Review of Samurai Champloo

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: The main premise of Samurai Champloo is fairly simple. (without spoiling too much of the series). It's a story that revolves around a journey the main trio make from Yokohama, Japan to Ikitsuki Island - which is situated in one of the most South Western parts of Japan. A young girl named Fuu, leads her associates, Mugen and Jin, to find the Sunflower Samurai. Despite the story's simplicity, it remains intriguing, especially in early episodes when not much is revealed about the mysterious Sunflower Samurai. Fuu later explains to Mugen and Jin that the Sunflower Samurai is actually her father, and she wishes to meet himin order to understand why he abandoned Fuu and her mother when she was just a child. I felt as if the episodes during the middle of the series deviated slightly too far from the story, as at some points I was just really ready to find out more information about the main objective; anything that would really propel the story forward - this isn't a huge negative, as I understand that this was just build-up, and I enjoyed the episodes regardless. The beginning and end of the series are definitely the strongest parts of the anime in reference to the story.

𝗔𝗿𝘁:
Although art style will always be subjective, I think Samurai Champloo has great character design and art style. A fussy gripe that I have with anime is the art style. Anime like Mob Psycho have very distinctive and original art styles - some dislike it instantly, whilst others really enjoy it. My fussiness with anime art style comes down to a couple of things. Anime that I find to have an interesting or cool art style are usually the ones that I will watch first, where as if I deem an anime to have a 'boring' or 'generic' art style, it will probably put me off watching it over an anime with an art style that I immediately gravitate towards. The art style in Samurai Champloo can be compared to the likes of Cowboy Bebop, (for very obvious reasons) which is an anime I already adored for its art style and character design. The characters are designed well, with colour-palettes that suit their respective characteristics. For example, Mugen's raggedy look, accompanied by his bright red shirt exemplify his fiery attitude.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱:
The hip-hop sound style in Samurai Champloo, is very apparent. The opening theme composed by Nujabes (Rest in peace) is incredibly good, with AMAZING visuals to accompany. However, I wish Samurai Champloo really utilised that original sounding score alongside it's fight scenes. I can already imagine some badass scenes with Mugen's champuru kendo; him spinning around with his sword, and that incredibly smooth, bouncing hip-hop/Jazz Rap. The music is incredible, I just wish it was used more. In the same kinda way that the film Baby Driver used it's soundtrack to further the action scenes, or how John Wick kills his enemys 'on-beat'.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿:
The characters are very well written. They are perfect anime protagonists. Their characteristics are far from perfect though. Mugen is rough, Jin is blunt, and Fuu is bossy - creating a funny, creative, enjoyable dynamic. It's hard to write what makes them so great. Watch the show and find out!

𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Samurai Champloo, has a flawless beginning and ending. Both the beginning and ending are similar, in the way that they both leave so many questions for the audience, with the three main protagonists exchanging very short 'goodbyes' before departing in their own separate directions. I love the fact the way Shinichirō Watanabe and the writers left the ending to the viewers interpretation and imagination. In my view that was the best way to end what was already an imaginative journey.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹:
9. Watch the show. It's pretty good! ;)