Heartwarming/wrenching and refreshing! Honestly, you have to watch the original before this. As others have noted the depth of some interactions and their contexts in many cases are greatly reduced on screen, which given how much they've condensed -- well, that should be obvious. What these films do do however is breathe new life into events we're aready familiar with. I must say, I still sobbed and cried throughout. The animation is smooth and fresh from start to finish and includes our favourite cast members. The music is outstanding.The emotions are raw.

And the story recaps the intrigue we're all familiar with.

I've seen the original 20+ times? Okay, maybe more like 40+ times...

So I'll graciously accept this new front to back telling of the story. And some of the new/extra scenes we're exposed to throughout.

I can't wait to watch through part III and then finally catch R3 ;) <3

I would say this is a must watch for any Code Geass fan, especially if you've watched many times before. If you're new, watch the original series first, or some events might not demonstrate their gravity or connexion as well, though you'll still get the idea of everything, it's not the same as watching the series.The movies focus greatly on Lulu and Suzaku, who are of course the best friends who basically became brothers, who are now at odds as the world plunges into a new age and their philosophies towards this end clash as trails of blood fall around the world.