Review of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

While some people criticize Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion for various minor flaws and silliness, when it comes to important things it is better than most, probably all. An unparalleled masterpiece would be justifiable epithet for this anime. It is much smarter and deeper behind it's facade than many people tend to notice. It has a story with both global conflict and a personal one. Japanese fight for independence is easy to understand so I would not go into details. But for example Lelouch's motivation for being Zero and starting a rebellion is very solid and well thought one. That is very different fromfor example Light's whimsical attempt to make world a better place in Death Note. Because, if you think of it, killing already incarcerated criminals who no longer can kill or hurt anyone since they are in jail would not change much.

I will cover a single event of the plot in detail to highlight the level of depth in the story and its characters:

While that wasn't spelled out very clearly: Lelouch was pretty much betrayed by Charles and send to a certain death in Japan before Britannia even invaded it. Britannians assumed that Japanese will kill Lelouch and Nana, who were staying with Japanese prime minister's family, in retaliation for the invasion. That is why for example Clovis was so surprised to see Lelouch alive.

Lelouch clearly understood what Charles have done, and that he might do it again and send two of then to another country shortly before the invasion, and that other country might actually decide to kill two of them in retaliation for the invasion. That is why he did not returned to the royal family but instead lived disguised as commoner. Such a tragic backstabbing from his family definitely influenced his personality and convinced him to destroy Britannia.

And as story progresses and he keeps going on with his war against Britannia he faces realities of his choice and its consequences. The outcomes of his actions are often realistic and logical which makes story believable and real. Several times he has to choose between his quest and something else, like his friends or former love interest, and even make sacrifices to keep going towards his goal. Lelouch's learns from the events around him and his occasional mistakes and becomes wiser, more cunning and pragmatic. His personality develops as story progresses.

Other characters, not only major ones like CC, Suzaku but also more minor ones like Shirley, Mao, Jeremiah and even Nina also have well thought personalities and as story progresses they develop further and meaningfully change, influenced by the events of the plot. They are much more realistic and believable then many more stereotyped single trait characters in many other shows.

Also Code Geass has well though battles where tactics and strategy and not overpowered abilities or emotions determine who wins. And there are also deep philosophical statements and life observations.

And while being so deep Code Geass still manages to stay entertaining and fun to watch. So surely it deserves to be called masterpiece.