Review of Samurai Champloo

Before I type my review I just need to discern the three "categories" of anime as the way I see them. There are "serious", funny, and fanservice. Now if i'm reviewing a funny anime or a fan service anime I am rather lenient if not very lenient on grading each individual aspect of the show for obvious reasons. But when i decide to watch a "serious" anime, that is one that wholeheartedly attempts to present a good, original, and well put together story/show then I have to grade with discrimination. That being said for this anime I have very little todiscriminate against, as it was just that good of a show for me. Fair warning, I am writing this review a good year or so removed from watching the show so perhaps my exact memories aren't spot on. That being said every time i think back to this show I have nothing but fond memories. The story itself felt fresh, original and deliberate, there were rarely any sharp left turns that detracted from the show and the pacing of each episode felt very appropriate. Though in the end the main trio goes their separate ways, wistfulness doesn't stop me from appreciating how great the story was. As far as art goes I would give it a 10/10 as it just plain and simple looks good. But there's more to it than that. There's the countless action sequences and well choreographed fight scenes that amplify the value of the art in this show. You have a show where 2/3 of the main cast wield swords in two radically opposite manners and yet the show found a way to do justice to both! That facet of the art alone would merit a 10 let alone the countless others that make this show stand out on a visual level! I could write endlessly about the sound but basically Nujabes (may he rest in peace) is a genius. His work in general is phenomenal but to use it throughout the show? Of course the sound gets 10/10. As I don't remember the specifics about each character to a T, I will say that this portion of my review might be lacking, but I maintain a score of 10 just because the characters were almost always well-fleshed out. The main trio in particular was very well characterized, remaining dynamic throughout and development via story events and flashes into their respective pasts shed light into the nature of each character. Combine all these factors and it's a natural result to give enjoyment 10/10 along with an overall score of 10.