Genre: Drama; mecha; alternate history.
Origins: Japan.
Company: Sunrise.
Debut: October 5, 2006 (ran until September 28, 2008).
Lenght: 52 episodes (divided in 2 seasons).
Directed by Gorõ Taniguchi and written by Ichirõ Õkuchi.
..............."Yes... I... destroy... worlds... create... worlds..."
If the mecha world in Anime was already a strongest genre, it became even greater with the release of Code Geass, since now we can say that 2 of the most succeeded series have their plot supported in this mechanical environment. In spite of that, both (Evangelion and Code Geass) made a different approach and you’ll easy notice this: mecha in Code Geass are no more than military instruments with constant upgrades and if it’s true that concedes an indispensable dynamic and atmosphere to the plot, it’s also true that it doesn’t have by any chance the vital role played by the biological Eva’s in Evangelion. Even so, I guess it’s also fair to say that Code Geass simply doesn’t need it as you’ll may find inside much more than the mecha universe, mainly, an overwhelmed script where military tactics lift this masterpiece to a whole new level.
But let me clarify a bit better why this sudden approach to Evangelion in this review. In fact, I only made it in order to unleash a sort of quarrel between them, (shame on me) but here’s a thing: after 15 years of dominion, it just feels right to simply ask, is Evangelion yet the best, ever, masterwork that you’ll may find in Anime?
And it’s with this tiny and innocent issue that I launch this review, without properly answering it.
Plot
What if in a near future, the European Union, the Asiatic emergent superpowers and an American Empire obtain place as the 3 leading superpowers? This perspective it’s rather attractive, after all, aren’t China, USA, India and the EU the major powers nowadays? You’ll effortless find half of the global population gathered in those 4 blocks. Isn’t hard to acknowledge the author prospect where he simply uses this as motor to establish an alternate universe where you’ll find three superpowers: the Holy Britannian Empire moved by a social Darwinism, the Chinese Federation ruled by traditional emperors and the Euro Universe, a weakened block due to its several political issues.
In the middle of this political net, you’ll find Japan, the source of over 70% of the world’s supply of the high energy mineral sakuradite and for that reason, a priority target for the main superpowers.
The series is set after Japan’s conquest by the Holy Britannian Empire at 2010 a.t.b. with their powerfull Knightmare Frames, the ultimate military weapon which you’ll gladly flavor its evolution at the course of the battles, one absolute truth that you’ll find in war. Seized in Japan as a mere political coin of trade, Lelouch Lamperouge, prince of Britannian, was disowned by its father along with his fragile sibling Nunally, which are unable to walk or see as the result of the murder of queen Marianne, where she was also badly injured.
Lelouch is consumed by its hate against his father and when he gains Geass, he’ll manage to seek revenge for his mother and he’ll try to find out the truth about her murder and at the same time he’ll embrace an epic project of changing the whole world in which is beloved sister Nunally can live happily.
In the end, if you just want to put the things straight simple, you’ll find at the genesis of Code Geass a total paradox between revenge and the desire of protect the beloved ones. And I believe that it’s this same paradox which grants to Lelouch such a hazy character: trust me, you will hate him, damn you will! But you also will be compelled to LOVE this guy… unconditionally.
There you go such an efficient and uncommon main character. His psychological traces will overwhelm you. A young and absolute genius, that type of weak character at physic actions, where you’ll get use to watch a several bunch of girls trying to protect his skin, even that delicious ninja housekeeper! But also that type of guy which will manipulate every single mind that he can put its hands onto. Besides his limited body skills, I would say that this guy it’s also pinpointed by its own huge ego. He is a genius but sometimes he is just too much aware of that.
From prince to a political puppet.
From student to a rebel.
From savior to traitor and from hope to global hate.
Lelouch it’s probably, in my opinion, one of the most well succeeded Anime characters.
Now, if you gather this unique atmosphere of such a well achieved social/political/military context, with exceptional characters, a remarkable design and an amazing movement dynamics where the action simply flows through an effective soundtrack and if you add an accurate taste of humor and drama and join an advanced mecha world with a scrumptious script… my friend, you will have here, at your own hands, one masterpiece that, for sure, it’s just one of the best animated series ever made.
One special note to Geass, the power of the kings, as you may not be aware of which consists exactly. A Geass is set as contract between an immortal and a human who receives a unique power (it remembers me a lot the contract made by the shinigami Ryuuk and Light in Death Note). It’s a mysterious ability which certain people can bestow upon others, as a simple “now, just die”. You will notice that this power have multiple forms and each user have a different type of Geass. Yeap, it’s true, there is more than one Geass and you’ll also find out, eventually, those immortals that I just mentioned now.
High points:
- Addictive, you'll definitely won't feel bothered;
- An excepcional and dynamic design;
- You'll find some dazzling themes in the soundtrack;
- Terrific history, full of emotions. Unfair it's something that you'll hastily learn its meaning.
Down points:
- The script it's really... really good. But I bet you'll feel sometimes that it drunk a bit from Death Note or Evangelion;
- Huge womanly world, a lot of cute chicks - Super! But why they all fell in love for the same guy?
As final rating: 9 cookies and a half glass of milk. Even now, why the hell I’m so tempt to give all the cookies?
Well folks that was my review. As Gravihk said before, feel free to participate. We’re counting on you too!
