Review of Samurai Champloo

Story I started watching Samurai Champloo with the expectations one would hold of a beat 'em up game--be warned--that is not what Champloo is all about. Samurai Champloo is first and foremost about the struggle of self. Despite how different Mugen, Jin, and Fuu are on the surface, they are all vagrants haunted by bitter pasts. However, it is the story not only of Mugen, Jin, and Fuu that make Champloo so superb but its unbridled dedication to making the stories of the people they meet equally memorable. Every encounter in Champloo feels unique and rich--endeavors that the viewer can't help but to be moved by.And more than anything else, Champloo keeps the viewer wondering: where are they now? Their run-ins leave loose ends in all the right ways--they feel both resolved yet there's more to every story. Those faithful people who have crossed paths with our three wanderers are still out there somewhere writing their stories. Despite my high praise of Champloo's breathtaking narrative, there were one or two episodes which didn't quite suit my palette and felt a little unoriginal, recycled, or otherwise meaningless. A few of the episodes also happen to be on the more humorous side, which I don't think many people will mind at all because Champloo's humor runs the gamut from subtle running gags to over the top ridiculousness--there's a little something for everyone.

Art
Champloo's art style leaves little to be desired. The attention to detail is incredible: from the scenic forests of Japan to bustling village streets, Champloo captures every moment in the most flattering way possible. And most importantly of all: the art never feels boring. The colorful, ever-changing visual heightened even the normally mundane conversation to an experience you went through alongside the characters.

Sound
What is there to say about Champloo's score that hasn't already been said? Who would ever think of hip-hop meeting feudal Japan? Regardless, the two antithetical ideas came together beautifully and the result was one of the most stunning soundtracks of any show ever. The gorgeous soundtrack of Samurai Champloo is up there with the greats like those of Cowboy Bebop and Mushishi. Much like its art, Champloo's soundscape is primarily used to highlight the atmosphere but occasionally doubles as an effective comedic tool. The pervasiveness of tracks like Aruarian Dance and Counting Stars--even outside of Champloo itself--are a testament to its soundtrack's greatness.

Character
Given the vastly different personalities of our three protagonists, most people resonate with at least one of them in addition to a handful of the sizeable cast of characters they meet along their journey. There's Mugen, your textbook delinquent, Jin, a reserved and courteous ronin, and Fuu, a bubbly, kind girl seeking help from two ice-and-fire swordsmen. As for the various interesting people introduced, again, they don't all quite feel unique but the majority of them are so deep and rich--you can't help but wonder about their past and their future beyond what we little we are shown in the story. The character development within the trio doesn't always shine as the story progresses, but the lessons and exchanges carried throughout the story manifest themselves in subtle ways, often without mention. It takes a bit to recognize the developments, but they're definitely there and certainly interesting.

Enjoyment/Overall
There were standout moments in Champloo that I'm sure will stick with me for a long time to come. The action, the comedy, and most of all, the kindred souls of the series leaves one longing for one more adventure--it's over, but "I wish that this could go on forever." All ends tied up, and yet Champloo still leaves viewers with that inexplicable feeling it always does.