Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen III - Kourin

The Band of the Hawk has dwindled in the year since Guts left them on his journey to forge his own destiny. Unaware of their fate, Guts returns to the Hawks—now being led by his former ally Casca—after a rumor about them passes his way. Once the saviors of the kingdom of Midland, the Band of the Hawk are now hunted as they desperately fight for their lives while plotting to free their leader, Griffith, after he was imprisoned for committing treason. But the man they save is far from the Griffith they remember.

Griffith is a shell of his former charismatic self after a year of continuous, horrific torture. No longer able to walk, speak, or even hold a sword, he has nothing but the small, strange trinket, the Crimson Behelit, that will not leave him. The entire Band of the Hawk want to rise to greatness once more, but how much are they willing to sacrifice to return to their past glory? It doesn't seem possible, but when Griffith's heart darkens and a solar eclipse blackens the sky, the Behelit offers a choice that will leave the Band of the Hawk with a blood-soaked fate that will haunt them for the rest of their days.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Guts Main

Iwanaga, Hiroaki Japanese

Griffith Main

Sakurai, Takahiro Japanese

Casca Main

Yukinari, Toa Japanese

The Skull Knight Supporting

Ootsuka, Akio Japanese

Puck Supporting

Judeau Supporting

Kaji, Yuuki Japanese

Nosferatu, Zodd Supporting

Miyake, Kenta Japanese

Pippin Supporting

Fujiwara, Takahiro Japanese

Rickert Supporting

Kotobuki, Minako Japanese

Slan Supporting

Sawashiro, Miyuki Japanese

Kubooka, Toshiyuki Director, Storyboard, Key Animation

Ohira, Shinya Storyboard

Mihara, Michio Storyboard, Key Animation

Hori, Motonobu Storyboard

Reviews

Nov 22, 2023

MxS7HGS

Recommended

Reviewing the third movie in the Berserk trilogy, the plot continues from where the previous movie left off, with Guts leaving the Band of the Hawk and Griffith being captured. After a year, Guts returns to rescue Griffith, who has become a mere shadow of his former self.

As far as the trilogy goes, this movie is the best one yet. The introduction feels a bit rushed, and some scenes from the manga are either missing or rearranged, but it doesn't significantly impact the flow of the story. Although, as a fan, I would have preferred the movie to adhere more closely to the manga, I ... can appreciate the way it is presented. The two-hour runtime provides more content and adds to the story.

The CG animation is still a matter of debate, but it has certainly improved. The frame rate is more consistent, and the characters and foreground blend well. However, it still looks "gamey" and isn't perfect. The violence in the movie is extreme, as expected from the title. Guts is a frightening character, and the movie portrays that well.

The art and animation contribute to the ambiance and emotional depth of the characters. You can feel Griffith's vulnerability and Guts' reluctance. The voice acting has been problematic for me, but the new Guts voice actor is an improvement. The soundtrack matches the time period and atmosphere of the movie. The end credits orchestra is notably impressive.

The TV series is still the best way to experience Berserk. Nonetheless, the three movies were enjoyable, and this is a good alternative way to learn about Berserk.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Nov 23, 2023

wyvernss

Mixed Feelings

Best of the three Saga films that we got, but it still definitely misses. The whole trilogy, but especially this film, falls so short because the studios didn't commit as hard as they should've. Some better voice acting, some better music, not relying on 3D rendering to carry you the entire time, and this could've been great.

For every beautifully, hand-crafted scene that blows you away, there's another ten (barely) okay CGI scenes. I'm usually okay with CGI in anime, and I know most people are usually pretty against it, but if it isn't even done right what's the point? It makes almost every fight scene ... genuinely unbearable, such a far shot from Berserk being known for its' best in class fight scenes from the manga.

Follows the story decently well at least. This could've been so much more.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Feb 20, 2022

reizamundi

Not Recommended

A tasteless and vile adaptation that should not exist.

***Spoilers Warning***

Watching this after having read the manga and watched the 97 anime, I find this adaptation to be worse than appalling and a nasty insult to the story and the artist.

Shockingly pretentious CGI and horrid character rigging. The animation of the characters seem so unnatural, stiff, and puppet-like. The lighting of the film also does not capture the dramatic narrative of the story, spoiling its cinematic potential. The abrupt and thoughtless editing also undermines the narrative and characters. I do not understand how they could possibly change the art of the M.C. Escher inspired vision ... of the God Hands that Griffith had while imprisoned.

The sound effects are also tragically Hollywood-like and tasteless, especially when Casca was brought to Griffith after his rebirth. Such sound effect is, quoting Alucard from Hellsing, "so pitiful and nothing less than human excrement" - the dump of a dog seems like a fitting description. The porn-like depiction of such a powerful plot in the narrative is also immensely treacherous and offensive. Whoever directed this foul choice should be sent to the inquisition chamber at the holy ground.

Overall, the manga contains the artistic and poetic essence of Berserk. Though dated, the 97 anime is also quite true to the manga using the artist's original compositions and perspective angles. This "adaptation" should not exist.

Reviewer’s Rating: 1

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	Poll: Berserk Ougon Jidaihen III: Kourin Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ) Mich666 - May 12, 2013	212 replies	by Rundom57 »» Jun 28, 5:14 PM
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