Review of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Code Geass is a gripping military drama that definitely did its part in making 2006 one of the best years in anime so far (by average MAL score). Gorou Taniguchi directs his way through an anti-imperialist themed title of epic proportions made up of a massive cast of charmingly well fleshed out characters that all get left in the dust by the larger than life character that is: Lelouch Lamperouge. Many reviews rightfully explore the dynamics of Lelouch’s power, his psychology or the unique relationships and motivations between the characters. An overlooked element that I want to give the show credit for is how itdeals with anti-imperialist political struggle. The one similar title that comes to mind: Legend of the Galactic Heroes gained notoriety for its ability to entertainingly examine the strengths and weaknesses of democracy and autocracy. At about the same level, Code Geass does something similar in it’s presentation of the ongoing ethical-political debate between revolution or reform, infiltration and non-violent gradualism or violent overthrow of the oppressors.

Lelouch and Suzaku, all the way down to their common yet different experiences, their personality and their psychology, beautifully embody this ongoing debate in liberation movements and labor politics. At times, Suzaku’s personal reformist campaign seems to have success while on other occasions, Lelouch’s black guard effectively looks pretty appealing. Through and through, Code Geass makes it clear that politics are personal in a way that no other anime I’ve seen has accomplished.

I could go on for days making the case for why everyone should watch this massively impactful show, or the ways the show explores violence, but others have and will do it better so for now I’ll leave it at that.

FFO: Death Note, Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Alderamin on the Sky

100% Seinen Jump approval.