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46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Meteoric Events, November 11, 2004
This review is from: Samurai Deeper Kyo: Complete Collection (DVD)
This is a surprising twist on the Samurai legends of arising in the battles that marked the rise of the Tokugawa Shogunate. In the carnage of the critical battle of Sekigahara a feared Samurai - Demon Eyes Kyo - comes face to face with another powerful swordsman - Kyoshiro Mibu. Just as Kyoshiro took the upper hand for the last time, they are struck by a meteor. All that is left is some dust and Kyo's sword - Murimasa.
The scene shifts to years later, and we find Kyoshiro in the part of a feeble minded itinerant apothecary, seeming the innocent victim of his own misadventures. Then the intervention of Yukimora Saneda triggers a terrifying change, and Demon Eyes Kyo's spirit regains consciousness - in the body of Kyoshiro. Suddenly we are catapulted into a drama of clan warfare, demonic ninjas and balletic (and ballistic) swordsmanship.
What makes this story even more unusual is that it quickly becomes apparent that appearances and reality shift without warning. At first Kyo seems evil, but then we get glimpses of something deeper. Is this the influence of the unconscious Kyoshiro? Or is the relationship between the two of them something else entirely.
In fact, motivations are a constant theme in the interplay of characters in this brilliant bit of Japanese alternate history as Kyo goes on a quest for his original body, which has been magically preserved. Gradually a group of followers gather around Kyo, but they are not all there for altruistic reasons. And support sometimes comes from those who appear to be enemies. Inevitably, this one man's quest for revenge turns out to have world-shaking repercussions
I found the dubbing persistently irritating, not just because of mistranslation and some dubious acting. Reaching for authenticity, the dubbers chose to use various American and foreign accents to simulate the regional Japanese accents of the original. It doesn't come over all that well (especially the character who sounds like Dracula). I wound up listening to the Japanese with subtitles; this is actually a stronger experience.
Everything else is superb. Art, animation, choreography of the fight scenes, and character strength are levels above the current standard for samurai fight anime. While not the least bit like Rerouni Kenshin, this series is the first real competitor for the top spot in the genre. And unlike the picaresque Kenshin, Kyo is the very height of attitude. Add in a tremendous, dramatic finish and you have every ingredient for a top anime series.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun series with creative story, less creative animation, November 7, 2004
This review is from: Samurai Deeper Kyo: Complete Collection (DVD)
Overall this is a good series. It follows its storyline through from first episode to last without any irrelevant filler episodes along the way.
I disagree with those who say that it is similar to Rurouni Kenshin - it really is not, apart from the obvious connection that both series deal with samurai. The way topics are treated, the direction of the storyline, the nature of the characters, and even the historical setting are all quite different. I do however believe and agree that those who enjoyed Kenshin will also most likely enjoy Kyo.
The quality of the drawings are nice though not earth shattering for the most part. It is the animation that is something of a let down in most situations however - many still shots, and the combat scenes in particular were... less than spectacular. Sure, even Kenshin had its moments of animation stinginess, but they were not so numerous, and furthermore in key moments the team there would really rise above and beyond the average level of animation for a television series.
So, you will not really be watching Samurai Deeper Kyo if you are expecting a visual tour de force, what you will be watching for is the storyline and development of the characters. The story is fairly creative, and does hold surprises along the way. There are some interesting characters here who will hold your interest, and pique your curiosity.
One thing in the progression that was left somewhat undeveloped were the more, traditionally anime, humourous sections - they appear in the first few episodes and then rarely thereafter. This does not detract from the enjoyment, but it certainly does smack of an idea that was abandoned during production. Perhaps it was for the best, but it could be debated. Also, the music in the series is largely a let down, and does not do much to help it along. Fortunately it is fairly unobtrusive!
Ultimately this was an enjoyable series - it never has any pretentions to be anything else - that largely succeeds in completing its story and should please fantasy enthusiasts.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Samurai Deeper Kyo, April 30, 2006
This review is from: Samurai Deeper Kyo: Complete Collection (DVD)
I thought this anime was extremely well done even though it is very different from the manga. Kyo is a character you have to learn to like. Kyo's outward appearances gives you the impression that he is a mean ass who doesn't care about anything except finding his body and killing Kyoshiro. But if you look deeper into him, there's just something more to him than meets the eye. He may act like he doesn't care, but in reality he does. He just doesn't know how to express it in a way that doesn't make it seem like he doesn't care. I love Kyo's character. I thought it was well developed. The anime is great. There is a plot line. It's not confusing at the end like some reviewers said. If you watch the anime in Japanese with English subtitles, it's much easier to follow and understand. I first watched the anime in English and didn't catch everything. I rewatched it again, this time in Japanese with english subs and I understood the whole plot and everything. This is an anime worth watching.
It is totally different from Rurouni Kenshin. I have seen both and they are great animes. You can't compare those two together and say this one is better than the other because they are both great animes and those who do compare the two animes, why? They are excellent animes, each in their own way.
I highly recommend this anime.
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