Samurai Champloo, unlike its cousin of sorts, Cowboy Bebop, did not make as much waves as the latter did. But this reviewer would contend that the former is much more stronger than the latter.
The anime shares many of Cowboy Bebop's features, obviously because they share the same creator/director. Even then, we find many similarities between the two: such as how in both the animes our protagonists tend to be always hungry, and looking for food.
Okay, comparisons aside, Champloo shares many similarities with that of, say, Rurouni Kenshin: such as intense swordfights and the fact that its set in ancient Japan (although both are set in different periods). But the similarities stop there, and the hilarity begins. Yes, its infused with hip-hop references, and one of the samurai protagonists fight in a style resembling breakdancing.
Graffiti (tagging), beep boxing and what have you abound. Watching the anachronisms, they do tend to make you laugh. And let the comparisons begin again: I found it as funny (if not, a little more) as Bebop.
And then there is the action, in which most of its strength lies. Champloo contains fluid and beautiful animation throughout the series, and it does not let up when it comes to the sword fights: they are meticulously animated and very intense.
Yes, it's funny, but it manages to balance itself out with moments of seriousness and not look aloof in the process. Again and again, it felt like watching Bebop, except something much better.
Sometimes things feel a little tenuous: like how all of the three characters manage to stay together despite having little to reason to do so. But all for the story, one supposes, and in the end it's not some mindless shonen anime with nothing but action in it, but contains well-thought out stories and characters. And yes, I find myself drawn to them.
Music? Yes, Shinichiro Watanabe has always recognized the importance of music to a show. Don't expect a Yoko Kanno score though (she's nowhere to be found), but there are many scenes where the music is simply perfect, and serve to drum up the suspense and intensity. Obviously, there's a lot of hip-hop tunes and beats involved.
While Champloo may have a "filler" feel to it (it's format is similar to, yes, Cowboy Bebop), nevertheless almost every episode contributes a little bit to the overall plot (with the exception of a few, bizarre ones that have no continuity to them) it still probably is one of the best in its genre I've seen to date.
And dare I say it? Samurai Champloo > Cowboy Bebop*. Yes, Watanabe's latest work is much more polished, much more thought out, and well, much better. Comparison of apples and oranges perhaps, and it's not like I have a vendetta against Bebop or anything, but I know a good anime when I see one.
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*The author emphasizes that this is his subjective opinion, and recognizes that many will feel otherwise.
The anime shares many of Cowboy Bebop's features, obviously because they share the same creator/director. Even then, we find many similarities between the two: such as how in both the animes our protagonists tend to be always hungry, and looking for food.
Okay, comparisons aside, Champloo shares many similarities with that of, say, Rurouni Kenshin: such as intense swordfights and the fact that its set in ancient Japan (although both are set in different periods). But the similarities stop there, and the hilarity begins. Yes, its infused with hip-hop references, and one of the samurai protagonists fight in a style resembling breakdancing.
Graffiti (tagging), beep boxing and what have you abound. Watching the anachronisms, they do tend to make you laugh. And let the comparisons begin again: I found it as funny (if not, a little more) as Bebop.
And then there is the action, in which most of its strength lies. Champloo contains fluid and beautiful animation throughout the series, and it does not let up when it comes to the sword fights: they are meticulously animated and very intense.
Yes, it's funny, but it manages to balance itself out with moments of seriousness and not look aloof in the process. Again and again, it felt like watching Bebop, except something much better.
Sometimes things feel a little tenuous: like how all of the three characters manage to stay together despite having little to reason to do so. But all for the story, one supposes, and in the end it's not some mindless shonen anime with nothing but action in it, but contains well-thought out stories and characters. And yes, I find myself drawn to them.
Wonderful visuals and good music make up one of its many intense scenes.
Music? Yes, Shinichiro Watanabe has always recognized the importance of music to a show. Don't expect a Yoko Kanno score though (she's nowhere to be found), but there are many scenes where the music is simply perfect, and serve to drum up the suspense and intensity. Obviously, there's a lot of hip-hop tunes and beats involved.
While Champloo may have a "filler" feel to it (it's format is similar to, yes, Cowboy Bebop), nevertheless almost every episode contributes a little bit to the overall plot (with the exception of a few, bizarre ones that have no continuity to them) it still probably is one of the best in its genre I've seen to date.
And dare I say it? Samurai Champloo > Cowboy Bebop*. Yes, Watanabe's latest work is much more polished, much more thought out, and well, much better. Comparison of apples and oranges perhaps, and it's not like I have a vendetta against Bebop or anything, but I know a good anime when I see one.
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*The author emphasizes that this is his subjective opinion, and recognizes that many will feel otherwise.
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