Review of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code is an over the top no holds bar anime. The show blends different genres and themes into a theatrical and generational show that still stands as a great show and possibly the best at mixing psychological, Mecha, dark fantasy, action and high school elements. What make Code Geass so special -------------------------------------------- In short this anime is so good at blending its themes and its genre mix. Back in the late 2000s when the anime aired Mecha anime had been a staple for a while, thus Code geass was in a saturated niche. However on top of the Mecha action themes there is a strong philosophical and psychologicaltone to the progression similar to that of Death note. Views regarding morality and whether intent justifies means are well brought to attention; its also interesting to these views regularly challenged. There is a bit of a high school anime theme implemented, it sounds like something that could ruin the tone however as a comedic relief tool and character development it again integrates well enough even if its not a part I enjoy as much. Code Geass thus boasts as a jack of all trades providing in comedy, action, politics and even fan service; the last of which I am again not all that thrilled about yet concede that no anime is perfect or supposed to be.
What's Good about the story
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The synopsis is enough to give the anime a decent description to understand the type of mecha sci-fi Code Geass is. It leans more towards the supernatural side as we follow the protagonist Lelouch viBritannia who is granted a special power to help him take down his far superior political adversaries. What's good about the actual story is how much more style and substance Code Geass has. Following the main protagonist Lelouch on his revenge journey is engaging, thrilling as well as thought provoking. Taking center stage is Lelouch's journey, along with that of his childhood friend Suzaku Kururugi, in a well paced 25 episode arc. The stakes get higher and higher and tensions rise in this show stopping tale.
Minor downsides in my view, come in the form of inexplicable plot progressions that aren't necessarily plot holes, more like things that happen because they are supposed to happen. Examples pertain to bizarre plot twists and Lelouch's ability to outsmart certain antagonists in the most out there ways, though it is clear from analysis of Lelouch that big brain energy is a main characteristic to be seen. On first viewing I loved those kinds of comebacks, alas on a second watch I can't help but find it over the top at times and even borderline comedic with one twist in particular towards the end of the first season.
The Setting and Characters
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The anime is set in a very imperialistic alternate history where Japan is essentially colonized by an empire most likely inspired by the British empire. The name of the empire itself, Britannia, leaves little to the imagination. Code Geass has a whole host of characters across the two main groups; the colonized Japanese and the higher social class Britannians. It makes for a decently set anime that builds around its world quite well actually. The political landscape is a focal point that is attentively developed along with character development.
The main characters of Code Geass being Lelouch and Suzaku act as the key focal point of the show and each of these two helps to introduce several other key supporting characters. The best part about how characters are fleshed out is how multi dimensional the main and recurring characters are. Attention to detail is clear in fleshing each character out and their role in Code Geass.
Lelouch is big brain energy personified simply put. A brilliant strategist with quite a hefty motive as he is a former Britannian royal who seeks to avenge his mother's death and make a peaceful environment for his sister to live in. He is all about results and will make big strides and get his hand dirty to achieve his goals. His Japanese childhood friend has a bit of an opposing view on how to achieve his own goal of peace for the nation and the interactions between these two opposing characters creates the psychological fundamentals of Code Geass.
Lelouch's main ally is a mysterious girl who gives Lelouch the power he needs in his pursuits and his main enemy is the Emperor of Brittania, Lelouch's father, who negligibly failed to protect his son's mother. These two characters are increasingly important as the show progresses important in regards to the supernatural side of Code Geass which has a rather slow exposition for suspense reasons. With the girl , CC, I find her magical girl persona to be unique, witty and interesting while with regards to the emperor it is clear little is known about him besides being a racist superiority complex ridden brute who has motives that will clearly unveil big things in Lelouch's search for answers and revenge. Under the emperor are many siblings of Lelouch who make for difficult adversaries to overcome and this makes the mind games, battles and strategic elements all the more engaging.
The production and Sound
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The art style of this anime is for the most part very well detailed yet very anime-centric with big round eyes, lanky character bodies and busty female characters hence the occasional fan service. It can be a little of putting on a present day viewing, however it never truly takes away anything from the show. The production is mainly great, for its time, and I find it much better to appreciate the quality visuals in 1080p than when I first watched the anime on 240p like all men of culture did back then. The Mecha designs are breath taking, the character designs are well drawn to create distinct personality just by even looking at the characters while the animation is consistently fluid.
When it comes to music Code Geass holds itself well with a classic first opening theme song and beautiful background soundtracks in between scenes. That being said the second opening them and well as the third opening theme do little to prevent me from skipping them every time. Thus the original is not that much of a straight forward masterpiece as I remember but I still find it very good mostly.
Overall
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Code Geass stands as one of the best anime the 2000s, and is one my personal favorite that I recommend easily and purposefully wrote as much as I could without giving too much away. Even entering this show blind is something I can actually recommend as you just have to let the show work its magic and leave you in awe with its well rounded execution