Story: 8 **some minor, episodic spoilers within this section**
What is so fascinating about this show is how that, underneath all the comedic antics and funny situations the group finds themselves in, the show paints a more grim depiction of life during the Edo Period. Though largely revealed by the fact that many of the episodes involve the trio struggling to find food and/or shelter on a day-to-day basis, this theme is much more loudly, and sometimes more seriously, portrayed by the people they cross paths with during their journey. A teenage boy turns to petty thievery to pay for medicine for his mother's worsening ailments. An aspiring artist, struggling to make ends meet, is coerced into painting girls' portraits as a catalog for a human trafficking ring. A woman turns to working at a brothel to pay her husband's gambling debts. Life in the Edo Period is grueling, is what this show is saying. And despite this, Samurai Champloo always leaves you laughing through each episode. The greatest triumph of the show's storytelling is how well it balances comedy and drama. It knows it's a comedy, and provides you with many memorable scenes to laugh at, but has expertly placed moments of sincerity that never feel forced or out of place.
Beyond this, the show features an overarching storyline, their journey to find the samurai who smells of sunflowers. What begins as a simple tale of three estranged characters romping through Japan, slowly and deliberately evolves into a more character-driven story that forces the trio each to face the ailments of the past, as well as struggles both internally and externally. While not a blockbuster hit, it maintains a solid story with good characterization and a satisfying ending to each character's personal issues and the story overall.
Art: 8
Samurai Champloo has a very unique style, as it features a period-specific setting with a touch of contemporary nuances. The art style of the characters breath a very distinct breath of individuality in a comedy show featuring samurais and hip hop music. Everything is stylistically and aesthetically pleasing for the most part.
Sound: 10
Oooooh boy. The music. I distinctly remember the first time I watched this on Adult Swim back in 2005. I was always taught to never judge a book by its cover, but the intro immediately had piqued my interest. Who knew that hip hop instrumentals would fit so perfectly with a Japanese period piece? Featuring tracks from talented artists like Force of Nature, Fat Jon, Tsutchie, and of course, the LEGENDARY Nujabes (if you've never heard of him, I IMPLORE you to listen to Departure, the first soundtrack album for Samurai Champloo), the show's stylistic directions are amplified tremendously, giving Samurai Champloo a great distinction not just as a comedy or a period piece, but as an anime as a whole. The soundtrack is well placed throughout the series, knowing when to allow the dialogue to carry the scene, and when to add flavor and style to the events taking place. Even with people who generally don't like rap or hip hop, I have yet to hear of someone who disliked the show's soundtrack.
Characters: 8
The show is filled with personality. Not just the three main characters, but nearly everyone they come across in their bizarre journey. People who fulfill their comedic roles very well. People who reveal the grim underbelly of the series' themes. People who serve to expose and challenge the main characters' inner demons. There are barrels of likable fellows in this show, for many different reason. Though I speak very highly of the characters, I give this particular area an 8, mainly because there are a few characters that come off a little flat, and not just for comedic purposes. Overall, Mugen, Jin, and Fuu are well written and internalized throughout the series, which is something unusual to say about a comedy, though I'm certainly not complaining.
Enjoyment: 9
This show managed to force out of me a handful of belly laughs, while at the same time persuading me to become invested in its characters and caring about their journey's outcome. There is not a single dull episode in this series. I understand it may seem weird to speak so highly of it and not award it a 10, I certainly can't blame you if you think that. It may just be a natural hesitance to award a perfect score, though I can't bring myself call Samurai Champloo a PERFECTLY enjoyable experience. Despite this, I still want to reiterate simply how fun it is to watch this show.
When it comes to anime that I find myself rewatching every now and then, for any given reason, this show is on the top of that list. Samurai Champloo is an excellently crafted anime that deserves to be watched by anyone who loves a good comedic anime. And please, for your own sake, watch it with English dubs.
