Review of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Probably one of the best anime of it's category if not the best. Gorō Taniguchi is an amazing director and you clearly can see how much heart and brain he puts into this series. Engaging story, hero's journey and conflict of ideals is top of the tops, complex and well developed characters, epic crazy action that tries to simulate real life politics and physics as much as tech allows it... this anime is one that reflects themes and subjects prevalent through human history that I for certain will be watching it over and over again. This anime undoubtedly is a gem on par withprevious mecha/war-themed anime since most anime of its genre before it illustrate the struggle between freedom and autocracy, justice vs revenge, and self-sacrifice overall... If you still haven't watched this anime, just go and watch it already. Two of the main characters, Lelouch Lamperouge and Suzaku Kururugi are ones I both identify with on different levels, who beautifully represent the conflicting ideals, trauma and goals driving them through season 1. Broke my heart at the season's end that they found themselves at the crossroads the war brought them two as I loved the friendship and deep bond they shared. However, Lelouch's character and viewpoints I lean more towards as I like setting clear goals and have a detailed plan on how to achieve objectives. Reforming systems from within is important, yet fighting back against oppression cannot be solely done through pacifism. Other characters are not far behind, most notably Kallen Stadtfeld who is committed to her cause and doesn't hesitate to act in defense of her allies and beliefs, oh man. Overall the anime is an amazing experience as it shows how war and tyranny drives people to take up arms for freedom while forcing generally moral people to pursue dark paths at tragic sacrificial costs.