Gankutsuou Review
15 December 2005 15:34Gankutsuou is the animated version of Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Sort of. Because there are also computers and automobiles and space ships even though the original was set in 19th century France.
The surprising part is that the addition of these high-tech gadgets really didn't bother me. I think the reason for this is twofold. First, all of the main characters and plots are still there. And second, the majority of the clothing and buildings do look like they could have existed in the 19th century.
Which brings us to the animation. It's very atypical and the patterns on the clothing literally move with the characters. At first, it's a bit distracting, but like the sci-fi aspects, you quickly grow used to it and see that it's actually quite beautiful. And because I can't do it justice in words, here are some screencaps:
Albert de Morcerf, main character of the anime series.
The Count of Monte Cristo, main character of Dumas' novel.
For those not familiar with The Count of Monte Cristo, it is essentially a story about revenge. I would give a summary of it here, but technically it would be considered spoilers for the anime. However, if you have already read the novel, I don't think it'll ruin your enjoyment of the anime, partly because there are differences between the two.
Gankutsuou is one of the best series I've seen as far as character development and plot goes. Everything is carefully crafted, leaving no character forgotten and no moment wasted. It's very hard to watch just one episode and stop because there's always that hint of bigger and better things to come as the truth behind the mysterious Count is revealed bit by bit.
On a language note, one of the coolest things about Gankutsuou is that they do use a good amount of French (with Japanese subtitles, of course). Most of the letters shown onscreen are written in French and the Count himself introduces almost every episode with a short summary in French. I haven't studied any French for almost two years, but I found that I could read most of the letters and didn't notice anything wrong with the spoken French. It's quite awesome.
Finally, both the opening and closing themes of Gankutsuou are in English and were written and performed by Jean-Jacuqes Burnel, a member of a British rock group. They fit the story perfectly and the rest of the background music is just as impressive.
In conclusion, Gankutsuou is a very, very good series. A bit weird, but unless you're one of those people who insists that everything much be exactly the same as it is in the book, it should be enjoyable nonetheless.
[Something I had to mention even though it has absolutely no connection to Gankutsuou -- I found an anime called Zettai Shounen that has all four main seiyuu from Hunter x Hunter in it! So I'll be watching that over winter break along with Elfen Lied, Whistle, and maybe Turn A Gundam. I also need to get caught up with Kyou Kara Maou. x_x]
The surprising part is that the addition of these high-tech gadgets really didn't bother me. I think the reason for this is twofold. First, all of the main characters and plots are still there. And second, the majority of the clothing and buildings do look like they could have existed in the 19th century.
Which brings us to the animation. It's very atypical and the patterns on the clothing literally move with the characters. At first, it's a bit distracting, but like the sci-fi aspects, you quickly grow used to it and see that it's actually quite beautiful. And because I can't do it justice in words, here are some screencaps:
Albert de Morcerf, main character of the anime series.
The Count of Monte Cristo, main character of Dumas' novel.
For those not familiar with The Count of Monte Cristo, it is essentially a story about revenge. I would give a summary of it here, but technically it would be considered spoilers for the anime. However, if you have already read the novel, I don't think it'll ruin your enjoyment of the anime, partly because there are differences between the two.
Gankutsuou is one of the best series I've seen as far as character development and plot goes. Everything is carefully crafted, leaving no character forgotten and no moment wasted. It's very hard to watch just one episode and stop because there's always that hint of bigger and better things to come as the truth behind the mysterious Count is revealed bit by bit.
On a language note, one of the coolest things about Gankutsuou is that they do use a good amount of French (with Japanese subtitles, of course). Most of the letters shown onscreen are written in French and the Count himself introduces almost every episode with a short summary in French. I haven't studied any French for almost two years, but I found that I could read most of the letters and didn't notice anything wrong with the spoken French. It's quite awesome.
Finally, both the opening and closing themes of Gankutsuou are in English and were written and performed by Jean-Jacuqes Burnel, a member of a British rock group. They fit the story perfectly and the rest of the background music is just as impressive.
In conclusion, Gankutsuou is a very, very good series. A bit weird, but unless you're one of those people who insists that everything much be exactly the same as it is in the book, it should be enjoyable nonetheless.
[Something I had to mention even though it has absolutely no connection to Gankutsuou -- I found an anime called Zettai Shounen that has all four main seiyuu from Hunter x Hunter in it! So I'll be watching that over winter break along with Elfen Lied, Whistle, and maybe Turn A Gundam. I also need to get caught up with Kyou Kara Maou. x_x]
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