Plot Summary
In the year 2010, Japan is invaded by the empire of Britannia. Stripped of its rights and their name, Japan is renamed "Area Eleven" and the Japanese are now called "Elevens". Lelouch Lamperouge, formerly Prince Lelouch VI Britannia, swears to avenge Japan and kill his father. When he gets the mystical power of Geass, which allows him to order anyone to do his will, he is now prepared to carry out his wishes of the liberation of Japan.
Story
The story of Code Geass is a bit... messy. It has some great, straight-forward arcs, but at times it seems to jump from section to section with no segway, which can make some episodes confusing. The plot has little semblance of a direction, and at times can feel random. Some events happen with little to no explanation, and that definitely brings it down.
However, it is still entertaining, and when it gets its game together, it does.
It also brings in a powerful, emotion-packed ending that is hard to forget.
7.4
Characters
Code Geass has a vast amount of characters, which allows the viewer to relate to at least one person on the show. However, very few of these characters were developed in any way.
When they were developed, however, it usually works well. You can relate to the characters, creating emotional moments, without having their importance spill over.
One thing that worked against it, however, is that the main character felt a bit like clay - shaped into whatever shape the creators desired him to be. He can extremely rude or extremely kind, his attitude towards people and his goals are often confusing, and it's hard to pinpoint his true qualities.
7.2
Animation
The animation of Code Geass is done pretty well. The character designs, especially the designs of the faces, are unique and recognizable to this anime. They reflect the emotions of the characters well.
The action scenes can be convoluted, but also can be intense and thought-out.
The colors of the animation are bright and playful and help distinguish between the characters, but without ruining its sleek and emotional style.
8.7
Music
All openings and endings are pretty good, if not being completely notable. I did enjoy the paintings they used the ending for, however.
The background soundtrack, however, is incredible. Mixing powerful yet peaceful pieces for the emotional parts and a smooth, gentle jazz for the more intense scenes. The soundtracks Stories and Madder Sky are especially notable.
8.9
Overall
Despite somewhat messy plot and character development, Code Geass delivers. With an incredible soundtrack and strong animation, it is an epic and powerful anime. It isn't one of the classics for no reason.
Full Moon
8.03
Other
Rolo is hands-down my favorite character in this. He seemed the have the best, most straightforward character development. His death was definitely an emotional low part in the series, not t to mention the song they played during it ("If I Were a Bird") ... talk about powerful. All this despite being spoiled about it earlier.
....I swear, they made this animation specifically to make all the characters look hot. I mean, they can't all be babes, can they?
