Disclaimer: Although this review does not have any explicit spoilers on the whole, it does go through various themes in the anime. (Consider it a detailed synopsis.)
Story- The setting of Code Geass takes place in the modern day of an alternate history where the Roman Empire was conquered by the Celts and the course of history changed. The story starts with the invasion and conquest of Japan by the Britannian Empire, the island nation is conquered and renamed Area 11 and the rights of non-Britannians are extremely limited causing them to lose their national identity. The story focuses around a young Britannian prince who had his birthright revoked and was forced to live undercover in Area 11, powerless to change the world around him. Eventually he comes across a girl named C.C. who grants him a power unlike any other, and under her contract he would be able to achieve anything he desires as long as he fulfills her wish in the end. Soon after achieving this power he assumes a secret identity known as Zero and unites the Japanese people in rebellion against Britannia.
Art/Animation- Code Geass has got to be one of the most well done series of the decade in this aspect, the animation is great and flawless and fits together seamlessly, as for the artwork the character designs are done by CLAMP who are known for their work on series such as Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle. As for other things, the mecha design is pretty interesting and though it remains heavily stylized as with most mecha design today, they still find a way to maintain certain practical aspects. To sum up, Code Geass’ sleek and stylish design matches well with the seamless quality and color of the animation.
Sound/Music- The music fits together very well with the animation but to be honest it doesn’t have a memorable score compared to other anime series. As for the openings, they are all pretty good and have nice tracks to go along with the animation, however the ending themes would give most people a headache and instead of animation they are accompanied by character artwork.
Character- Code Geass contains a colorful cast of characters and even the minor characters are very well developed so I won’t go into too much detail other than some of the main ones. Lelouch is intelligent, nonathletic, and has a strong sense of universal justice inside him, however he will to go through just about anyone to achieve his goals and can be at times a very cold person.. he lives a double life as a student and as a militant leader and is very cunning. Suzaku, Lelouch’s best friend is the exact opposite of Lelouch in just about every aspect; Suzaku is an athletic soldier type who share’s Lelouch’s desire of freedom and equality but believes that it should be done within the system. Lastly the character C.C., an immortal who seeks a companion, she is mysterious and has a passion for pizza.
Enjoyment- The series was one of the most enjoyable I have ever seen, it is very well done in just about every area and keeps you at the edge of you’re seat begging for more.
Islamic Factor– The series deals with a lot of supernatural elements and many characters in the series are often referred to as Gods or Goddesses and in C.C.’s case sometimes a witch. Topics such as sorcery and immortality are often mentioned in the series as well and characters with deity-like powers appear frequently in the series such as Lelouch who has the ability to compel anyone to obey him or C.C. who is immortal. Other things that may not appeal to certain audiences are the fact that as with a lot of anime, there are a lot of girls wearing short skirts in the school scenes and there is also a lot of nudity in the series. As for violence and language, the series gets more graphic as you watch it and is intended to be viewed by a more mature audience. Aside from this, the series tries to put into detail to at least some extent the different nations and cultures of the Code Geass world and there is even a Middle Eastern Federation which is implied to be a union of Islamic nations with a government similar to the U.A.E. in the real world. Overall I wasn’t too bothered but some people may be bothered by the series and if you don’t want to watch it you don’t have to watch it, but the series isn’t really offensive to any group. However it is graphic and deals with a lot of complex themes and is best suited for a more mature audience(older teens and above).
Conclusion– Yes, I would recommend this series to a friend. Overall I enjoyed watching this series the first time, the second time, and all the times after that.. it is a very good series and a very enjoyable watch. Overall it is one of the best series in it’s decade and should be watched at least once by anyone who loves a bit of science fiction mixed with alternate history and giant robots. It is a character driven drama on a massive scale and should please just about anyone who watches it.
*I have watched both official versions of the dub and sub, and both are very good.
Written by : [Primera-Espada-Stark]
Image credit: Sunrise Studio.
