Review of The Elusive Samurai

The Elusive Samurai has exceptional, unique direction. If you’re interested in unique animation styles, watch this. It is remiscent of Dororo and has a heavy historical and samurai feel to it with the BIG exception that it is also a comedy, and this is something I found deeply odd— if you like dark humor and intense violence, as well as pedophilia and mature behavior from children being protrayed in a largely lighthearted or satirical manner, possibly due to trauma… This may be for you. Regardless, I found this anime to be refreshing and innovative. The cruel nature of war and how it drives people madis still well-depicted in some ways. As someone that is not used to humor being portrayed in these scenarios, it took me by surprise. I believe this show will be enjoyed by those that value different and unique perspectives and reflections on history or human nature. The characters were rich in their expressions and motivations, but very mature for children (this is not new for anime, though). In some ways with the comey and the largely children cast, it has the vibe of a shonen (and it is labeled as one, however odd it may be for the R rating). The themes (re: thematic elements) are also mature and may not be fully appreciated or noticed by younger audiences. I do wanna emphasize the importance of a mature audience in order to fully enjoy all aspects of this show.

The enemies are portrayed with heavy archetypes and stereotypes; animalistic traits such as big rat ears for good listeners, huge protruding eyes for one that can “see everything”, whiskers, big cheeks or lips, no eyes, even a drag queen and otherwise monstrous exaggerations that make them seem inhuman. One of the children characters, Kojiro, even says “The one with the rectangular features… the one with the focus lines over his eyes… Don’t just change appearance now, I can’t compare you to anything!”. Exaggerated expressions and actions from both enemies and protagonists are sometimes treated with comedic effect regardless of how cruel the action portrayed may be. One example of the humor is when a character known for eating a lot appears dead and then breaks the bleak atmosphere by saying “I’m so hungry I can’t move.” I don’t think that’s rare for anime but somehow feels significant to mention given the extreme and abrupt changes in tone.

There is some CGI for those that hate seeing it at all. The element of historial accuracy is partially followed as shown by occasional dates, explanations of war tactics and customs such as depictions of religiosity and spirituality connected to Shintoism, Buddhism and the importance of Godlyness/ divinity/ Shrines/ Priests/ Seers/ Prayer at the time as well as female characters at times being left behind due to more dangerous conditions. There is a feeling that it is all a big play being performed as shown in how fun the ED is, with some characters even dressed in modern clothes.

In summary, this show is uniquely directed with frequent changes in tone mostly about a group of mature, sometimes endearing kids fighting adult samurai with exaggerated features, occasional inspiring, introspective moments, childlike moments (they are still kids, after all) and comedy relief throughout.