it wreaks more havoc. She is still more surprised, however, when rather than absorbing a small portion of her power as she expects, Kurosaki imbibes all of it. It would seem that Kurosaki's destiny may be laid out before him at the early age of 15.
Bleach is considered to be an extremely well-balanced anime series, utilizing both comedy and action as well as rather poignant story elements such as an episode in which the spirit of a small boy who was killed in an accident is imprisoned by a menacing ghost who falsely promises to reunite him with his mother. The boy can be saved by Kurosaki and Kuchiki but will still have to wait in the afterlife for his mother to join him. Such delicate subject matter is dealt with sensitively and skillfully, leading to an overall hopeful illustration of death and the afterlife, despite the dangers presented of souls becoming lost and "hollow." ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide