It's a nice review, but i think the rating isnt't right for the masterpiece this anime really is. At least a 9>
Lelouch of the Rebellion tv Review
Lelouch was a prince until the day his mother was murdered; his little sister Nunnally became paralyzed and blinded. Now in high school, he's bored with life, playing chess with rich aristocrats to stave off boredom while caring for Nunnally. One day, he meets a mysterious woman named C.C. who offers him power through a contract which he accepts; C.C told him that this power is called "Geass" and it can forcibly make other people obey his command with eye contact. With this new found power, he adorns a mask calling himself Zero. He then begins to gather warriors calling themselves the Black Knights, with the ultimate goal to overthrow Britannia and recreate a perfect utopia where his sister can live a life of peace.
R2 is a direct sequel to the main series. Lelouch is back to his old ways of playing chess with aristocrats, his life and memories of being Zero suppressed and his sister Nunnally somehow replaced with a brother named Rolo. A year later, C.C. finds him and is able to restore his memories and his power. Remembering who he really is, he's determined to get back to doing what he'd started a year ago as well as find out what happen to his sister!
Story & Characters
Code Geass is one of those animes you just have to check out because it's so popular and people everywhere are buzzing about it. I'm glad to say that, despite it being confusing most of the times, watching the show to the end proves to be worth it. I wouldn't go as far to say that it's a masterpiece, but the story is one of the most unique I have ever seen.
-Overview-
(I'll try to keep it general since I don't want to spoil anyone)
I recommend paying attention throughout the whole show because if you skip even half an episode odds are you'll get
confused. What I find most interesting is the manner in which the story of Lelouch is gradually unraveled, from a mere
student our protagonist becomes a leader, a hero (or anti-hero, your choice). Most of the major events unfold at an
easy-to-follow pace, so we're able to closely follow Lelouch's progress.
I think that the first episode doesn't present itself as well as it could. You're basically thrown, head-first, into this new universe where everything is explained at a fast pace and the characters seem hollow, somewhat empty, dull. It seemed to me that the introduction of so many characters was done too fast. But things pick up after this to the point where even the so-called filler episodes are a joy to watch. Seeing our protagonist falling in bushes or pinned down by his friends who force him to wear make-up is nothing short of hilarious.
Battles between mechas are also included, but the directors were wise enough to balance them out by other scenes, so they don't become tiring or tedious to watch. Lelouch's road to becoming a hero is also paved by political battles, new characters, events and the like, elements that are brilliantly introduced at the right moment and don't direct much of the attention away from the protagonist's main purpose.
-Main Characters-
Lelouch: To be honest, the protagonist's bizarre appearance is what peaked my interest in the anime. If you look closely, his body resembles a sort of hybrid between a 10 and a 20 year old, as if the creators were trying to tell us that he's still a child, but his brain is already grow to an adult size. I'm aware that the rest of the characters share this unique look, but these traits seem somewhat more profound in Lelouch.
What I love about the character is that he has flaws. Most heros are presented as half-robot, manly soldiers, but Lelouch can't even make it up a flight of stairs without gasping for air. And it's this trait that makes him a good example of a realistic hero that people can relate to.
Lelouch behaves in about the same manner with everyone around him, except his sister, Nunnally. Around her, the protagonist sometimes opens up and talks freely since he represents his motivation to change the world. As a leader, Lelouch keeps his calm when dealing with those he commands, and often feels as if he is the master in a chess game. He strategises, he points everyone in the right direction, but at the same time tries to keep all his men safe and uninjured.
CC/C2: CC, often called the witch, remains mostly a mystery from start to end. She can act both like an adult, but most
of the times a childish behavior emerges, as she playfully speaks to Lelouch about serious matters. CC has surprisingly
many human traits, such as liking pizza and plushies and feeling sad, happy, worried or lazy in varied situations. She
grows to like Lelouch and sometimes worries over the situations he's gotten himself into and even offers to help
him.
Kallen: I like to think that Kallen represents the traits that make a tough female character. She despises the feeble
and meek mask she has to put on for everyone at the Academy, and feels alive when she's helping Zero and her fellow
rebels. Kallen is a high rank Nightmare pilot, skills that she doesn't boast about, but rather would let others see
for themselves. What I love most is that she is a fighter until the very end, she strives and stands by her beliefs,
something that can certainly inspire everyone.
Rating:
Art
The art sets a very dynamic tone to the anime. The characters all wear memorable outfits that are very colorful and/or have an intricate design. The creators have put a lot of energy into the design behind Zero's outfit and mask and the result is certainly unique.
The effects produced by the Geass and Nightmares are impressive; showing the brain synapses rearranging themselves under the Geass power has a dramatic effect and still sticks in my mind as very creative and beautiful at the same time. Also, the fire that surrounds Lelouch in one of the episodes in season one is one of the most amazing I have ever seen. Use of bold contrast is usually on the menu, and I love it.
I find it a breath of fresh air to see that most of the characters have bizarre eyes colors, from bright purple to a combination of pink and neon blue, which makes everyone stand out. And their outfits certainly complete the odd but creative look.
Rating:
Sound
-Music-
The soundtrack can seem somewhat too anime-stereotyped, such as the intro and ending songs. But there are a few songs that are memorable because they feature impressive vocals. Such songs that come to mind are "Innocent Days" and "Stories". When the characters have to make a decision you can hear a saxophone in the background which gives the show a certain old style feel.
The rest of the soundtrack is what you'd expect it to be, battle music sets the appropriate mood, slower songs are used when a certain character dies or is hurt. Everything is done tastefully and fits, but the creators played it safe so there isn't anything too spectacular to mention.
-Voice Acting-
I've seen both the original and the dub, but I slightly prefer the second since Lelouch is dubbed by my favorite voice actor. But the original voices are picked out really well, everybody sounds like you'd expect them to. Nunnally sounds like a shy, feeble little girl, CC has a certain mysterious aura around her. Arguably, Lelouch's voice is too low for a boy his age, but I'll assume that the voice actor was picked in order to make the character stand out. His voice is somewhat hard to get used to, but after about five or so episodes you'll end up forgetting it was even an issue.
Rating:
Presentation
-Humor-
The anime has a predominantly serious tone throughout the episodes, but there is still humor, most of it hinting at Lelouch's weak physical abilities or popularity among the girls at the Academy. The character often falls and struggles to outrun a classmate, or is accidentally set to go on a ridiculous amount of dates in one day. Even getting used to his new Geass power is sometimes played to a comedic effect.
-Enjoyability-
I find it really hard to critique the anime since it has done a great job at presenting a great story with the means
available. I thoroughly enjoyed the anime and I'm rather sure that I'm alone when I say that I loved the
ending. Code Geass doesn't outstay it's welcome, and I'm glad that it decided to pull the plug before the
characters or the story got dull. I enjoyed the first season more, but the second season isn't that bad considering
that it had to present some radical twists and deaths in order to conclude the story. All in all, I found the anime
entertaining and it had me looking forward to every Monday when a new episode was aired.
Rating:
Final Verdict
8.5000 (very good)
Reviewed by Janny-Cats, Mar 02, 2009
Comments
-
NFFly Mar 03, 2009
-
crazy Mar 03, 2009
i think this anime is one of the best out there.
i personally loved the ending as well because it was the only logical conclusion that could have happened in order for this story to be as amazing as it was. if it hadn't ended like that then code geass would have not been "code geass"
everything about this anime was extraordinary and impressed me beyond my expectations. -
info-0 Mar 04, 2009
The first season was a masterpiece indeed. Second season on the other hand was a massive let down for me. Why the hell did they started to kill off characters? I do not know. Some of them should never die :).
Well, there is also something Sunrise steps into in every anime they release... They ressurect characters (see Guilford (Cornelia bodyguard) as a perfect example here ;) ).
One more thing to add. Code Geass is in 4 parts. Only one was made an anime so far. Prepare for more... This anime is NOT over, yet.
-
shinigami00 Mar 05, 2009
I totally agree...this anime deserves nothing less than a 9. True the first season was more impressive but the 2nd was not that much of a let down...and Many disliked the ending because it had an unexpected twist..but i loved it, from start to finish
-
davidh01 Mar 06, 2009
I am simply impressed with the quality of your review. You have provided a lot of detail in your comments to support your opinions and observations, while keeping everything balanced. You have also not given any spoilers out, which is often rare when someone really enjoys the show (read "rants" here). In my opinion you have managed to convince the reader of the show using compelling arguments and reasons. I wish other submitters could take this as an example of "best practice" when submitting to MT, so well done. Oh, and if this is your usual reviewing style, I'll be looking forward to seeing your next submission.
-
xellon Mar 07, 2009
I've said it once, I'll say it again, this anime owns!
-
DOUBLESKIPHEART Mar 07, 2009
I think your rating is fine. Like, I'm not a fan of the show. Reminds me of the spanish tele-novelas my grandmother watches and it's a little bit annoying. Don't get me wrong I love all of CLAMPS other works but like the characters look dead on scary. I'm not a big fan of the art, since the characters look kinda weird in some instances. But whatever. It's a good anime I admit. Has to be for it to have so many fans. I just don't really like it. xD
-
Ilona Mar 10, 2009
Your review was interesting to read... though some of your remarks surprise me. Beginning in a fast, pacy way isn't surprising IMO, it's said in a creative piece to make things interesting first and after to say more about details later... and unusual colors in anime is quite normal.
I really enjoy this anime, especially Lelouch.
About the one that claimed that why they started kill off characters ? Was it directed to S2 since obviously there were many deaths in the first season beginning at the first episode... and well CG didn't seem to go into really happy end without deaths.
-
ChiekoKawabe Mar 11, 2009
I agree! This review is really nice. I have only seen one episode (and a later one at that), so I can't say whether I agree or disagree on this or not, but I'm thinking about watching it.
-
Swordlily003 Mar 12, 2009
I've been thinking about watching this anime for a while. Maybe now I will. thanks for the review ^-^
-
weissdarkangel Mar 19, 2009
I love the ending too, you're not alone. I'm sad at the same time, it's a great ending to a great anime.
-
Ishikawa91 Mar 22, 2009
my friends have told me watch this and after i read your review, i have to now! It look quite intense.
-
arifffahdlanbinamin Apr 24, 2009
good review
-
Kaji666 May 03, 2009
The first season was great, R2 on the other hand...
-
CeZed75 May 07, 2009
Yeah great review for a great anime.
-
ResonantSoul Jul 23, 2009
It's ok, I didn't like it much. But It was ok. xD
-
Onlyrockman Aug 01, 2009
The anime is great. Talk about the graphic, I like it when someone gets mad in the anime, the animations are well-done! The way their mouths and eyes stretch is just awesome! I mean I really feel the emotion coming out!
-
SchRita Aug 23, 2009
Thanks for the review!
-
ShadowNeo Aug 26, 2009
Lelush the best ! Thanks for the review!
-
Rodrigo0010 Sep 03, 2009
Very good. Thanks for the review! 22
-
Sanisa Sep 21, 2009
Cool review
-
Andy1308 Sep 25, 2009
action,action,action,i love it!
-
Warpten29 Oct 12, 2009
For me code geass is number one anime....
... it has the best ending and best plot ever...
... though it maybe impossible i want an R3...
anyway the review seem fine. but why didn't you mention mao
-
SchRita Oct 28, 2009
Thanks for the review!
page 1 of 2 1 2 Next » 29 total items
Only members can post replies, please register.