Review of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Code Geass has to be one of the most interesting animes I have watched in a long time. It perfectly blends action with the ethical introspection of our main characters and how they are effected by their environments. One of the key things I like so much about this show is how it explores the ethics of Lelouch and his childhood friend Suzaku as they fight against each other for what they believe in. Unlike most animes (or shows in general) it isn't just (Villain) is bad because they are against (Protagonist), but rather it explores the viewpoints of both the Japanese rebellion and Suzaku ashe aids Britannia. As the main character, Lelouch is obviously a character that we as the audience are supposed to support, but Suzaku, despite opposing Lelouch, is not necessarily evil. Both want to help the Japanese people but have different ideas about how to achieve this. While Lelouch wants to create a violent rebellion, Suzaku instead wants to reform the Brittanian empire from the inside. The show raises the question of whether it is better to use violence to create peace, or to help bad people in an attempt to change their perspective. The show doesn't force you to believe one viewpoint, rather it challenges you to form your own opinion.

However, that is not to say that this is the only thing good about this show. The show has some excellent military style Gundam fights which are always engaging to watch. They have a nice blend between the mindless violence of many action animes and the strategy of real warfare. This extends out into the overarching story as well as issues of forming and sustaining a guerrilla insurgency against a far more technically powerful army are explored. The side characters also help to develop depth into the world as you can begin to understand how people in this world feel about its society outside of a militaristic perspective.

Overall, provided that you like (or at least can stand) gundam animes, I would say this is one of the best military animes around. I would wholeheartedly recommend anyone to watch this