Aug 23, 2023
I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of Osamu Tezuka through his work "Shinsengumi," and I can confidently say that this experience will stay with me for a long time. Set in an environment revolving around a Japan divided between the power of the Shogunate and the followers of the Emperor, Tezuka paints a compelling story rooted in the conflict between these two factions. The narrative takes place in a historical period marked by the debate over the opening to the West that occurred in 1853, a matter that deeply divided the nation.
The protagonist of this story is Fukakusa, an individual who
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joins the Shinsengumi, the armed force of the Shogunate supporters, driven by a thirst for revenge for his father's death, killed by a samurai from the opposing faction. Throughout the work, Fukakusa undergoes two fundamental developments: on one hand, the refinement of his swordsmanship skills, and on the other, personal growth that leads him to mature through the gradual awareness of the world of the samurai, a world often culturally idealized.
Fukakusa's entry into the world of the Shinsengumi, which includes numerous historically real characters, offers him the opportunity to make new acquaintances. In this context, the protagonist comes into contact with positive figures, each in their own way. However, he also discovers individuals of dubious morality, revealing that many samurai were far from being bearers of honor. This experience forces him to confront his own desire for revenge, a sentiment he finds shared by others, but one that also leads him to reflect on the consequences of this impulse once fulfilled.
Fukakusa's liberation from this vicious cycle only occurs when he becomes aware of the vastness and diversity of the world around him. This revelation is facilitated by a member of the opposing faction, who, through the sharing of books, enables Fukakusa to adopt a more positive and open perspective towards the West.
The work "Shinsengumi" somehow reminded me of the emotions evoked by films by Masaki Kobayashi, known for cinematic works such as "Harakiri" (1962), "Samurai Rebellion" (1967), and "The Human Condition" trilogy (1959-1961). Just like Kobayashi, Tezuka also critically addresses Japan's past, in this case, the strict code of the samurai, often steeped in hypocrisy. In this manga, Tezuka adopts a unique style that draws upon influences from Disney cartoons, thus creating a distinctive visual and narrative experience.
"Shinsengumi" is a captivating work that deeply explores the world of the samurai in a divided Japan. The protagonist's growth, discoveries, and challenges offer a critical and insightful look into a historical period filled with tensions and dualities. Tezuka's distinctive approach contributes to making this work a notable literary and visual experience that I doubt I will easily forget.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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