| Type: | TV |
| Length: | 50 episodes |
| Genre: | Action, Sci-Fi, Mecha |
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Summary
Britania has taken over the world with the strength of its robot army. It captured Japan and changed the country's name to Area 11; its citizens now called "Elevens".
LeLouch, a high schooler living in Japan meets a mysterious girl who gives him a supernatural power called Geass, which gives him the ability to force a person to do his will if he gets direct eye contact. Using this, and his skills in strategizing, LeLouch plans to take down Britannia.
LeLouch, a high schooler living in Japan meets a mysterious girl who gives him a supernatural power called Geass, which gives him the ability to force a person to do his will if he gets direct eye contact. Using this, and his skills in strategizing, LeLouch plans to take down Britannia.
Review
Code Geass is a very enjoyable show. It took a few episodes to really hook me, but once it did, it sunk its teeth in deep. Like any good TV series, the show constantly presses forward, ending episodes on cliffhangers and revealing surprises that compel you to watch the next episode. The show can be suspenseful, with some great twists and character revelations that constantly surprise and keep things interesting - all the way to the last episode. There is some good stuff that I didn't see coming. Code Geass is never stuck in one place, it's constantly moving forward and kept me engaged in what was going on. It is tremendously fun and entertaining.
The first season is amazing and as close to perfect as you can get. The second season starts off a bit weak by halting the momentum of the first season, and didn't generate the same level of excitement, at least for the first several episodes. The second season does have some great stuff, though. Don't get me wrong, the second season is still really good with a great ending. Yes, the story is over the top at times, but it's easy to roll with it. Add on the over the top character designs, some fanservice, and you get the feeling the show doesnt take itself too seriously at times.
The main character Lelouch is quite the bad ass, and his character design looks it, too. He's a strategist, the commander of the Black Knights resistance. He isn't one dimensional, he cares about his sister and friends. How refreshing it is to have a main character who doesn't have hesitations about fighting or killing. The show has lots of characters, but it's easy to follow without getting lost. Still, it did feel that characters were sidelined at times and probably could have balanced its characters better.
The animation is excellent and impresses episode after episode. You'll see some character mannerisms and unique artistic touches - like Suzaku's cape floating to the ground when he kneels before the princess - that makes the show stand out among the pack. Only a few episodes dipped in quality, but it isn't too obvious. Overall, I actually thought the first season looked better than the second, but they're almost identical. There is almost no 3D CG either, which I was very happy about. The show looks consistently good and is one of the best animated TV series I have seen. Very impressive.
Some of the fights in the early episodes aren't the most exciting, but after a few episodes, things start to get more intense and very cool. Sometimes it can be more methodical and strategic than all out action. It has some good, if not great, mecha action in many episodes. They often use harpoon-like-guns to attack, which creates some unique moments. Some of the action scenes are jaw-dropping good. While quite a bit of the action is pretty awesome, the rest of the show holds up so well that you aren't just sitting there waiting for the next action scene. And when you're not watching an action scene, you are treated to some absolutely gorgeous character designs from CLAMP, with artwork that many times looks like it could be used as promotional material. I initially thought the mecha designs were somewhat ugly, but as the show went on some pretty neat designs are introduced.
The series is not perfect, but it's so good. Maybe things go LeLouch's way a little too conveniently at times, but the fact is I watch anime to be entertained. And Code Geass is one of the most enteraining shows in my collection, addictingly so, with that just-one-more-episode draw that makes you marathon the series as fast as possible. Great characters, story, action, suspense, and animation... Code Geass has it all. Very highly recommended. Code Geass belongs up there with the best of them and deserves a spot in any anime fan's collection. Code Geass is a prime example of what a TV series should strive to be. Lelouch Vi Britannia commands you... watch Code Geass!
The first season is amazing and as close to perfect as you can get. The second season starts off a bit weak by halting the momentum of the first season, and didn't generate the same level of excitement, at least for the first several episodes. The second season does have some great stuff, though. Don't get me wrong, the second season is still really good with a great ending. Yes, the story is over the top at times, but it's easy to roll with it. Add on the over the top character designs, some fanservice, and you get the feeling the show doesnt take itself too seriously at times.
The main character Lelouch is quite the bad ass, and his character design looks it, too. He's a strategist, the commander of the Black Knights resistance. He isn't one dimensional, he cares about his sister and friends. How refreshing it is to have a main character who doesn't have hesitations about fighting or killing. The show has lots of characters, but it's easy to follow without getting lost. Still, it did feel that characters were sidelined at times and probably could have balanced its characters better.
The animation is excellent and impresses episode after episode. You'll see some character mannerisms and unique artistic touches - like Suzaku's cape floating to the ground when he kneels before the princess - that makes the show stand out among the pack. Only a few episodes dipped in quality, but it isn't too obvious. Overall, I actually thought the first season looked better than the second, but they're almost identical. There is almost no 3D CG either, which I was very happy about. The show looks consistently good and is one of the best animated TV series I have seen. Very impressive.
Some of the fights in the early episodes aren't the most exciting, but after a few episodes, things start to get more intense and very cool. Sometimes it can be more methodical and strategic than all out action. It has some good, if not great, mecha action in many episodes. They often use harpoon-like-guns to attack, which creates some unique moments. Some of the action scenes are jaw-dropping good. While quite a bit of the action is pretty awesome, the rest of the show holds up so well that you aren't just sitting there waiting for the next action scene. And when you're not watching an action scene, you are treated to some absolutely gorgeous character designs from CLAMP, with artwork that many times looks like it could be used as promotional material. I initially thought the mecha designs were somewhat ugly, but as the show went on some pretty neat designs are introduced.
The series is not perfect, but it's so good. Maybe things go LeLouch's way a little too conveniently at times, but the fact is I watch anime to be entertained. And Code Geass is one of the most enteraining shows in my collection, addictingly so, with that just-one-more-episode draw that makes you marathon the series as fast as possible. Great characters, story, action, suspense, and animation... Code Geass has it all. Very highly recommended. Code Geass belongs up there with the best of them and deserves a spot in any anime fan's collection. Code Geass is a prime example of what a TV series should strive to be. Lelouch Vi Britannia commands you... watch Code Geass!
Score:
Written by Marc Frost on
Content 
Some profanity throughout.
Violence
Fairly violent, with blood and major characters dying.
Sex
Some fanservice spread out across the series. There is some nudity, including occasional nipples. One obscured scene depicts a girl masturbating using a desk. A few panty shots. Occasionally girls in school bathing suits.