Review of Lazarus

Lazarus makes a strong impression right out of the gate, with its dazzling visuals, cinematic action, and a unique futuristic setting brought to life by MAPPA and director Shinichiro Watanabe. It’s a stylish, high-octane ride with a pulse-pounding soundtrack and some of the slickest fight choreography ever animated, thanks to John Wick’s Chad Stahelski. What Lazarus does best is deliver a sensory experience; every episode looks and sounds amazing. The jazz-infused electronic score, paired with fast-paced action and gritty urban landscapes, gives it a distinctive flavor that fans of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo will recognize, though Lazarus definitely follows its own path. However, the show isn’t flawless. Theearly episodes struggle with pacing and character depth.
We’re introduced to the core group quickly, but emotional investment takes time, and not every character gets the development they deserve.
Dialogue can feel stiff at times, and the plot, while intriguing, sometimes leans on familiar tropes without pushing them further.

That said, Lazarus eventually finds its rhythm.
The stakes grow, characters evolve, and the narrative starts to pay off. While it may not reach the emotional heights of Watanabe’s best work, it’s still a bold, stylish, and entertaining ride that deserves credit for what it aims to do.

A must-watch for fans of stylish action, killer soundtracks, and futuristic dystopias. Just go in with tempered expectations, and Lazarus will reward you.