The trick to enjoying Samurai Champloo is to know WHAT it's about. The whole episodic thing should actually be a hint to everyone, that the focus of this story for the most part isn't the Sunflower Samurai Hunt; but just a wild adventure between three complete strangers in a nicely recreated Edo Japan. Champloo generates a fantastic environment the way Assassins Creed does, but also adds various hip hop 21st century references everywhere, making for what I'd like to call the "Champloo Experience". In the end the only thing that matters initially story wise would be Fuu, Jin and Mugen's adventures and the events that actually draw them closer subconsciously. Champloo tackles heavy topics—slavery, prostitution, persecution of Christians and homosexuals and such with a real air of spunk, adding comedy into the mix but always keeping just enough in to keep the necessary seriousness. The Sunflower Samurai tale finally comes back into focus around the 18th episode or so; and 'til the final episode, those who decided to stay on are treated to a fantastic fitting unraveling of events, filled with skilfully animated battles and quick, effective development for our three heroes. Champloo maintains its uniqueness from start to finish, creating a rhythm for itself and staying true to it, and despite the end bring rather abrupt when it came, you somehow feel that it is for the best. Simply put, Champloo ends on a funky, good note.
If you're looking for very quick exposition and plot development, this is the wrong place for you. I started SC in December but only finished it this month for exactly that reason—compared to Parasyte and such, Champloo really took too long to showcase its plot, and even I lost patience with it at the 7th episode. But I came back and powered my way through, which in the end was very worth the journey. So yeah, if you can't deal with the long wait for actual plot advancement, don't take Champloo up—you'll hate it. The story receives an 8/10 in my book, because with the exception of one episode, all the others contained good subplots, and the eventual Sunflower Samurai thing was great as well.
You can't mention Samurai Champloo without acknowledging the brilliance of Nujabes (Bless his soul, RIP) and the others. The track is truly funky and groovy, with a sick beat. Nujabes' touch is all over Champloo, glossing over the Edo period with this unique hip hop/beatbox soundtrack, which feels awkward at first, but truly ends up being artful throughout. The score, was nailed spot on. There's really nothing else to be said about the music, save that it's revolutionary. Great OP and ED too. The artwork is also very good, with well drawn environments and characters—along with very well animated fight scenes (and there are loads of these). The fight between Mugen, Jin and Kariya was easily the best rally win the whole show, fully badass stuff. Art and Sound receive an 8/10 and 10/10 respectively.
Characterisation here mainly revolves around our three heroes, Mugen, Fuu and Jin. While Mugen and Jin are the fighters here and genuinely the more mysterious ones compared to the loud mouthed bimbo Fuu, the irony is that Fuu ends up being the most truly mysterious one until the end. We get a vivid portrayal of Mugen and Jin, two polar opposites. Mugen is a rogue, a wild and arrogant man with a short fuse and generally a repulsive one; plagued by a violent past and certain inner insecurities. Jin is a silent, non committal man with a high sense of honour, and a generally more intelligent person; though equally as immature as Mugen when it comes to spats and such—chased by his dark past and wandering in search of his true purpose. Fuu is kind, optimistic, ditsy and often annoying, a vain girl who however is very committed to her goal of hunting the Sunflower Samurai. Though very diverse, the camaraderie which reluctantly develops between the trio is rather touching to observe, as the two men subconsciously put themselves through a variety of hardships for Fuu's sake, and she does the same for them too. The final two episodes show just how close the three have become, as each are willing to sacrifice for the other, bringing into a kind a VERY relevant quote from earlier on the series:
"When you travel with people, they become like your own family."
Mugen, Jin and Fuu become exactly that, after a series of comedic, tragic and uplifting adventures. Family. 9/10 for characters.
Samurai Champloo can be draggy at times, but when the fun starts, it's thoroughly enjoyable. Overall, Champloo maintains the fun factor; episodes that lead nowhere in terms of plot tend to build up the main trio even more, and the antics of our three heroes are generally very humour plus and well directed. 8/10 for Enjoyment.
Overall, Samurai Champloo is worth watching for those among his that are more sensitive towards culture and artistry; and for those of you who just want to chill and enjoy a long anime ride, this one IS for you. Onwards to Nagasaki!!
