The first episode is exposition from beginning to end, showing us scenes and characters with absolutely no context to back-up the action in front of us. It is the kind of episode that only makes sense after you've watched the entire series.... and while I am not opposed to heavy exposition in the first episode(s) of a series, Basilisk takes it up to 11 with absolutely incomprehensible jibberish.... so disregard the first episode for all that I will say after this point.
STORY:
The story is very flimsy and just an excuse to set-up the action of the series. To say that Basilisk's story is token once again, would be an understatement. The basic set up is this; Two rival clans are tasked to fight a proxy war of succession in the name of the Tokugawa Shogunate (Government) and the winner of the war will be rewarded whereas the loser will be destroyed (somehow). The set-up is meaningless and never properly explained beyond "Fight in our name yata yata yata".
The story is not Basilisk's strong point.
ART:
The art of the anime is very strong, it has a very, VERY "Japanese" tone and feel to it, possibly the most 'traditional Japanese' style I've seen in an anime. The architecture is lovely and the scenery is often gorgeous. From the simple , almost hut-like inn rooms, to the salt-storage room... to the large Sunpu castle... to the small city structures of Manjidani and Tsubagakure... it is all wonderfully designed and displayed through gorgeous artwork.
The animation can range from very good to 'just okay' but not once did I ever see a major animation shortcut or significant drop in quality. The creators went to great length to show what they wanted to show as vividly as possible.
If you care about artistry, this anime will not let you down.
CHARACTER:
This is where this anime truly shines above everything else. Every single character , and there are a LOT, is developed. Though we don't get into the backstory of each one, even the ones that are not given backstory we can have a pretty good idea of what they're about. Characters like Udono Jousuke, we know are rambunctious, but hilarious, jackasses... characters like Nenki are stuck-up, arrogant and prideful... characters like Gyobu are given brief glimpses of development which tell us exactly where he is coming from, what his motivations are and what his potential weakness is.
The characterization is so strong that unfortunately, the two main leads 'feel' very weak in comparison. Protagonist Gennosuke and Oboro , the leaders of their respective clans... feel very underdeveloped and underwhelming... their supporting cast is so much stronger and vibrant that we can only resent the show when we are stuck with Gennosuke and Oboro scenes, scenes that drag down the entire show.
It's a bit hard to explain without revealing spoilers, but from a brilliant cast of grey-morality characters, we have a boring Mary Sue duo that produce almost nothing interesting.... that being said, the supporting cast is so strong that they carry the bland-as-hell leads which almost crush the anime with their dull, plodding George Lucas-esque love story.
OVERALL:
From a terrible beginning develops a fantastic anime which ends somewhat anti-climactically. That is to say, the beginning is awful and it drags a bit towards the end, but everything in between is absolute gold.
I know this sounds like strange compliments but;
The pacing in this show (Aside from the beginning and end) is absolutely perfect.
The directing in the show is absolutely perfect.
This show is very well done. The story is garbage, the two main leads are garbage, but everything else was done so well, so effectively that I can honestly give a positive recommendation despite that.
Rundown;
If you like action, especially ninja action, this is for you.
If you care about art, architecture and traditional Japanese culture, this is for you.
If you want a complex story with twists and turns; This is NOT for you, do NOT waste your time.
If you want a strong lead and a deep, well-made love story; This is NOT for you.
Overall, could have been wonderful but as it stands, it is only "Good".
