Archive for March, 2010

In an array of military campaigns and conquests, the once small Great Britian became the Britannian Empire, the largest super-power in the world. Next in line is the European Union, and the Chinese Federation. The Britannian Empire however spanned around the globe, and was determined to complete their campaign. And so on August 10, 2010, a huge army of the Britannian Empire, using the latest and greatest in military warfare – the KnightMare Frames – marched into Japan and stripped the country and its citizens from all freedoms and rights. In the process, the country was renamed Area 11. Even a new flag was issued, replacing the iconic white with a huge red dot.

The titular Lelouch Lamperouge was disowned by Emperor Charles Vi Britannia, after his mother was murdered, and has vowed to kill his father, the Emperor, and destroy Britannia, thereby avenging the death of his mother. He also wanted a world in which his sister, Nunnally, can live in peacefully and happily. Taking on a world super-power is not really simple, but Lelouch has no idea how to do this – until one day fate decided to lend him a hand.

When Lelouch attempts to prevent a terrorist attack in which seemingly a tank with lethal gas should be released, he is more or less saved by a somewhat strange girl. She calls herself C.C. That’s it, nothing else. She is shot in the head, time is running out for her – just before she (seemingly) dies, she offers Lelouch a great ability that will make him different from all humans, but she believes it is important for Lelouch to have this power since Lelouch, so she says, has a reason to live. This power would enforce absolute obidience to anyone who’d be subjected to it, there is no escape. However in return, Lelouch has to grant her one wish – she however does not say what it is. Lelouch believes this power could in fact be used to fulfil both of his plans, so he binds the contract.

It’s a power with the intriguing name Geass. In Lelouch’s case, the Geass can be used to make any person do anything he wants, as long as there is a uninterrupted line of sight into the eyes of the person he wants to use it on.

Soon Lelouch gets a grip for this somewhat incredible ability, and takes on the secret identity of simply “Zero”. Using this identity he begins forming a movement which becomes known as “The Order Of The Black Knights”, with the ultimate goal to destroy Britannia and the empire. Since most “Elevens” (former Japanese) support the cause of the movement, it gains on momentum quite quickly. Lelouch was hoping that this would play out in his favor and soon an organization is required within the Black Knights. They also begin to develop and acquire military technology. Primarily experimental or equal mechas, named KnightMares. Interestingly the KnightMares of the Britannian Empire seem to be named after British cities – an older but popular model is named the “Glasgow”, while a more modern one is named “Sutherland”.

Lelouch’s move of taking on the identity of “Zero” has profound impact on him and his life, as well as his family and friends. Living two lives is not as easy as it seems. You have no idea what steps Lelouch is ready to take in order to fulfil his two wishes.

Obviously the Britannian Army is not so fond of Zero’s plan to smash Britannia, and soon they are starting campaigns against him and The Order Of The Black Knights. Most don’t know that Zero/Lelouch has a supernatural power, but suspect that something is going on… That’s all I can say.

Having seen the end of the first season just now, I can tell you that I have been deeply impressed with the development of the story, and the plot twists. There are jaw-dropping moments, emotional moments, make-you-cry-moments, and moments that will most definetely go ‘Whoa WTF no way!!’. The voice-acting is pretty good, the score is well composed. If the successor, “Code Geass R:2″ is as intense as this season, then I actually can’t wait to hop on that ride also. So far, this has been pretty incredible and toward the end of the show I dropped my pizza out of sheer amazement… That’s gotta tell you something.

If you’re into mechas, action, shinigami, love-triangles, and stories of alternative timelines, then this is most definitely a show for you. Get it in High-Definition, if you can.

Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion
Director: Goro Taniguchi
Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Drama, Mecha, Alternate history
Episodes: 25
Original Run: October 5, 2006 – July 28, 2007

It is a time in the future, and we managed to plunge ourselves into a global disaster. And by the looks of it, we are looking at a still on-going nuclear winter. It is a pretty darkened sky. Pockets of civilization live in domed cities, and our story begins in one named Romdo.

The story of Ergo Proxy begins with a strange series of murders and a wave of AutoReivs (androids programmed to serve its owner, referred to as Entourage or Companion) infected with a virus rendering them self-aware. RE-L and her Entourage, Iggy (who is not infected), are assigned to the case. However everything goes out of control when RE-L encounters a monster in her apartment, which she later comes to know as a Proxy. Determined to find out the truth, she sets out on a journey to find answers.

When RE-L becomes witness to an rampage run of a so-called Fellow Citizen named Vincent Law in a shopping mall, she pursues him. Only to find that he intends to end his life. However he is mysteriously saved and seeks RE-L, to find answers – with her. The government wants to shut her up already because of the Proxy she encountered, so she decides to leave. Much to the surprise to both, people do live outside the dome cities despite the warnings of a toxic atmosphere.

And so they set out on a journey to find answers to Vincent’s past. It is set in a very dark atmosphere, with a very unique way of storytelling. Sometimes confusing but always clear in the end. One could say “Noir” meets “1984″. I enjoyed the setting of the show very much so. As well as the way the story was told.

All in all I think this is a very unique experience to all kinds of anime fans out there. The setting and atmosphere are certainly different from most other animes out there, and if you’re into film noir, as well as mystery, then this is most likely for you. Having seen the end, it all makes sense and despite what you might think after, say, 15 episodes, it does make sense after all. It has been a very memorable ride. You should watch this one right now.

Ergo Proxy
Genre: Cyberpunk, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
Director: Shukō Murase
Original run: 25 February 2006 – 12 August 2006
Episodes: 23

Ergo Proxy opening song in full length, made as full intro video

Monoral
Kiri
Turbulence

From El Cazador de la Bruja, Episode 14 – “Maple Leaf”.

Yuki Kajiura feat. Emily Bindinger
Forest
El Cazador OST 1