Those are the mysterious words that are the basis for which the series is based on. Through these words, Lelouch Lamperouge is able to seize the opportunities sets in motion his plan to bring down the world's largest Empire, The "Holy Empire of Britannia." The story itself is a very open and easy to follow one, straight forward enough for anyone but with enough twists to keep it interesting. The arts and sound degree of the anime are next to brilliant, with a good incorporation of "Insert Songs" and great animations.
STORY: The way in which Britannia is portrayed, is nothing short of an Empire of the roman times, effortlessly landing, attacking and claiming land. Set in the Year 2010 a.t.b, or "Ascension Throne Britannia," when the Holy Britannian Empire waged war and conquered Japan. With this, Japan is now a formal colony of the settlement now known as "Area Eleven" and it's people referred to as "Elevens." Starting 7 years after this invasion with Lelouch Lamperouge, is Ex-Prince of Britannia, but he relinquished his name, title and right to succeed the throne after he saw the true face of the Empire and it's biter indiference. The story moves at a steady pace at most times, constantly showing a "war," whether it be with Britannia, with himself or his friends and family. At the best of times, you are gaining answers to questions that arise in the mere first seconds of the series, at the worst, you find yourself asking new questions but that is all part of the draw for Code Geass. It is that, "Now why is that" & "Who did this," that really makes for a thinking anime. Mind you, there are no times when your are bombarded by answers, nor are you given a huge heap of questions to think about. They are all delivered in due time.
ARTWORK/ANIMATION: Sunshine has always made for great animation, showing what the cutting-edge of Anime Animations are capable of. Code Geass is no exception to this rule, with many great designs and background artwork. I would like to pay special attention to the "Knightmare" frames however, as they earn extra-special credit from me because of all of the eye-candy that follows them wherever they go. Their animation seems so fluent, that it almost looks like they could exist. Another extra-special credit is in the special CG effects. I will use the Hadron-Cannon as an example because even though it is not a drawing as such, it's light and shimmer effects make for a dangerous-looking beam.
SOUND/MUSIC: The sound effects of this series, are so-so. At times, they are realistic and lively but at other times, they are really repetitive. The quality of these sounds, regardless of the repetitiveness, is perfect. When someone is walking, it sounds like they are walking right-beside you. When a Knightmare frame is attacking, it sounds lively, and large. The Insert-Songs work well. They do fit really nicely with the entire theme of the Anime. For example, when Lelouch is thinking really solemnly, this sort of solo Trumpeter accompanied by Cellos is heard, making for the music to not be overwhelming. My favorite insert-song is the one heard at almost all Britannia-related parties and speeches. It is a majestic-sounding song sung by a choir of men. With this, you get the sense of "Britannia, it's a large, big, majestic, overwhelming Empire." The Voice-Acting and casting was also perfect. Jun Fukuyama played an excellent part as Lelouch and in using one, quieter voice for his school friends and then this big, deep voice for when he is "Zero" is simply inspired. And then there's C.C who was played by Yukana Nogami, even her voice suits C.C's solemn character. Overall, great sound selection.
ENJOYMENT/OVERALL: I really did enjoy this anime. It had just the right mix of serious, meaningful elements with a comedy backdrop (At times.) With this combination, it surely wasn't going to go wrong and I'm glad it didn't, because it was just soooo enjoyable. People will watch this anime for times to come and still think "Wow, I wonder if that would occur if such an event had taken place." Although mind-you, I'm sure that there wouldn't be any Geass...
