CG is an anime which makes you feel all characters have their own dreams, and no one is right or wrong in their actions. Well like Yagami Light in death note, i am totally impressed with his character, intelligence and his thoughts. Similarly, Lelouch is a character that attracts me in his ideals, goals and intelligence as well . You can't say he is a bad ass, neither you can say he is a good guy. However, the character which i dislike the most is Suzaku, makes me wanna kick his ass almost the whole series, grr. Pardon me for this, but i really cannot stand him.The Expressions/Thoughts:
It has been truly a very very long wait… the much anticipated second season of 2006’s smash hit, Code Geass.
Animation: Thankfully, the studio Sunrise continued where they left off by treating us with some of the best quality animation I've seen. I can't find fault anywhere and totally satisfied. The costume designs were highly original with a distinct aristocratic look for the Britannians and a very pragmatic but stylised uniformity for the Rebellion. Usually I would make quite an issue with this, but it was just the perfect look for Code Geass: R2. Unusually even though I wouldn't consider this a dominant mecha-based show, the mecha were almost as eye-catching as the costumes or the immensely colourful characters.
Story: I was just left shell-shocked when the first season ended on such a cliff-hanger. Since then I have waited patiently for what has been one of the most dramatic shows of the past ten years or so. From the tragic to the traumatic CG: R2 took me on an amazingly intense ride of excitement and suspense. I was left laughing out loud wickedly at the number of occasions where I was taken by utter surprise by an unexpected strategic counter-move or decision by Lelouch. Drama at its very best! At times though, I was left completely stunned and confused at some scenes. For example, once Lelouch had cornered a suicidal Lord Schniezel onboard the flying fortress he had pre-recorded his conversation so has to use his Geass on Schniezel. Even Lelouch admitted that out of all the people on earth he had never out-witted his brother. So how and why then with time clearly not at his disposal? Not that the occasional plot-holes detracted hugely from the entire story. Overall there was so much in terms of story that the odd discrepancy here and there could be over-looked on the grand scheme of things. Fortunately, there was only the one filler episode (number 12) and even then it was a welcome breather from the near chaotic pacing of the show. The last 3 to 4 episodes were initially confusing due to the change of allegiance from some of the main protagonists and antagonists. However, the ending made EVERYTHING completely clear for all to see. It as a brilliantly crafted ending to finish one of the best entertainment sagas I've seen.
Characters: Looking back at both seasons, I totally agree and understand why Lelouch was recently voted the best anime character of 2008. Only Light Yagami from Death Note comes close to the ruthlessness and calculating monstrosity that is Lelouch Lamperouge.
Saying goes -"The needs of the one, outweigh the needs of the many."This single quote summed up the sacrifices that the lead character took in order to create a better world for his beloved Nunnally. He showed no hesitation in realising his ambition to achieve this most noble and selfless of goals. Even if it meant destroying the world as we know it, betraying everyone that he held dearest and becoming the most hated man in history he pursued it with absolute conviction and supposed heroism.
As for the rest of the characters; there was a large cast with interesting and individual personalities that kept things interesting right to the very end. As a stand-alone series, much has been left out regarding character development. I would recommend watching the previous season to get a better understanding of the drives of some of the more important cast members. I was shocked that Charles vi Britannia, the main antagonist and the main driving force of Lelouch's vengeance was killed off along with his own mother so quickly. In a way this altered the perception of just who the 'bad guy' really was. Everyone had their own ideas and motivations for doing what they felt were the just thing.
Music/Sound: The music was excellent, as in season 1. Please refer to Season 1 review for this sector.
Summary: For the most part, CG: R2 was one of the better shows of 2008. Yes, it had some plot holes that didn't make any sense whatsoever. The fact that I didn't think about these little flaws during the episodes shows just how compelling and exciting the story was. Aside from these little problems, there were still so many plus points in this anime.
- Namely: The near perfect animation with original designs (character, mecha, background etc)The innovatively crafted cast of characters that never seemed dull or shallow.
- Brilliantly composed and arranged score.
- An ending that was nearly as shocking as it can be.
- Tons of story plot and twists, which makes viewers unable to predict what it's coming.
This series is already stored in my computer and added into my favourite anime collection and it's truly a great anime even if you watch years later.
Information to interested viewers:
* Anime series of episodes : 25
* Manga chapters : -
* Author : -
* Genre : Action - Drama - Mecha - Military - Science-Fiction
* Watch Online : Email to prishlc@hotmail.com for episode links
