Review of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch. Or in English (pardon if I'm wrong), the Rebellion of Lelouch. Based off an alternative world set in the year 2017, the empire of Britannia's ever-growing grasp has conquered Japan - and has subjugated its citizens. The stark divide between the citizens Britannia and the Japanese locals of Area 11 (the renamed settlement of Japan) thus becomes the impetus for rebellion. The story has a solid foundation, one that allows for both creative manipulation of the direction that the story takes and therefore the potential to keep the audience entranced throughout the whole series… which it certainly does. From the verybeginning to the really fucking annoying cliffhanger at the end of the episode 25, the story is constantly evolving.

With the notorious scattered amounts of invisible, yet overwhelming, “power,” it is no wonder that most anime fans consider Code Geass to be extremely similar to Death Note. Additionally, the chaotic sense of retribution and justice only make it even more similar. The only differing factor would be the mechanized aspect of the series - one that draws a much more dynamic aspect rather than the highly strategic one of Death Note. I am immensely glad that I did not watch Code Geass and Death Note back-to-back. The reason being that if I did, I would have thought all anime to be as good and as strategic as they were, and then be throughly disappointed in the most of the remaining anime industry.

Now, I have a few criticisms when comparing Code Geass to Death Note. Hopefully, these criticisms will help justify why I gave Code Geass a 9 and Death Note a 10. First, the intentions in Code Geass are not really clear. Although Lelouch claims to be trying to create a better world for Nunally, it seems like he is deluding himself into simply taking vengeance against Britannia for personal reasons (which I won’t disclose). And although Light’s goal is seemingly convoluted at first glance, he seems to be making progress at nearly every episode. Second, going off of the previous point, a lot of the plot twists remain unexplained. For example, who is C.C.? What are the locations that case Geass to be activated? What are the Emperor’s real goals? Who killed the mother? Third, Code Geass has unnecessary fan service - I don’t need to say anymore.

Now, although I like to focus on the criticisms, that doesn’t detract from the overall pleasure of watching Code Geass. Ultimately, I will give it the same verdict that I gave FMA: Brotherhood - Overrated, but still excellent.