"Afro Samurai 2: the Absurdity Continues". Honestly that would have been a better title than the insanely overused title "Resurrection". However, this is the kind of anime where they probably intentionally used a cliche title to pay homage to early, terrible anime like the infamous "Ninja Resurrection". Afro Samurai is NOT an anime that you are supposed to take seriously! It is basically like Kill Bill the anime...or more accurately Kill Bill the 100% anime since Kill Bill Volume 1 was partly done in anime format.
Story and Characters-
Warning: Spoilers!!!
The story begins where the last movie left off. Afro finally got revenge and claimed the title of World #1 swordsman. However, the #1 headband in addition to granting godlike power and immortality also consumes the sanity and soul of the wearer. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36 . This quote isn't actually used in this movie, but since Samuel L Jackson is the main character, I feel randomly quoting scripture is appropriate here. Afro is doggedly pursued by several characters who all want revenge on him for killing their friends and family members in pursuit of his own vengeance. The primary message of the movie is that revenge only begets more revenge. That was also going to be the main plot and theme of Kill Bill 3, but unfortunately that movie will never be made now. Since Samuel L Jackson was the executive producer of this anime and close friends with Tarantino , I wonder if he wanted to make this as a sort of spiritual heir to Kill Bill 3? The people who want revenge on Afro decide to create an absolutely ridiculous plan to resurrect Afro's father, just to torture him and piss off Afro. Since his father was the only person Afro ever cared about, they figure that the only way to really hurt Afro emotionally is to bring him back and kill him again! Seriously! That's the fucking plot in this movie! The antagonists hilariously succeed, only to get killed by an insane cyborg version of Afro's father. Afro then must put his own father back to rest, and continue his journey of wandering. Afro never really learns anything or pays for his sins committed in pursuit of revenge, so the theme is rather undermined. The movie ends with a bullshit cliffhanger and a teaser for a sequel that now probably will never be made.
Music-
The soundtrack is once again performed by RZA and the Wu-Tang Clan. If you love those guys, you will love this soundtrack. If you aren't a fan of the Wu-Tang...you will obviously hate this soundtrack. Personally, I rather like the Wu-Tang Clan. Wu-Tang Clan AINT NOTHIN TO FUCK WIT!
Animation-
The animation is smooth and gorgeous. It is easily the highlight of the entire anime. The fights look spectacular and are just fun as HELL to watch!
Overall:
If you liked the first Afro Samurai, you will like this one. It has the same awesome fight scenes, beautiful animation, and pulse pounding hip hop soundtrack. Is it a deep, philosophical masterpiece? Hell no! Is the writing and dialogue Shakespearean? Of course not! Is is a fun action series if you feel like rotting your brain for 2 hours? HELL YEAH! I recommend Afro Samurai 2 to anyone who loves mindless action with LOTS of gore and hip hop!
