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Good Samurai anime is something I think many anime fans, including myself, do take for granted. Contrary to popular belief- Quality samurai anime are hard to come by, and few in number. Certainly, the number I can count is less than ten. For my part I can only come up with six, no, make that seven other "great" samurai anime: Rurouni Kenshin, Katanagatari, Samurai Seven, Samurai Champloo, Mononoke, Shigurui: Death Frenzy and Ninja Scroll. Sword of the Stranger and can be added onto that list too based off preference, but that's really it. Afro Samurai has great swordplay and animation but, well, a very lackluster ... story. Berserk, Claymore, and Attack on Titan (Akame ga Kill can be thrown in there too, I guess, at least until Episode 19 or so.) are fantastic swordplay fantasy anime that aren't based in Eastern Tradition. Knights, rather than Samurai. Thick western-style claymores rather than Katanas and Kunais and Shurikens. You get the idea. Characters like Guts and the premise/world of Claymore & Attack on Titan have much more in common with mythical western cannon like Beowulf than they do The Book of Five Rings. I disagree with the idea that Fate/Zero is a "classic", but even so it's still an urban fantasy which means, based off that fact alone, that it is western based. There's always Mushi-Shi, I suppose, but anyone that's seen Mushi-Shi (or its recent sequel season) knows that Mushi-Shi constitutes a separate and unique category of anime in and of itself. It does have enough to stand among the seven other shows I mentioned earlier, however.

With all these criteria and conditions in mind- it doesn't leave us a lot left to work with. But that's exactly my point. Quality samurai anime, again, contrary to popular belief are very few in number. Fortunately, Basilisk can--and should-- be considered as one of those greats. I've noticed many other reviewers on here have criticized Basilisk (particularly its story) as being cliché and whatnot. While I would agree that anyone familiar with Ninja Scroll would find striking similarities: I'd like any of those viewers to provide a single Eastern-based anime series that supplies a set of characters and isn't afraid to whittle them down to nothing. Of the seven shows I mentioned, the only other show to do this is Samurai Seven. (Which, coincidentally, was made the previous year by the same studio as Basilisk: Gonzo.) Every other show mentioned, in traditional Western storytelling tradition, follows one or two "epic" characters on a series of miscellaneous adventures. Fate/Zero and Akame Ga Kill do follow the outlined principle sort of, but everyone that's read the latter's manga knows that the ending of Akame ga Kill is completely contrived in relation to its source material. While in Fate/Zero the "actual" story happens after the events of series. Many would claim this argument as nickpicky: I'd like to remind them that the qualities we take for granted as "cliché" and "archetypical" are because of shows like Basilisk. The show came out in 2005, people. Basilisk is important because it provides a unique contrast to the shounen like Naruto and Bleach which are plagued by tropes that, in my opinion, hold the shows back from ever being "truly" great. Basilisk may not be perfect, but the show does represent a step in the right direction that has enough merits "right" with it to stand out as one of the best anime of the early 2000s. Since Basilisk, very few (if any) shows continue the ideas presented within its 24 episodes. For this reason alone, I'd recommend Basilisk over Naruto/Bleach any day of the week. Fortunately Basilisk also has a lot else going for it.

Let's get some fundamentals out of the way: For those unfamiliar with Basilisk- it is a story of two would-be lovers who are the heads of their clan who, tragically, are separated by an outbreak of hostilities between their two factions. Each side has ten ninja that, including the two main characters, must fight each other until the death to help decide a successor to the retired shogun. (As to avoid a civil war.) Basilisk, at its heart, is a story that brings back sword-action to its Ninja Scroll basics: ninjas killing each other with a variety of techniques. Some fantastical. Some not. In any case- each scene is very graphic and tense.

Basilisk stands up well to any modern anime in the technical department. Granted, I watched the show in 1080p from a blu ray (released courtesy of Funimation) played on a 50 inch Sony at night. For anyone fortunate enough to have a similar set up, it is quite an amazing experience that I do recommend. Basilisk is quite astounding in that regard, and--at the very least--pleasantly surprising. It does have that "roo-rah!" high-octane action sequences (particularly in the beginning) of unique characters fighting and mauling and killing each other in every episode. These characters and scenes gave me something of a Black Lagoon type of vibe. Many of the characters, for their part, condone the extreme violence against their enemies. But the core "backbone" of Basilisk is a combination between Romeo and Juliet and anime movie Ninja Scroll. For those select few that aren't familiar with Ninja Scroll (or haven’t watched it) I'd firstly recommend you watch it before watching Basilisk. It isn't necessary, per se, but to be quite frank the two productions complement each like opposite sides of the same coin. Basilisk is a spiritual successor of sorts to Ninja Scroll. The reason why they’re so similar is that the movie Ninja Scroll, released more than a decade before Basilisk, is a loose rendition of the same source material: a novel called The Kouga Ninja Scrolls that was released in Japan in the 50s. Instead of showing two warring ninja factions like Basilisk, however, the movie takes a Die Hard approach as a small group of unlikely heroes/heroines overcome a criminal conspiracy composed of another group of evil rouge ninja. The tragic romance is still there- in a different sort of way. Many people who witness both productions prefer Ninja Scroll to Basilisk, but from what I understand Basilisk is an almost word-for-word recreation of the original story in the anime medium. A more faithful rendition of the source material that so many other anime are lambasted for failing. The two are similar, but still different enough to warrant separate viewings. In my case I enjoyed both equally, and I for one am glad that Basilisk was created. Many other reviewers on here, in their clamor to forewarn of the distinct similarities to productions like Ninja Scroll, lose sight of the important differences between Basilisk and most other conventional anime series. Differences such as the violent and graphic deaths most of the characters endure. Differences such as the fact that Basilisk wasn’t afraid to, with purposeful intent, leave plot lines hanging in the wake of character deaths. Differences in the action sequences- which are bloody and believable which compared to more mild shows like Naruto do not feel contrived. For example, characters do not stop time to chant their ability. Characters that are stuck in sticky situations usually do die in said sticky situations- there’s very few (if any) Deus Ex moments that characters “magically” come up with a new solution. Each character has a unique technique, which, upon being presented to the viewer, is kept consistent for the rest of the series. I for one think that as a major plus.

To be frank, the show just fundamentally works. The sound. The visuals, Everything comes together for a quality production that presents an experience that nearly any action-oriented viewer can immerse oneself in. Even those that are “into” more modern anime series like Black Lagoon or Hellsing Ultimate. While the ultimate outcome of Basilisk’s story seems obvious and is presented in almost any description of it- the show has a deeper web of intricacies that are a joy to uncover. From the very first episode the show makes it a point to foreshadow to the viewer the imminent outcome. While there are still some tropes the show does follow. Aggravating tropes such as having the female protagonist be subservient to the point of near-absurdity. Tropes of body figure where some characters appear to be designed unnecessarily malicious or villainous compared to how they are later presented in the story. The English translation is at best bearable, but at worst horrible. Finally, the story does sometimes feel as if it was meant to be grander than the confines of 24 episodes. I agree with other reviewers’ criticisms in character development; some characters do not get enough screen time. But my issues with Basilisk’s character development are to a much lesser extent than others. The story’s first five episodes are a stark vision to how the rest of the show could have been given a longer (or shorter) timeframe to work with. Some parts do seem to drag at times. But a viewing of any of the show’s many action sequences will remind the viewer again and again of just how high the show reaches from these mellow lows.
Basilisk stands out. There’s no question about that. It stands—and will continue to stand—the test of time. Go watch it. Or better yet- go buy it on Blu Ray. Know, however, what to expect. A classic though this may be it does have its flaws, but with a moderate level of patience and time investment will mean any interested viewer will not leave disappointed. The legend of the Kouga and Iga clans will live on in the reaches of your imagination for a long time following this.

Thanks for reading,

Blitzburns4

[Spoiler Warning]

I am an idealist. Always have been. For those who are unsure of what, precisely, pertains to being an idealist. An idealist is simply someone who is guided by an ideal rather then (a) practical purpose or consideration. I don't wish to be rich simply because being rich is more practical to being poor- no. I want to be wealthy because I chase an ideal that emphasizes that being affluent will help me end my lifelong pursuit of happiness. It other words, I believe being wealthy is not the be-all/end-all, and that being rich will not directly result in happiness. There has to be ... something else- an ideal- that would be better accomplished through being wealthy. For me, that ideal would be raising a family. A consequentialist, on the other hand, would simply do anything necessary to accomplish his/her goal. (In this case, being rich.) Let's just say we were both struggling businessman. The practitioner would be willing to screw over both other businessman as well as customers simply to accomplish the goal of racketeering as much profit as possible. However, as an idealist, the goal of making money is secondary to the ideal. Even in the face of financial difficulty, that ideal is not sacrificed. It remains constant, whether the idealist becomes wealthy or not.

You, the reader, are probably wondering at this point why the hell am I going so deep into Idealism vs. Consequentialist in an Anime review. (After all, this is not a Philosophy lecture.) If that is the case- You, dear reader, are absolutely correct. The reason, to put it simply, is that ties directly into my review. It is the point of view I had going into this anime. It's vitally important that you, the reader, understand that. When I viewed Kurozuka, I didn't necessarily just see it singularly as a product, but also as the ideal is represents. One must remember that Anime, after all, is a form of art. As a product, I'll be the first to admit that it's a very lackluster series. However for the emotional impact (Think of the primary "WTF" feeling it gives you.) it succeeded -very- well; leaving me thinking back to this show days after it had ended. This, obviously, makes this show a bit of a paradox to review. Worry not, though- after hours of contemplation I finally feel resolve with my opinion of this show. I will share it to you now.

Just like we start any story, (Regardless of the medium) I wish to start my review from the point by which everything else starts to fall into place- the beginning. In the beginning, Kurozuka was the literal incarnation of perfection. If the show had finished as strongly as first forty minutes, then this could have been one of -the- anime classics of our generation. It's sad, really. Idealistically; Practically; it does not matter. There is no debate, and there is no question. Both realistically and literally this show has more or less one of the greatest opening sequences of all time. (A sequence many other anime, such as Beserk, Gungrave, and Ga Rei Zero have all tried but haven't gotten quite right.) But, alas, as the saying goes, 'The Brightest Flame burns the fastest.' So soon does the bright light all but disappear.
*Minor spoilers ahead.*

The main premise of this show is that of a journey of two immortal lovers who can not die. (Sounds interesting, right?) In the beginning, we see how the two primary characters meet and fall in love with each other. We start with a prince named Kuro who has suffered the ultimate price of being royalty- death. His family's political enemies want him dead, and have chased him from his home. Death chases him wherever he goes- and because of that, he's always on the run. However he already knows it's only a matter of time. (We even see him tell his assistant that he should simply kill him so he could survive.) The story starts when, having just barley survived an ambush- he takes shelter in a remote home in the mountains. It's there that he meets Kuromitsu; a beautiful woman who agrees to let the two fugitives take shelter in her home- on the single condition that they do not go into the basement. However, soon after Benkei- Kuro's loyal assistant- leaves to find medicine for the injured and sick Kuro, the house is attacked. One thing leads to another, and Kuro finds himself killed protecting Kuromitsu. Because he was the only person Kuromitsu had ever met who hadn't been afraid of her, and protected her, she makes him an offer to "chase eternity,"- together with her forever.

The only problem (And this is were this series starts to go downhill.) is that things do not go according to plan. Kuro, before he could become fully immortal, is betrayed and killed by Benkei- his loyal assistant and fellow warrior. Instead of chasing eternity with Kuromitsu; Kuro finds himself stuck in a loop where, though he is immortal and can not die, he has no body- and must change bodies every 100 years. (Or he really will die.) When he changes bodies, for whatever reason, Kuro also loses his memories. The show (or the rest of the ten or so episodes) starts about a two thousand years later. The world has ended and started again, and Kuro is still afflicted with his curse. Since he lost his memories, for about nine episodes we see Kuro do nothing but search for a woman whom he scantly remembers; (Kuromitsu.) only seeing her through random flashbacks. Literally, nearly nothing happens plot wise for the entire series up until the very last episode. In the very last episode, it is revealed in a climactic revelation that Kuromitsu had planned to finally break Kuro free of the cycle, which had plagued their chasing of eternity. Her plan failed, but being an immortal she simply made herself content to try again. And so, the show ends right where the series starts.

In the entire 12 episodes that this series encompasses, there is only about three episodes worth of story. In fact, this show would have done much better as a five episode anime short; like Afro Samurai. Or, even better, as a movie. (Like Ninja Scroll, which this show is clearly based off of.) If that had been the case- the score of this show would have undoubtably been in the eight to ten range. Sure, it would overshadowed and constantly compared to the earlier examples, (Afro Samurai and Ninja Scroll) but by being too ambitious and dragging out this story much longer then it should have been- this show only served to bring itself crashing down.

Again, unfortunately, this is not the case. This story is not told in a hundred-minute movie or a five episode anime short. The reality is we, the viewers, are left hanging around watching about nine and a half straight episodes of absolutely nothing but action. Sure, the action's good. Sure, we are introduced to really cool villains and get some strong backstory on them so that they are relatable. But this show, in my humble opinion, presents the action secondary to the plot. When the show (seemingly randomly) shifts focus from being an amazing story to simply being nothing except a series of amazing action scenes; I think there isn't a single viewer out there that didn't feel left out. To tell you the truth, I felt like breaking down and crying at the missed potential. And yet, the action is what encompasses and highlights the majority of this show. So it makes it very hard for me (as an idealist) to judge this show based off the assumption it was meant to be a story-related show. In hindsight, and after much contemplation, it's really quite clear (Though I don't want to believe it.) that this show was never meant to be known or remembered for its story. One only has to refer to the absurdly choreographed action scenes, or the sudden and random use of slapstick humor, or the restart ending. (The only reason that I could come up with for a complete restart ending is so they could continue the non-stop action in a potential second season- which would have undoubtedly been created had this show been positively received and/or successful.)

I know at this point I should go into other detailed aspects of this show. The action, the characters, the sound. But it's really all unnecessary at this point. All the side characters are simply there to continue the action. (Old wise woman states that Kuromitsu is being held somewhere else? Sorry, all that really did for me was remind me of how Toad would tell the player that Peach was in a different castle in the original Super Mario Bros.) There is no story related to them; and it didn't take a genius to figure out what their fates were going to be once the show (unsurprisingly) started killing them off. The sound, with the exception of extremely rare cases like Cowboy Bebop or Samurai Champloo- where they serve to be a deeply rooted theme found in the very foundation of the show- is simply something that exists to most of the time... A necessary burden for most TV series to help portray what they want to portray. This show is no exception. The sound simply wasn't exceptional or memorable. The sound didn't serve to be a deeply-rooted theme of the show, and there were no catchy soundtracks that one would want to go back and listen to. (Like in Black Lagoon or Darker then Black.) The animation was good, perhaps even great. However, the extreme feeling of disappointment I felt whilst watching this show all but cancels out the otherwise superb choreography and animation.

In conclusion, I recommend watching this show only if you really want to see what missed potential looks like. Never before have I seen something THIS close on the edge of greatness or glory. Perhaps if one were addicted to Ninja Scroll-type sword action and had all but exhausted all other options... (Very unlikely.) then perhaps they would be interested in watching this show. However, for everyone else- this show will not do anything for you except give you a depressed feeling of missed opportunity.

Thanks for reading,

Blitzburns4