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Jan 5, 2023 4:30 AM
#1

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Nov 2011
128946
Hmm, this show definitely sets up for some conspiracy at least for its setup so far. We do have some of the main cast introduced although I'm not impressed by most of them just yet. From the setting, I do find it somewhat more unique than a modern setting. 

Raizou did impress me somewhat with his no-nonsense personality while Rio demonstrated some of her assassin skills. 
Jan 5, 2023 5:03 AM
#2

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Jul 2017
14586
Nitroplus's Gen Urobuchi involved in this larger-than-life Golden Kamuy-like high stakes samurai-assassin assassination business.

RetBear's back for another OP, and it's fine. Maaya Sakamoto's ED is just beautiful and brings tears to my face.

Samurais getting targeted for assassination, and Usui Yuen is one such master assassin encountering Kurima Raizo, one of the survivors from the assassination attacks. THe subtle tone at the beginning gives the mysterious vibe, though it becomes clear that Raizo himself is just a son-in-law samurai in loyal naiveté in this laden Nagasaki underworld, having been saved by the girl Nio, revealing the awful truth behind this not-so-simple-as-molasses opium trade that the CFO of Satsuma, Matsumine Jonoshin, would stand to gain from all that was done.

Along with the others like the mysterious Souji and watchman Teppa Murakami, the group starts their sortie, with each person having their own personalities, though Usui's Catholicism is for one the most unconventional power shown, while Kurima targeted Matsumine from the get-go.

A dim premiere episode full or twists and turns, as expected of Gen Urobuchi's writing. Will have to see more if this holds up.
KANLen09Jan 5, 2023 5:40 PM
Jan 5, 2023 6:39 AM
#3

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Nov 2010
1272

  • Just watching the short part prior to the OP, it's obvious that the show is an anime version of Hissatsu (deadly slash) series.
  • After confirming the signal / ring of the bell, the victim's daughter killed herself. At least, her revenge was completed.
  • The BGM at the execution scene is beautiful.

Jan 5, 2023 7:24 AM
#4
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Sep 2015
6506
This gives me a vibe of Quentin Tarantino's films. Excessive blood, redemption, a group of sinful heroes, mostly male characters.
Raizo (unfortunately) becomes single again, just in time before he enter a new relationship with Usui.
Jan 5, 2023 7:43 AM
#5

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Feb 2018
428
That was... mediocre? Dunno, it has solid animation and some fine action scenes, but for me all of the first episode is just "random samurai tropes mixed together" without any originality. It feels fake imo.
Guess it will have the same score as Jouran (but Jouran has much better first ep and also added some originality into a standard revenge story). 

I'll give it a few more episodes, who knows, it's just a first impression and Urobuchi may improve.
Jan 5, 2023 7:54 AM
#6

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Nov 2016
31845
Yeah, this reminded me of Jouran, even before I watched the episode. Accordingly I went in wary of an uninspired script + your typical savagery you'd expect from samurai stories.

I don't hate it, but I'm not compelled to watch more either.

One Piece episode 914 & 915 & 1027 were a mistake and 957 brought the salvation - FMmatron


Jan 5, 2023 8:00 AM
#7
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Jan 2020
1979
Urobutcher pandering to fujo's, this is new
Jan 5, 2023 8:19 AM
#8
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Apr 2019
90
I would say for the most part it was a decent intro to the series. Definitely didn't expect to see that much blood in the first episode.

I can understand why some would think it's either boring or not as interesting since the trailer didn't really do much in terms of grabbing people's attention.

Jan 5, 2023 8:25 AM
#9

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Jul 2022
345
I really liked this first ep. The period is cool, with muskets and during the onset Brits' opium wars. The kite and gold-leaf killings were unusual.

The appearance of a Catholic tattoo and prayer to the Virgin Mary were way out of left field for me, and I'm not really sure how I feel about that. I did like dev (almost origin story-ish) of who I assume is the MC and the smattering of dev for the other characters of the team, just enough for a foundation/introduction to create interest and move the story forward.

Absolutely worth the 3-ep test.
Jan 5, 2023 8:50 AM
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Nov 2019
313
A generic yet okay story, the animation is okay and I like the action. This episode is a 6/10. A weak start.
Jan 5, 2023 8:58 AM
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Jul 2018
564106
it looks decent so far
Jan 5, 2023 9:34 AM
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Jul 2018
564106
xxxpdx said:
I really liked this first ep. The period is cool, with muskets and during the onset Brits' opium wars. The kite and gold-leaf killings were unusual.

The appearance of a Catholic tattoo and prayer to the Virgin Mary were way out of left field for me, and I'm not really sure how I feel about that. I did like dev (almost origin story-ish) of who I assume is the MC and the smattering of dev for the other characters of the team, just enough for a foundation/introduction to create interest and move the story forward.

Absolutely worth the 3-ep test.

considering its Nagasaki there shouldn't be a problem with a catholic reference
Jan 5, 2023 9:35 AM

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Oct 2019
1194
Really liked this ep so far. Had some pretty nice animation such as the dude unsheathing his sword to kill his father in law. 
Very straightforward and simple plot for the first ep anyways. Enjoyed the brutal kills like the kite and strangling the one dude or the blades being thrown at the other. Wasnt expecting the girl to kill herself. Def gonna be an interesting and must watch for me this season.
"Perfection is perception. For me, humanity's imperfections is what makes it perfect"

Jan 5, 2023 9:49 AM

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Jul 2022
345
Lloydmras said:
xxxpdx said:
I really liked this first ep. The period is cool, with muskets and during the onset Brits' opium wars. The kite and gold-leaf killings were unusual.

The appearance of a Catholic tattoo and prayer to the Virgin Mary were way out of left field for me, and I'm not really sure how I feel about that. I did like dev (almost origin story-ish) of who I assume is the MC and the smattering of dev for the other characters of the team, just enough for a foundation/introduction to create interest and move the story forward.

Absolutely worth the 3-ep test.

considering its Nagasaki there shouldn't be a problem with a catholic reference

Wow, your comment nudged me to read up a bit and I learned something today (so early in the morning, too), thank you. I have to agree with you.
Jan 5, 2023 9:51 AM
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Jul 2018
564106
xxxpdx said:
Lloydmras said:

considering its Nagasaki there shouldn't be a problem with a catholic reference

Wow, your comment nudged me to read up a bit and I learned something today (so early in the morning, too), thank you. I have to agree with you.

Np!
Also not to mention Catholicism was present in the early periods too as early as 1600s
The reason why it was not spread across Japan was because it's adherents was slaughtered after a war between the Catholic rebels and The samurai overlords
Jan 5, 2023 10:11 AM
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Jun 2020
8
Really enjoyed the episode, I feel like the pacing was a little off at the beginning but they brought it back towards the end. Looking forward to seeing how the story plays out, and what this group is all about.
Wow look at that forums are kinda cool uwu

Jan 5, 2023 10:11 AM
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Jan 2018
847
Seems like this years Bakamatsu Bad Boys, except the animation is nowhere near as great as that show was. Perhaps this show will succeed by having a better story. I appreciated the violence and Yoyoruza references. I will be keeping an eye on this show.
Jan 5, 2023 10:15 AM

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Mar 2021
196
This seems pretty promising. Really interesting setting (both in terms of time period and location), distinctive characters, straightforward story (so far), and I thought the production was values were solid. Definitely hope it builds on this start.

I also have to acknowledge the music as being quite compelling. The music when they were storming the mansion (strings in a very classical style, coral music, electronic/modern instrumentation and even Eastern styles, all sort of interspersed and mashed together) was incredibly fun. I did not see any other writing credits for the series' composer, but I am really looking forward to what else might be in store in this regard. 
Jan 5, 2023 10:43 AM

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May 2021
437
This is exactly why I hate this site. People already rushing to give this show a bad grade after a single episode. Sure it's not reinventing everything but overall execution is great. It has okay pacing for first episode. Animation is good. Sound design is good. Characters are believable and well done. There's no fan service anywhere to be seen.

So what exactly did you people dislike about this first episode and why? I would seriously want to see a feature on this site pop up if you give any score prior to 3 episodes you need to explain yourself. Rating after first episode does nothing other than expose people for who they are. And I know most people in forums not the people who vote like 6 years old kids, but still. I gotta vent.
Jan 5, 2023 10:52 AM

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Jul 2011
2159
With that tattoo, I wonder if that Chapel organization, have some latino gang bangers looking types.
Jan 5, 2023 10:56 AM
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Jun 2016
6
Only good thing Urobuchi Gen wrote is Madoka. First episode was crude 3 out of 5 most likely. Also Christianity really how edgy is that :D
Jan 5, 2023 10:59 AM

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Jan 2013
14264
Cool stuff so far. I’m definitely intrigued in how the story will develop
Jan 5, 2023 11:00 AM

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Apr 2011
13802
Wow, didn't expect this to have such a low rating. Thought it was pretty decent, but the hairstyles are so jarring. Especially when everyone else has regular, period relative hairstyles.
Jan 5, 2023 11:22 AM

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Feb 2021
7541
I wasn't expected such a great first episode! It was done amazingly! My only pity that it is very short, only 12 episodes!
Jan 5, 2023 11:44 AM
Ero Ojisan

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Jun 2019
5220
I'm a sucker for Samurai related shows so naturally I'll be drawn to something like this. I really enjoyed the first episode and if I had to guess this show takes place in the later years of the Edo shogonate (Bakumatsu) where Japan was forced to open its borders to trade for various goods including opium. There seems to be a huge opium ring in Nagasaki and poor Kurima Raizo was caught in the middle as he was tricked into killing his father-in-law. Usui Yuen is apart of a group of assassins tasked with uncovering the opium plot in Nagasaki. It also show that he's a devout Catholic which will play a major role in his backstory in later episodes. The visuals look great especially during the action scenes and the music was great too. I just hope that the show has proper pacing so we don't end up with a rushed ending since it has 12 episodes. 
Jan 5, 2023 12:19 PM
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Apr 2020
482
Looks promising lets see how it goes
Jan 5, 2023 12:43 PM
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Oct 2018
1
I wouldn't say it's bad or anything, however it is a bit lacking. I kinda already figure it's gonna be a very cliche samurai anime. I do have hope for the characters. I think we technically met everyone who's supposed to be the main cast. Hopefully character dynamics can carry this show because I don't dislike it. It's a very solid 6.5/10 so far for me.
Jan 5, 2023 1:39 PM

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Apr 2012
180
the episode itself was so-so, ED by Sakamoto Maaya is as brilliant as all her songs are.
To err is human. To purr is feline (c)
Jan 5, 2023 1:48 PM

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Dec 2016
292
This scratched a specific itch for me. Not the best episode, but I think it’s a good start. Kind of wish the initial case took longer than a single episode to resolve — a little worried this will end up being more episodic (which isn’t exactly my fav format). Also wish the one female character wasn't a child, but overall I think this was an engaging start. 
Jan 5, 2023 2:00 PM

Online
Jul 2020
1644
The music picked for this show is just awesome. The episode itself was captivating enough but I hope there's gonna be some overarching plot, not just 1-episode-long cases
Jan 5, 2023 2:50 PM

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Aug 2022
3021
This first episode was a pretty good introduction to the anime. I love the time period that this is set in, and the characters also seem really interesting. The one thing that surprised me is that he killed the guy in the very first episode. I guess that means that the story will be focusing on something else. Also I really like the animation.
Jan 5, 2023 2:57 PM
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Jan 2021
59
The art is really nice, the OST was pretty good as well as the CST and music in general.

I don't really watch any anime involving samurai, at least I haven't before, so I'm not sure if it is "just a bunch of samurai tropes put in one show" but it looked really interesting to me.

For starters, I've never seen anyone get killed by a kite, gold paper or little shuriken stickers.

The action scenes were the only disappointment for me, they seemed to lack flow but I'm hopeful that I just imagined it and that it gets better.

I will keep watching some more and see how it develops.
Jan 5, 2023 2:59 PM

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Sep 2021
802
Well, this was bloody for sure. Yuuen's group sure has...interesting ways of getting their jobs done. 

Overall, it felt like an "origin story" for Raizou to me, with so many (perhaps everyone) of his clan killed. 

For me, it's hard to say if the show will be any good so far. The visuals and music are beautiful, but it needs to build solid plot characters, Drama and/or Mystery now.
Jan 5, 2023 3:01 PM
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Sep 2022
4
decent first episode, the visuals and animation look nice and i enjoy the ost, plot seems a bit generic but i'm interested to see where this goes
Jan 5, 2023 3:47 PM

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Feb 2022
443
Their weapon choices are goofy and do take you out of the time period a bit. The reveal of their skills is supposed to come off cool I guess but I just found myself laughing especially at Usui. It's good enough to give a couple more episodes though, I'm curious where this show will go.
Jan 5, 2023 3:49 PM
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Oct 2020
3493
Pretty decent first ep. I'm interested in seeing where this goes. Also the one with the kite 100% a boy right? It's gotta be a trap
Jan 5, 2023 4:27 PM
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Nov 2020
23
Characters feel lifeless
Jan 5, 2023 4:54 PM

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Aug 2020
49
Bet the short girl with the kite will be the most favorite char
Why? Because she is maybe the only main girl in the cast of males. Just sayin'
I don't really like the white-haired one, but the rest are acceptable
Great first ep, just not as flashy or impactful as Urobuchi's previous works
Maybe it follows the 3 episode rule?
DILF characters need more appreciation
Hot boys which are not Bishies also welcome
Jan 5, 2023 5:21 PM

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Apr 2022
6239
odd jobs? why is my man talking about yorozuya haha.

kinda boring but i don't hate it, i liked the gore and the ED song.
Jan 5, 2023 5:48 PM
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Apr 2018
729
6.90 opening score dosent feel right tbh.
Jan 5, 2023 6:58 PM

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Dec 2015
510
MinxNight said:
Bet the short girl with the kite will be the most favorite char
Why? Because she is maybe the only main girl in the cast of males. Just sayin'
I don't really like the white-haired one, but the rest are acceptable
Great first ep, just not as flashy or impactful as Urobuchi's previous works
Maybe it follows the 3 episode rule?

You’re assuming it’s not a trap. Nio definitely gave be crossdresser vibes. I hope I’m wrong, but that’s the impression I got.
Jan 5, 2023 7:51 PM

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Aug 2019
1132
Off to an okay start for me. Idk if it's maybe because my head was somewhere else while I watched this but this first episode felt a bit off. Definitely going to come back next week though before giving up on this one!
Jan 5, 2023 11:08 PM
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Jul 2018
564106
I'm still kind of confused about who this group of merchants (?) are, but I enjoyed the episode. Kite girl is cute, she looked a bit too happy killing that guy, but I love insane female characters like that.

Wasn't expecting that seppuku at the end. The ED song is very beautiful.

BlichoBoy said:
With that tattoo, I wonder if that Chapel organization, have some latino gang bangers looking types.
Lmao that was a modern Chicano tattoo, felt really out of place along with the guns
Jan 5, 2023 11:30 PM
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Jul 2018
564106
Ammeton said:
Only good thing Urobuchi Gen wrote is Madoka. First episode was crude 3 out of 5 most likely. Also Christianity really how edgy is that :D

What's edgy about Catholicism having historical influence in Nagasaki?
Jan 5, 2023 11:31 PM
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Jul 2018
564106
starflutter said:
I'm still kind of confused about who this group of merchants (?) are, but I enjoyed the episode. Kite girl is cute, she looked a bit too happy killing that guy, but I love insane female characters like that.

Wasn't expecting that seppuku at the end. The ED song is very beautiful.

BlichoBoy said:
With that tattoo, I wonder if that Chapel organization, have some latino gang bangers looking types.
Lmao that was a modern Chicano tattoo, felt really out of place along with the guns

The modern Santa Maria of Guadalupe tattoo takes its influence from an actual cloth made up of her resemblance which is as old as 400-500 years,so it won't be wierd for him to have that tattoo
Jan 6, 2023 1:42 AM
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Mar 2019
32
No way this is 6.90. I am guessing it ruffled some feathers because looking at it from simply a writing, animation, sound, voice acting, character design perspective it's at least a 7 or 8.
Jan 6, 2023 1:57 AM
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Feb 2021
54
I'm actually super surprised by the low score already? I saw the score before I watched it, so I thought it was going to be disappointing, but I loved it a lot. I didn't expect it to be so bloody either which was also a pleasant surprise, I especially liked that kite kill. It reminded me of the movie Ninja Assassin for some reason (coincidentally the main character is also named Raizo which is cool). But anyways, I didn't expect Raizo to get his revenge like that so soon. I'm guessing there's even more to that drug situation and I'm betting Yui had something to do with what was going on. Also, did anyone else think that that was mafumafu singing the OP at first or just me?
Jan 6, 2023 3:05 AM
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Jul 2022
1
that was awesome from the animation to chars
Jan 6, 2023 4:03 AM

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Nov 2020
434
First of all, Hellsing Ultimate has a way better animation and it was released in 2006. The animation is not great at all. And the one thing that I don't like it's why, in a samurai anime, characters have guns? Also, Yui's death was so obvious. I don't really like it to be honest but I may be tryhard critic.
Jan 6, 2023 6:20 AM
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Jan 2023
8
pretty decent start
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