Afro Samurai

Thankyou for voting! Here is your review!

Title: Afro Samurai
Distributor: Gonzo
Genre(s): samurai, drama, violence
Age Rating: 18+ (extreme violence and brutal scenes)

Episodes: 5 + Movie
Aired: January 4, 2007 - February 1, 2007
Official Site: at http://www.gonzo.co.jp/index.html

Authors Rating: 9/10











Set in a world where everyone’s desire is to beat up the bigger, tougher guy in order to become the biggest, toughest guy in the ’hood, Afro Samurai serves a plate of standardised plotting. Much of the development comprises a lot of macho stand-offs followed by gruesome resolutions; furthermore, the protagonist has no other motive for his deplorable actions except revenge against the individual who killed his beloved father - the owner of the number 1 head band - when he was barely old enough to remember it.




As Afro predictably hacks his way through one unfortunate challenger after another, the creative design continues to retain its fascination. Consider a irreverent world setting where rocket launchers are used in close-combat as easily as daggers - sex and violence are equally gratuitous - and the main character wears a pair of 18th century oriental bell bottoms. Even the chief antagonists are a menacing Pentecostal sect with fervent sermons drawn directly from the gospel preacher stereotype.






Afro Samurai consists of smooth, groovy, funky stuff and borrows its hard edge from African American culture in a way that brings to mind a bloodier, brawnier, but less original Samurai Champloo.

Alongside visual feasts Afro Samurai is at heart a long sequence of set pieces intentionally arranged to wow viewers who like rapid story progression, gory battle scenes and action so fast that if you blink you will miss. Afro dodges crossbow bolts, parries double swords, and carves flying bullets with the unnerving precision of a murderous master chef, all to an eerie backdrop of deep shadows, sinister greys, and hot splashing reds.




More than that, the show offers some excellent stylistic ‘comic book’ touches, from the majestic way hair floats to the ethereal fluttering of bandanna's and other loose material. Afro Samurai also makes the best use of smoke I’ve seen in Anime, including claustrophobic shots of steaming gun nozzles and cigarette fumes pumping out of nostrils, which adds to the intense 'hellish' atmosphere.

Unfortunately, stylistic excellence does not extend to the soundtrack. That is what many would tell you. I, however, completely disagree with the majority. I think the sound track is completely incomparable to Samurai Champloo's. The two Anime's are completely different. Afro Samurai is much darker and sinister. For this reason the opening music fits perfect with the dark nature of the show. If I had to compare it to Samurai Champloo I would say that I honestly preferred Afro Samurai. All that can really be said is to listen to both of them for yourself. Both Anime's have very memorable opening themes. Music within the show - Afro Samurai - has been heavily restricted and replaced by natural sounds and that add to a more eerie setting and provide a heavier atmosphere to the scenes. Music that is used is usually upon victory where our ... hero? ... Is leaving the battle field.

The men are all cold killers or shop owners, the women purely decorative, and the ham-fisted villains fall to Afro’s sword at the drop of a dismembered head. As for Afro himself, viewers need only know one thing: he’s hard. He’s so hard he could break rocks by just sitting on them. He’ll fuck a brother up quicker than he can utter ‘Yo momma’. Etcetera. In short, Afro is vacuous and only entertaining while he’s killing people; in fact, his blinkered, unrepentant lust for revenge even at the cost of allies is wholly unattractive without the necessary background substance to make it understandable.





As a pleasant surprise, the English dub consists of street lingo to match the show’s urban flair. It’s novel but it’s also rather corny. At worst, there’ll be Samuel L. Jackson’s monosyllabic deadpan performance as Afro filling up the empty scenes of the show, and making the 'lone traveller' part much more entertaining and gives the show some comic value. This character represents the internal Afro Samurai, which he suppresses but never the less is still there. 




Compact but viscerally impressive, Afro Samurai is one for the adults. It provides excellent visual entertainment and a gritty atmosphere that countless will find transiently enjoyable. Come for the style, watch for the stunts, and stay because it’s short and won’t waste too much of your time.

GANTZ

Title: GANTZ
Distributor: GONZO
Genre(s): supernatural, spirit, death, alien, violence
Age Rating: R (extreme violence and mature scenes)

Episodes: 26
Aired: April 12, 2004 - June 26, 2004
Official Site: at http://www.gonzo.co.jp/index.html

Authors Rating: 8.5/10

Gantz starts out as violent as it ends up. Childhood friends Kei and Katou are waiting for a subway and see a drunken man on the tracks. Katou is the good guy and tries to save him, and Kei attempts to help, but their bravery costs them their lives. Kei’s decapitated head flying through the air is a harbinger for the violence to come. The two "awaken" in a room filled with strangers and a large black sphere known as Gantz who, unbeknownst to them, will soon send them on harrowing missions to kill strange aliens; missions which carry a notable reward, and a high chance of dying in very nasty ways. The duo is joined by a very large breasted naked woman, a dog who can’t keep its face out of her crotch, and a company of others. And thus, the violence begins. 

Gantz is a tense, emotion wringing story with a lot of blood and a side portion of... well... all manner of rude things. Unless you are very tolerant of hardship, gore and mature scenes then this anime is not for you. Parents won't want their children to watch these episodes until they are 18... actually EVER. Lets put it that way. Mid-teens will love watching the show when and will miraculously be totally unharmed with the exception of being exposed to a couple of interesting ideas. 

These ideas are as follows (certainly not comprehensive);

1) What happens after you die? Heaven or Hell? ... Nothing? Or it could be something else entirely that no one has considered?


2) Young men tend to be more up for it than have common sense. 


3) Materialist idea of 'you' or 'I'. It appears that almost all of the characters in the show are 'captured' at the time of their death and recorded and transported to Gantz. This either implies that the soul is recordable and re-creatable or that the soul is unnecessary in the recreation of a person. 


4) The weaponry is immensely original. Kei Kurono is certainly the most interesting character in the series. He can be annoying to listen too, is obsessed with the female form and is fully self-indulged, but I think that merely makes him a relatively accurate depiction of a teenage male. One of the key points in this very gore filled series is that violence is real and although the activities in the Gantz games are certainly violent, you can not escape it, even in a place that should be safe like home. This is demonstrated by Kato's little brother being beaten by their Aunt that is taking care of them because their parents are dead. The effects of violence at home, rather than violence in the Gantz activities are what appear to motivate Katou in to incredible rages. Katou, who is the most reasoning character in the series. Kato, who is unable to kill in order to survive or even protect his friends - is driven by the violence at home and school to beat people without remorse and to a pulp.

The character design is beautiful as are the back-drops, some of the best I have seen. However, character development leaves a little to be desired. There is a feeling of shallowness to all but one, Kei's childhood friend who dies with him, Katou. None of the other characters are given much, if any depth or history which leaves an overall 'empty' feeling to the show. 

The voice acting is superb, as one would expect with such a line-up, in both English and Japanese. I feel that the cast have done a superb job, given the lack of portrayed on-screen emotion from the characters themselves. 

As for the music it is a colourful choice. Japanese rap, if you will. I have to admit, it's a nit cliche, yet fun to listen too and great to attempt to jam along too! 

Overall Gantz has many pitfalls and is lacking in a conclusive ending, character depth and tangible story, amongst many other things. However, it is right up there with my most memorable anime's of all time! The scenes and settings, the graphic content and the brilliant animation just impress this one on to your cortex and force it down in to the long-term memory. A definite must see for all who are not squeamish.

Samurai Champloo

Title: Samurai Champloo
Distributor: Manglobe
Genre(s): chanbara, samurai, drama, adventure
Age Rating: TVMA (violence)

Episodes: 26
Aired: May 16, 2004 - March 19, 2005
Official Site: at http://www.manglobe.net/

Authors Rating: 9.5/10










Fuu is a 15 year old young and attractive woman. She is working, at her part time job, as a waitress in a tea-shop when a group of brash thugs with influential political ties stroll in. They begin harassing and pestering young Fuu making fun of her and calling her an idiot, much to her discontent. Enter Mugen. Mugen is a self styled bad attitude samurai who fights with his heart putting his life on the line with every 'dance of destruction.' One thing he can't stand is people flaunting power that they simply don't have, also he can never resist an opportunity for a good fight! He barters with Fuu for a free meal to dispose of the trouble makers, but before she has a chance to answer one of them summons her. In Fuu's haste she manages to trip and spill drink over the ring leader of the group. They pin her down and begin deciding which finger they are going to cut off as payment. Fuu in her desperation announces that she will pay Mugen 100 Dangan (a popular Japanese snack) to save her! Mugen jumps in to action mocking them whilst cutting them literally limb from limb. Unsatisfied with the groups strength, he orders them to go find their stronger superiors. Enter Jin. Jin is a well mannered, polite individual who has dedicated his life to the sword. However, due to his moral ethics causing his bad timing Mugen mistakes him for one of the superior official guards that he demanded. They begin their fight neither besting the other. In the process of their thrilling battle the tea-shop gets burnt down. The two are captured and punished, sentenced to death for their previous actions that lead up to their fight. But, don't for a moment underestimate our little Fuu! She rushes to the scene and upon the execution causes just enough of a distraction to give our warriors the opportunity they need to escape! After the ordeal Fuu announces that they owe her their lives and therefore requests they join her on her search to find ''The samurai who smells of sunflowers'' who she believes to be her long lost father. And. so their adventure begins.



Samurai Champloo starts with a strong first episode that captures the viewers attention. The lightning paced fight sequences are that of a typical samurai anime, however the hip-hop element adds a new and exciting twist. The main plot isn't revealed until near the end of the show, and it's certainly worth the wait! Although the progression of the story seems rather weak we are consoled by the action that wipes away any need for a story in itself! The fight scenes are fluid and often, there is never a lack of action from episode to episode. The downside to the show is that the realism is not quite on par. Apparently wrapping a fatal wound in bandages, after loosing pints of blood, will result in rapid healing over a couple of days, when we as the audience know this not to be the case, even by today's medicinal standards, let alone in the Japanese Edo period! You can expect to see just as much humour from this anime as you can expect action, with quirky little one liners (much like Cowboy Beebop) that left this reviewer chuckling away. However, this by no means detracts from the essence of the show itself.

Samurai Champloo has three primary characters with secondary ones being interjected throughout. Fuu is our female lead who is on a quest to find 'the samurai who smells of sunflowers', escorted by two samurai (our other two leads, Mugen and Jin). Although the characters don't get a 'historical fleshing' until the end, because of this you get the feeling that they are very interesting. Their hidden pasts does, in a way, make them very entertaining and 'watch-able.'  As a result, the anime has a very good mix of characters; the funny, the serious and the emotional slapstick. The wait for the character development, on the side of our warriors, is both suspenseful and entertaining. 





In my opinion, the animation is the best part of the show. The mood is often set by the intricate scenery, with burning sunsets, distant mountains and soothing lakes it is hard not to provoke an emotional response. There is much attention to detail, not only in the backdrops but also in the characters. Small eye movements, freeze-frames and body-language help build atmosphere and suspense, as well as portray the emotions of the characters involved. The best part of the animation is, without doubt or surprise, the fight scenes. The fluidity and consistency of the fight make them thrilling. There is not episode long flashbacks, no stop and talk about how weak the other is for half and episode and no planning of every move. Fights are executed with the sense of a real life or death battle with few words, if any being said, and those that are only necessary to the fight. The frequency of battles increases toward the end of the anime, which ropes the viewer in even more. I found myself compelled to watch episode 18-26 straight through! Should I be ashamed to admit that I didn't even stop for food or drink? I don't think so!



Now, I don't usually care to mention sound in my reviews, as I feel it is often irrelevant and detracts from the anime itself. However, in this instance the sound IS a part of the anime, therefore feel it should be touched upon. The hip-hop element merges surprisingly well with the Edo period clothing and ideals. However not just, as one would suspect, through Mugen. I mean, yes Mugen is the vessel through which we can link the music with his rapid dance style fighting, but it's more than just that. The music is timed with visuals and cut-scenes which add a light-hearted and fun element to the show and at times represents the carefree way of life, and yet, at others the desperate battle for it. To be perfectly honest it is very difficult to describe and explain, as i've never personally encountered this before in any anime I have ever watched. All that can be recommended is to go watch an episode and you will understand.


Samurai Champloo is on my list of top ten anime I have ever seen. Although it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I would highly recommend giving it a chance. I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

Death Note

Title: Death Note
Distributor: Madhouse Studios
Genre(s): mystery, supernatural, drama, fantasy
Age Rating: TVMA (violence)

Episodes: 37
Aired: October 3, 2006 - June 26, 2007
Official Site: at http://www.madhouse.co.jp/

Authors Rating: 9/10










Ryuk is a Shinigami. To those of you who don't know Shinigami translates in English to 'Death God.' This particular Death God became bored of his eternal existence taking the lives of humans when their time was up, and when I say 'time is up' I mean it in a literal sense, for Death God's are only permitted to take the life of a human when fate has decided they have lived long enough. Each Shinigami has their own 'Death Note.' A death note is no more than a small black notebook that has the power to kill. If you are unfortunate to have your name written in it you will lose your life. The manner in which you do so is dependant upon the person writing your death. A simple name will result in death from heart failure, however, these deaths can be much more lavish and even impact upon the deaths of others, effectively taking control of the individual named. One particular Shinigami, due to his lack of excitment decides to play a game where by he will be the observer. Ryuk drops his Death Note in to the human world straight in to the path of our main character, Light Yagami. 

Death Note is the most thrilling, psychological and mentally engaging anime I've ever watched. There are 37 episodes and each builds on the pressure of the previous. A cat and mouse chase right to the end.

The story focuses on a top university student Light Yagami who discovers the 'Death Note', a notebook dropped by a death god named Ryuk. The Death Note grants its owner the power to kill anyone just by writing their name on the book. It also has the ability to give the user a power which enables them to see name of their proposed victims floating above their heads. It's the perfect killing device.

Light Yagami decides to serve justice by passing judgement upon those deemed evil through using the death note. He starts by testing the powers of the death note on convicted criminals that have been sentenced to death, but later, as many do, becomes addicted the power it gave him and starts to take the lives of more and more people for less and less, invoking fear in to the general public. As more die under his silent rule, the police are having a hard time with their investigations as there is no evidence of a criminal, except that those convicted or with a criminal history just keep dying of the same cause, a heart attack. As fate would have it our main character's father is a high ranking inspector in the local police force, yet Light is always one step ahead. Due to the lack of leads the police have to hire in external help. Enter 'L' our teenage secret detective who has never failed to solve a case and only takes up those that interest him. The psychological battle begins and a silent war is waged between the two characters. Who will come out on top? Light or 'L'?

Many interesting characters are introduced later on and the story spans a few years. The evolving character of Light with his views on morality and justice is thought provoking. The plot is so controversial that it was banned in China to protect the "physical and mental health" of students.

The whole series is about battles of wits, mind games and traps. In each episode, viewers are shown rules of using the Death Note. These are the rules of the killing game, rules that the police have to figure out themselves in order to solve the puzzle, to nail down Light.

The popularity is probably due to how intellectual the series is. It is very involving and challenges the audience to stay ahead by constantly guessing the next move, wondering what Light will do.

Even if you're a not manga or anime fan, you should definitely check out Death Note. It's an amazing anime that will leave you wanting more when it ends.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2

Title: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2

Distributor: Sunrise
Genre(s): war, drama, supernatural, mecha, action
Age Rating: TVMA (violence)

Episodes: 25
Aired: April 6, 2008 - September 28, 2008
Official Site: at http://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp

Authors Rating: 9/10









One year after the Black Rebellion, Lelouch Lamperouge has gone back to his normal school life, seemingly with no memory of his past exploits as Zero or as a former prince of Britannia. However, Lelouch is soon reunited with C.C. and his memory as well as his Geass is restored. Realizing what had happened to him; Lelouch once again takes on the persona of Zero, reforms the Black Knights and continues his war against Britannia.

The sequel to Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, the aptly named 'R2' (I assume that the 'R2' has mecha connotations behind it) is both more of the same and yet a departure for the series in several ways. On one hand, it’s often even more ridiculous and over the top than its predecessor, and on the other surprisingly dramatic, with an emotional resonance not found in the first season. This show, itself, feels more like a rebirth of the series rather than a simple continuation of the storyline. It has a 'stand alone' property which adds depth to the series as a whole. Now to be sure, many of the classic Geass moments of the first season are present, however, this time around things feel very different both stylistically and thematically in ways that are superior to the original even if R2 itself can't quite top the overall impact of its predecessor.

Code Geass R2 continues the story of Lelouch Lamperouge (a.k.a. Lelouch vi Britannia, a.k.a Zero) and the Order of the Black Knights as they continue their fight against the Empire of Britannia. As is typical for a sequel, we are introduced to more characters including new allies, enemies, and Nightmare Frames. The long list of new characters includes Rolo, Lelouch's "brother" who turns out to be an assassin that also possesses a Geass power, Li Xing-Ke, who is a military officer in the Chinese Federation who is fighting to reform his corrupt government, and V.V. (who was briefly introduced during the first season), a mysterious boy with close ties to Emperor Charles di Britannia. As the series progresses new factions are introduced and new alliances formed, with plot twists abound. The plot twists in R2 are even more abundant, and at times even more implausible and unexpected than the first season, with every episode essentially ending in a cliffhanger compelling you to watch the next. However, the characters this time around are far more likable, even if they are so numerous that many of them, unfortunately, end up being underdeveloped. And while the show starts off slow, the plot eventually moves forward at a lightening pace and while stumbles somewhat near the climax, manages to pull off a remarkably well-crafted resolution at the end. Fans who were disappointed by the way the first season ended will undoubtedly be satisfied with the ending of R2.

Yet, like its younger sibling, Code Geass R2 sometimes can't help but fall into similar plot holes. Indeed there are moments during R2 that are even more incredulous and melodramatic than the first season. Lelouch/Zero's antics are much greater in scale and much more ridiculously unbelievable and grandiose than ever before. The battlefields are filled with even more over-powered mecha, the back-story becomes even more intricate and convoluted, and the storyline and premises are as cheesy as ever. At times the characters themselves seem to be in as much consternation as the viewers must be, and perhaps we shouldn't blame them. In many ways R2 is a super sized version of Code Geass with scenarios that make the absurd nature of the first season seem to pale in comparison, for action fans in particular, R2 is like the original Code Geass on steroids.

Looking past the outer shell, however, reveals an inner core that’s very different from what we've come to expect: a series that has real emotional depth and dramatic resonance. Now to be clear, by no means is this a primary focus of R2, however, the actions and motivations of the characters and the events themselves seem to have greater meaning and purpose. The range of emotions felt by the characters is better conveyed: we feel their desperation and determination, their sadness and joy, their anger and regret. Characters that seemed so empty or clichéd in the first season are given greater depth and expression, with exceptions of course. Lelouch, in particular, is a far more interesting character this time around, and his inner conflict and desire for self-resolution as well as his changing relationships with his comrades and enemies alike act as a drive that propels the show from a mere continuation into a rejuvenation of the series.

Conversely, many a cynic would deem the dramatic aspects of 
R2 to be nothing more than empty tear-jerker material, worthy of ridicule but certainly not acclaim. And indeed for merely suggesting that R2 has a deeper emotional reservoir than it seems may be the results of my own brain being influenced by the mayhem conveyed onscreen. Others would question the purpose of trying to find meaning in a show that is so clearly superficial. It's not hard to agree with such arguments as R2 is in many ways very one-dimensional, but it's at least able to have an emotional impact on this reviewer, regardless of whether or not such a response was expected or intended. 

Production wise, SUNRISE has definitely outdone itself. The visuals of R2 are not only significantly better than the original, but are also arguably some of the best I've seen. Even flashier and more colorful than ever before, the high quality of the visuals consistently impresses from one episode to the next. The characters and backgrounds are incredibly detailed and the large-scale action sequences are spectacular to watch. And while SUNRISE doesn't quite stand at the absolute top-tier level in terms of overall animation quality, R2 represents arguably their best work since their golden age of shows like Cowboy Bebop.

Code Geass R2 is a series that almost every Geass fan will be delighted to watch, for newer viewers watching the first season is recommended. While its approach is often divergent from the first, it shares enough absurdities and overindulgences that those who didn't like the first series will most likely detest this one. Yet for all its flashiness, its superficiality and its dangerously complex back-story, this is still a far more entertaining series than most of the other shows out there. If nothing else, Code Geass R2 again proves that entertainment doesn't always have to be meaningful, just enjoyable, and this reviewer can assure you, will keep you guessing right up to the very end.