I currently have: 7
Running time: 24 minutes
Number of episodes: 25
Vintage: 2006-10-05
Age rating: Teenagers (May contain bloody violence, bad language, nudity)
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Mecha, Military, Science Fiction, Supernatural
Animation Production: Sunrise
Production: MBS, Sunrise
Source: Anime News Network
My impressions:
I’m late jumping on board with Code Geass but now that I’m watching it I have to say that I’m enjoying it. The mix of imperial conquest, Japanese nationalism, mecha, knighthood, and mythical powers is a peculiar mix and probably wouldn’t last on its own. However, all of these pieces borrowed from all over the place are held together by a very cohesive and intelligent plot of revenge. It’s encouraging when an anime goes a step beyond and tries to deliver something smart with a certain level of quality.
There’s no doubt that Code Geass is a mecha show, although its only one layer of immersion. The real meat of the plot seems to be part of the name, Code Geass, which you will learn about early on. I don’t necessarily want to spoil it since it’s half of the reason why I’m enjoying it. The basic plot takes place in a far future where a country named Britannia takes over a large portion of the world’s countries and integrates them under its reign. It’s very reminiscent of past ancient wars only in a fictional future. Japan is under attack and loses in vein, thus becomes Area 11, the designated name for the conquered land. Accordingly all natives of Area 11 are called “Elevens” and are vastly inferior in social status to pure blood Britannians in their own country. A young man named Lelouch conspires against the empire of Britannia for very special reasons you learn about soon enough. He also attains a power that speeds up his plans for tearing apart Britannia, and that power is the Geass itself. Through a rigid path of careful decisions, Lelouch takes on an entire empire on his own under the cover of secrecy. He has not only the power of the Geass but also his wit and intellect on his side.
One thing that does surprise me is that the show easily shifts from battlefield to schoolyard setting cleverly. As long as it stays this way it might pull off the transitions constantly and effectively. The changes in scenery don’t bother me as long as the show stays with the same dark atmosphere where every move counts.
One thing I noticed is that it’s directed by Goro Taniguchi who also directed Planetes, one of my favorite anime. If some of that expertise can hopefully seep into Code Geas I’ll probably end up reviewing it fairly well.
Opening:
Ending:
