Review of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Story-9/10 Lelouch- ‘’To defeat evil, I shall become an even greater evil!’’ I will say at this point. Code Geass does what it says on the tin. It is over the top, plot twists are incomprehensible and cliché themes are used throughout. Watching Code Geass and complaining about the lack of beauty or realism makes as much sense as buying a solar powered flashlight. Code Geass is there for the entertainment, so bear that in mind… Now to the review. Code Geass certainly knows how to carry out such a grand and theatrical story. The overall conflict takes place on planet earth as we know it, withslight changes in world history. World politics and moral stances, although extreme, are thus all too familiar, and the viewer is therefore easily able to grasp the sheer scale and severity of the actions and moral dilemmas in the anime. The story itself is straight forward. Code Geass knows where it wants to go, and how to get there. As a result, every episode (even with the supposed filler episodes) will conclude and offer relevant advancements in the story. The sheer pace and scale of the show makes watching Code Geass an exciting and dramatic experience.

Code Geass does well to set the stage for its succeeding TV series. The grey themes in Code Geass are taken very seriously, and for the viewer to fully appreciate the different views, care must be taken when presenting them. Code Geass does take it’s time to make sure you understand the different characters’ perspectives and political situation the world finds itself in. Once the stage is set, the show really does take off and the scale and general epicenes of everything gradually and successfully builds, leading the way to the second series.

The moral dilemmas are well argued in the anime. The universe of Code Geass creates the ideal setting for the controversial and applicable issues to be presented. Each viewpoint surfaces through sound reasoning, is enhanced through personal experience and is pushed to the limits through vigorous testing of one’s will. The level battlefield between the arguments results in the viewer being constantly thrown around by powerful/ logical viewpoints and flawed outcomes. While characters themselves may not be overly consistent or powerful in presenting their own personal ideas, they all contribute to make sure the two, main overarching ideas are at the forefront and are in constant conflict.

Art-8/10

Let’s be honest, a Code Geass wallpaper does look like the local circus is hosting a Yu-Gi-Oh themed wrestling match. Do not be put off by this. Code Geass has the potential to be a very dark anime but its clear aim of simply providing entertainment lends itself to this style of animation. The colours used are striking and add to the theatrical feel of the anime and the almost crude representation of the human body makes Code Geass feel like more of a play (rather than a realistic portrayal that we could relate to, which of course, Code Geass could never be). The battle scenes and environments are full of detail and action. Character design and the design of the universe in general maintains the theatrical and striking style of Code Geass.

Sound- 8/10

The soundtrack further emphasises this feeling of experiencing a show. When you are watching a play in a theatre, you are aware of the stage and the audience; the soundtrack thus aims to make you aware that you are watching an epic piece of drama. It never tries to help you affiliate with characters through using unique character OSTs or encourage you to become emotionally entwined with relationships by using overly beautiful soundtracks. It simply wants you to sit back and enjoy all of these individual aspects as part of the overall performance and it does this by using the same, theatrical language throughout most of the OSTs. Otherwise, voice acting in subbed is fantastic, certain characters in dubbed lack gravitas, but on the whole is successful. Here are some soundtracks that best represent the universe of Code Geass; ‘’Britannian National Anthem’’, ‘’Stories’’ and ‘’0’’.

Characters- 10/10

Lelouch- ‘’The trick of real combat is that everyone is human.’’

Code Geass has a legendary array of characters. The anime finds itself having to balance moral arguments, military bodies, different main characters and the weaker, entertainment driven supporting cast. Code Geass makes sure that each group/ individual can be respected and understood and does this by providing constant and gradual development. How the groups interact within themselves and how each organisation views other organisations are also well explored. The result of this even and constant development between all persons results in one of the largest cast of characters from anime that can all be understood and respected.

No matter their façade in battle, every character is undoubtedly a human. What was so great to see was that every character sets of with a steadfast commitment to their personal beliefs, but are constantly and vigorously tested to the point where they can no longer walk with such pride. Lelouch, the main, and supposedly most resolute character ends up having his will tested the most and seeing a self-proclaimed king succumb to these tests delivers the arguments presented in Code Geass with absolute force. Having such authentic characters in an otherwise completely over the top anime enables the viewer to take the very controversial themes present in Code Geass that much more seriously.

Enjoyment- 9/10

Code Geass is one hell of a thrill ride. Absolutely everything about Code Geass is done with the aim of the viewer’s entertainment. The battle scenes offer intense stand offs between military geniuses, epic single conflicts and stunning visuals. Characters offer comedy, romance and drama into the mix. The story itself has an epic sense of scale to it. The only factor holding this section back is that Code Geass purposefully uses this first season to build up to the second season, and thus has placed some deliberate shackles on the extent it is willing to go. But putting shackles on a dragon ain’t gonna stop it flying or breathing fire!

Overall-9/10

Code Geass is built for entertainment. It knows this, it uses everything in its power to emphasise this. Please look at Code Geass as a piece of entertainment, rather than some artistic masterpiece. I thoroughly recommend for you to watch Code Geass, and sincerely hope you will have as great a time as I did.