Review of The Elusive Samurai
The Elusive Samurai is truly a treat for those like myself who love an anime's art and animation style most that pulls you in-- and man does this anime do just that. It's as if the animators and artists were told to go wild. So many times where you'll find yourself entranced by the vivid colorfulness of it all, the flashy designs, the wild over the top animation... not to mention certain sequences that were simply masterful ways of using this medium unlike any other. It's a visual feast and what makes it such a special gem this season. Ignoring... the occasional CGI of course. Theanimators REALLY don't like animating people on horseback apparently.
Story and character wise, it starts strong and pulls you into the plight of the young protagonist. Pushed into a role he never wanted, nor did he truly see himself fit for this new world he was living in after the fall of everything. He's lost so much, but he's also promised a lot more should he decide to stand up and make a change instead of joining his fallen people. The protagonist grows a lot over his journey and is met with a colorful cast of supporting characters willing to join him on his journey to becoming a proper lord. Some of these supporting cast however... especially the first two helpers in battle simply aren't given any spotlight on why they want to help whatsoever. They're there to fight! For what motivation or past reasons however? Dunno. Maybe that will come much later.
The biggest hindrance to the anime thus far is the shoved in "comedic" moments. Yorishige Suwa is the biggest moment ruiner of all and was the biggest reason many of my watching companions ditched this anime. He's great when he's serious and acting the proper leader/helper that he is. But he constantly, consistently, makes phony jokes to do with the "modern age" and "future" to try and get a chuckle out of the audience. Horribly forced and takes away from the focus a lot. If there were a reason for me to give this review with mixed feelings, it would solely be because of him.
Past that though. There's great potential in the Elusive Samurai. People who love watching anime based on Japan's older eras will likely enjoy this. Even if there are parts that I lament, I find this anime to be a special hidden gem this season. And, if anything else, fun eye candy for those that can appreciate the art, animation, and music that went into this colorful production.