Review of Samurai Champloo
After Cowboy Bebop, I had soft corner for Episodic anime. And after learning that Champloo was made by the same guy who did CB, I planned to get myself watching this. Story: Historic samurai style story blended with various cultural aspects, struggles, sexuality, freedom and how the people longing the desire to have something which we have easily. It might be concluded as simple as "Girl trying to find samurai who smells of sunflower", but it is much better than that. It is just the dot for the story and the journey is what the real story is. It was Edo period, and people alreadyfed up with their life, culture that is holding them back. All they want is been depicted along the episodes. It is not like if you miss a episode, you will miss a part of story. The story builds up exactly towards the end. But nonetheless, story is unique, creative and practical. I did enjoyed it thoroughly.
Character: The show is enjoyable with the entertainment from the characters. Be it Fuu, Jin, Mugen or any other characters. The back-stories are well insulated from one another, and revealed over the course of story progression. It seems like all characters are well planned, connected and placed just where they need to be. The character development is just amazing. On one hand you have Mugen, who uses force to solve everything, and on other, Jin, who is calm and wary samurai. And then Fuuu. They are not your ordinary Japanese characters as you might have seen in other anime. If it wasn't for clever,witty,humorous characters, Champloo wouldn't be in this place.
Art: It was different. It kinda resembled CB but the different setting and atmosphere made it look different. It was great fun to watch the beautiful scenaries, witty and quirky characters and their emotions. Art style executed well considering the time period of the setting. Integrating modern elements with ninja era worked out well.
Music/Voice Acting: This is next big thing after Characters! Tracks are matching the vibe, adding to humorous characters appeal. If CB and Jazz is the best, Champloo and HH is the King. I can never enjoy the show for it's music as much as SC, and man! those beats and tracks are just made for this.
Next big mention is english voice acting. Guys always prefer sub over dub, but this, I don't think sub will ever match the dub. VA understand, reflect the pain and feelings. Cast is perfect. Using modern slang for samurai era sounds stupid, but no. It is the REAL fun of this show. And dialogues need big mention. It was deep, funny, cynical, dark and a mixed bag of emotions. It is well written, well executed by VAs and it is pleasure to listen to the wisdom.
Action: I never thought SC can hold action in it's core. But to my surprise action has been seen throughout the story. It was because of action, I took time to watch this. And eventhough it is mix of many things, action takes importance. It is not your regular hack & slash ninja action. It is your un-expected, ugly fights mixed with well executed samurai sword fights. Action is perfect, art style complements the action. Sound is just cherry on top of already good action.
Overall: Hell yeah! I enjoyed it and I happily recommend this to anyone. It has values, lessons, humor and action which makes it perfect anime for everyone. If you want action, see this. if you want drama/feelings, watch this. If you want best OST, see this. If you want good story, see this. If you want subtle humor, see this, It has everything one can ask for.