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Plot Synopsis

Fuu, a 15 year-old girl, is working part-time job at teahouse when one day meet 2 customers who ends up fighting each other and burn the teahouse to the ground. The two young samurai: Mugen and Jin were arrested and about to be executed, because the fire caused one of the government's son killed. On the day of execution, Fuu saved them and in return asked them to make a promise that they would make a journey with her in order to look for a "Samurai with a scent of sun flower". Synopsis by: Niomea

Story & Characters

This story is one that you usually do not come across often as this anime provides a rich storyline with a certain hip-hop flavour; credits to Chief Scriptwriter Shinji Obara and director Shinichiro Watanabe.

Even though the story is just based on the main objective of finding a "Samurai with a scent of sun flower", the anime is worth watching with its immense action and not to mention, stylish martial arts.

Samurai Champloo is also a period piece which revolves around the journey between three unique characters that has totally different personalities and is like cats and dogs towards each other. Despite their differences, this story portrays how even cats and dogs can be friends as well. Samurai Champloo deserves a thumbs up for its characters as well; as they evolved along with its ongoing plot.

Although there are certain parts of the story which seems mundane, it tells of the history of the characters and thus, explaining how certain aspects of the story can happen.

There are also suspense here and there which at times causes the unexpected to occur instead. However, there are some episodes that can pretty much be put off as a stand-alone itself which makes it pretty meaningless.

Rating

7 (above average)

Art

Filled with pure japanese style yet having a mixture of the western hiphop, the art of this anime is full of life even though some of the story are lacking in life (literally). Done with a samurai sense of style, the art is just interesting to look at with almost every character having its own original look and style.

Basic grunge-like and with a little mixture of ecchi (just a little, do not feel discouraged), the art also gives off a futuristic look even though it's done during the samurai times (I mean, is glasses even invented yet?!).

Sleek yet a little dramatic, the fighting scenes are impressive as they are portrayed with a nonchalent style yet filled with complexity. The art can be pretty absorbing at some parts with its "art-in-art" form.

Rating

8 (good)

Sound

Have you ever heard of anime with hiphop english themes? Perhaps but this is one of the better ones. The opening theme is rap but not those your-usually-sucky-kinda rap song. The song has its own meaningful lyrics and the tune is pretty catchy by itself.

For those who prefer japanese songs, the ending theme is more your type. Sweet and melodious, the ending theme is also catchy and gets more upbeat at certain levels.

As for the voices of the characters, they suit the characters well with their personalites. For example, a soft and deep voice for serious Jin and a loud and raw voice for the outgoing Mugen.

Overall, the songs are also an important part of the anime as it shapes the whole look and gives us the feel of what the anime is actually like. Full of emotions yet dull at times.

Rating

8 (good)

Presentation

Samurai Champloo has serious and exciting martial arts but overall it can be quite comical as well.

There are 26 episodes altogether along with multiple flashbacks. The flashbacks may be a little bit confusing at first but as the story evolve, it becomes more meaningful. This gives off a good effect of suspense and also makes you feel that you are part of the story as well.

It was also directed by Shinichiro Watanabe of Cowboy Bebop so there may be a bit of resemblance in both the shows. However, the concept of this anime is very much enjoyable that sometimes it will leave you craving for more. Pretty addictive.

Samurai Champloo passes off as an enjoyable anime overall though it lacks in certain moral aspects that it must fulfill if it ever wanted to be a family video.

Rating

9 (very good)

Final Verdict

8.00 (good)

Reviewed by Milkiyo, 1y 42wk ago