Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch

In the year 2010, the Holy Empire of Britannia is establishing itself as a dominant military nation, starting with the conquest of Japan. Renamed to Area 11 after its swift defeat, Japan has seen significant resistance against these tyrants in an attempt to regain independence.

Lelouch Lamperouge, a Britannian student, unfortunately finds himself caught in a crossfire between the Britannian and the Area 11 rebel armed forces. He is able to escape, however, thanks to the timely appearance of a mysterious girl named C.C., who bestows upon him Geass, the "Power of Kings." Realizing the vast potential of his newfound "power of absolute obedience," Lelouch embarks upon a perilous journey as the masked vigilante known as Zero, leading a merciless onslaught against Britannia in order to get revenge once and for all.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Lamperouge, Lelouch Main

Fukuyama, Jun Japanese

C.C. Main

Yukana Japanese

Stadtfeld, Kallen Main

Koshimizu, Ami Japanese

Kururugi, Suzaku Main

Sakurai, Takahiro Japanese

Gottwald, Jeremiah Supporting

Narita, Ken Japanese

Fenette, Shirley Supporting

Orikasa, Fumiko Japanese

Asplund, Lloyd Supporting

Shiratori, Tetsu Japanese

li Britannia, Euphemia Supporting

Minami, Omi Japanese

li Britannia, Cornelia Supporting

Minagawa, Junko Japanese

Lamperouge, Nunnally Supporting

Nazuka, Kaori Japanese

Maseba, Yutaka Producer

Yukawa, Jun Producer

Morotomi, Hirofumi Producer

Taniguchi, Gorou Director, Storyboard, Original Creator

Reviews

Mar 25, 2025

starcarver

Recommended

Code Geass is the kind of anime that grips you from its very first episode and refuses to let go until the final, breathtaking moment. It’s a rare series that blends politics, psychological warfare, mecha battles, and profound moral dilemmas into an unpredictable and emotionally charged narrative. At its core, it’s a story about power, who wields it, who deserves it, and what one must sacrifice to change the world. Unlike typical rebellion stories that draw clear lines between good and evil, Code Geass thrives in ambiguity, making you question whether its protagonist is a hero, a villain, or something in between.

Lelouch vi Britannia is ... the heart and soul of this anime. From the moment he obtains the mysterious power of Geass, allowing him to issue absolute commands, his life becomes a high-stakes chess match where every move has consequences. He’s not your usual shonen protagonist. He doesn’t fight with brute strength, but with intelligence, manipulation, and sheer force of will. His transformation from an exiled prince with a grudge to the mastermind behind a global revolution is one of the most compelling character arcs in anime history. He’s arrogant, calculating, and willing to use people like pieces on a board, yet his motivations are deeply personal. He doesn’t seek glory or revenge, his war is for his sister, Nunnally, whom he wants to create a peaceful world for. But the weight of his actions constantly threatens to break him. Unlike many "powerful" protagonists, Lelouch is far from invincible, he makes mistakes, suffers crushing defeats, and loses those he holds dear. His victories often come at devastating costs, making every moment feel earned rather than convenient.

The brilliance of Code Geass lies in how it treats its conflicts. The Britannian Empire, the primary antagonist force, is not just a faceless evil. It’s a system built on discrimination, but its leaders have their own twisted philosophies about how the world should function. Characters like Charles zi Britannia and Schneizel are not mindless tyrants; they have deeply ingrained beliefs that challenge Lelouch’s own. Even those who oppose Lelouch, like Suzaku Kururugi, aren’t motivated by hatred but by their own sense of justice. Suzaku serves as a brilliant foil, where Lelouch believes in radical, violent change, Suzaku clings to the belief that the system can be reformed from within. Their ideological battle is one of the most compelling aspects of the story, proving that even when two people share the same dream, their methods can make them enemies.

Character development is one of Code Geass's greatest strengths. Lelouch’s descent into darkness and the growing burden of his actions make his journey emotionally gripping. C.C., initially shrouded in mystery, slowly reveals her vulnerabilities, becoming far more than just an enigmatic guide. Suzaku, despite his flaws, is a complex character struggling with guilt and duty, making him far more than just a "rival." Kallen Stadtfeld isn’t just another rebel; she grapples with her identity, torn between her Japanese heritage and her Britannian lineage. Even characters like Shirley, whose presence seems secondary, leave a lasting impact on Lelouch’s heart, proving that in Code Geass, no one is truly "unimportant." Every loss, betrayal, and decision has weight, reinforcing the idea that war doesn’t just reshape nations, it leaves lasting scars on the people who fight in it.

The world-building in Code Geass is phenomenal. The alternate history setting, where Britannia dominates the world and Japan has been reduced to "Area 11," provides the perfect backdrop for its themes of resistance, oppression, and revolution. But what makes it even better is how the story explores these dynamics. This isn’t a simple "good vs. evil" rebellion—it’s a conflict filled with moral grey areas, betrayals, and moments where even the oppressed question whether Lelouch’s methods are truly for their benefit. Some embrace him as a hero, while others see him as just another tyrant in the making. The anime makes it clear that war isn’t won by ideals alone; it’s a game of power, where even the righteous must sometimes dirty their hands to survive.

On a technical level, Code Geass is a masterpiece. The pacing is flawless, rarely slowing down but never feeling rushed. Every episode ends with a revelation, a dramatic twist, or a cliffhanger that forces you to keep watching. The battles, both physical and psychological, are intense and unpredictable. Unlike most mecha anime, where victory is determined by raw power, Code Geass treats battles like chess matches; strategy, deception, and quick thinking matter more than sheer firepower. Lelouch’s ability to outmaneuver his enemies, sometimes through brilliant foresight and other times through desperate improvisation, makes every encounter thrilling. Even when he seems to have the upper hand, the series never lets him get too comfortable.

Visually, Code Geass is stunning. The character designs by CLAMP give the cast a unique elegance that fits the aristocratic and dramatic tone of the series. The Knightmare Frames, sleek and mobile mechas, aren’t just there for spectacle. They play a crucial role in the tactical warfare that defines many of the show’s most iconic moments. The contrast between the futuristic mechs and the old-world Britannian nobility creates a distinctive aesthetic that makes the setting feel both advanced and deeply entrenched in archaic hierarchies. The animation, even for its time, remains impressive, especially in the high-energy battle sequences and emotionally charged confrontations.

The music in Code Geass is unforgettable. Every track enhances the intensity of the moment, whether it’s the grandeur of an epic battle or the quiet sadness of a personal loss. The openings and endings are iconic, with songs like "Colors" by FLOW and "World End" by FLOW perfectly capturing the energy and emotion of the series. The orchestral pieces, such as "Continued Story" and "Madder Sky," hit at just the right moments, amplifying the impact of key scenes. It’s a soundtrack that stays with you, making every moment feel even more powerful.

And then comes the ending—one of the most debated, yet undeniably powerful conclusions in anime history. Without spoiling anything, it’s the kind of ending that lingers in your mind long after the final episode. It’s tragic yet hopeful, conclusive yet open to interpretation. It doesn’t just wrap up the story, it redefines it, making you question everything that came before and leaving an emotional impact that few anime can rival.

Of course, Code Geass isn’t without its flaws. Some side characters don’t receive the depth they deserve, and a few plot developments, especially in the second season, can feel slightly rushed. The series thrives on dramatic twists, sometimes pushing logic aside for the sake of spectacle. But these minor flaws do little to diminish the sheer brilliance of the experience.

At its heart, Code Geass is a story about power, sacrifice, and the cost of one’s choices. It forces its audience to confront difficult moral questions about justice, war, and whether true peace can ever be achieved without bloodshed. Whether you see Lelouch as a hero, a villain, or something in between, one thing is certain, his story is unforgettable.

If you love a series that challenges your perspective, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and delivers an ending that leaves a lasting impression, Code Geass is a must-watch. Few anime come close to achieving the perfect blend of intellectual engagement and raw emotional power that this series offers. It’s not just one of the best anime in its genre, it’s one of the best anime ever made.

P.S. If you’re not convinced yet, just know that Code Geass has one of the greatest "Checkmate" moments in all of fiction. Watch it, and you’ll understand.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Feb 8, 2025

bigeli2020

Mixed Feelings

**THIS REVIEW WILL SOLELY CONSIST OF MATERIAL FROM SEASON ONE**

Code Geass, is the “masterpiece” deemed by many for its stunning visuals and fights, amazing and compelling characters, and enticing storytelling. However, after my second watch of the show, I can affirm that all of that said is complete nonsense. Code Geass strikes a nerve within me, as while it is not a bad show by any means, it could have been dealt with way better. This is not a real professional review; I believe feelings play a huge part in rating and analyzing art mediums, but I will try to be objective and balanced. I ... have a lot to say about this show, but I will attempt to keep it to a minimum.

For a short synopsis: It begins with a boy named Lelouch Lamperouge, a student at a high school in occupied Japan, which is now renamed “Area 11” after falling to the hands of the Holy Britannian Empire. Lelouch caught amid a terrorist attack, is granted a power called Geass from the “weapon” the terrorists were trying to steal. Geass allows its users to make any person obey any command, no matter what. Using this newfound power, he aims to destroy the tyrannical empire.

First, I must address the issues surrounding the story. If you’re looking for a deep, well-written story, this is not the place to find it. Code Geass is littered with plot holes everywhere you look that unfortunately makes you sigh in disappointment. For instance, I was puzzled at the world building, which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. “Britannia” does not control the British Isles at all, and is mainly composed of the entirety of the American continent. In that case, why not call it America or a name that makes more sense? There is a British monarch semblance in the show, but this is just a minor issue. There was an episode where Suzaku ran on a damn wall to knock down a machine turret. Or where a guy survives a whole firing squad and comes back the next episode. The worst thing is that most of these plot holes are attempted to be covered up with bullshit reasons that were obviously made on the spot by the authors to justify it. The point I am trying to make is that these are scattered throughout the story, which devalues your experience.

Code Geass also contains an excessive amount of plot devices. It is as if the authors didn’t know how to make a decent story and so decided to bring in new characters for the hell of it. Also, things happen way too much without explanation just for shock value and in an attempt to make itself more entertaining. This gets worse as the story progresses. Additionally, it couldn’t be more obvious that Lelouch was Zero. So, it is insufferable to see others question who he is. There are many more inconsistencies in the story, but I just want to highlight one. This show might contain the biggest ass pull of them that begins the climax. For spoiler reasons, I cannot tell what happened, but this Deus Ex Machina was simply laughable and made me want to cry tears of dissatisfaction.

I would like to praise Code Geass for its fun pacing and that it is extremely easy to binge-watch. Some cliffhangers will leave you rushing to the ‘next episode’ button. And that’s about it. I don’t know how it particularly does it, but behind all the story flaws, it is very enjoyable. I believe the premise of “good guy brings down unstoppable force” is just a very good cliché that I always enjoy watching. There will always be plenty of action and tension to keep the scene dramatic and thrilling. Furthermore, there is great dialogue and compelling themes. There are plenty of thought-provoking scenes that make you question the ideals or understand the better of characters. The animation and art for Code Geass are extremely impressive. This is probably, or if not, Sunrise’s best work. The animation is extremely fluid and consistent with solid backgrounds. The fight scenes were always remarkable.

Now, for the characters of Code Geass. Some characters were well-written, but most were lacking in interest. Lelouch is an amazing character and is highly regarded in the anime community. Out of all the bad writing, he and his companion C.C. have great storylines. Others like Kalleen also intrigued me, but the show failed to develop these characters. The main problem with the characters is that most are boring because they are there to only serve the plot. If that is the case and your plot is also average at best, your characters will be average at best. For instance, Suzaku is the nemesis of Lelouch, even though their ideologies are different, they shouldn’t be. Suzaku’s reason for not joining Lelouch is because it isn’t “peaceful.” Hypocritically, he is a soldier. Who kills people? Bad writing at its finest. They try to reason for this, but deep down you know it is just another bullshit reason.

Personally, in both of my experiences, I watched the dub version of this show. It was very enjoyable, and the actor who voices Lelouch does a great job at bettering his character. The rest of the characters have stereotypical dub voices, though I do very much enjoy Lloyd’s voice acting. The background music is unique, (maybe a little overboard), but enjoyable, nonetheless. The first opening, “COLORS,” is one of the most well-known in anime history, and it maddens me they didn’t keep it for long. After that, many of the openings are very forgettable and boring. For endings, nothing much to say but fine.

Finally, it is time for enjoyment. Despite all of its flaws, I did heavily enjoy the first season of Code Geass. It’s fast-paced and easy to watch, so I guess from that point the show is good. It’s highly rated and well-liked for ages for a reason. Not only that, but it has tons of rewatching values and drama to keep you on edge. It mixes genres pretty well and takes inspiration from lots of anime. (In my opinion, it gets a teensy bit dull, but that fresh take is pleasant.) In conclusion, Code Geass is an enjoyable experience but lacks depth in characters and a well-written plot to make it a truly great anime.

STORY: 5/10
ART: 9/10
SOUND: 7/10
CHARACTERS: 6/10
ENJOYMENT: 9/10
OVERALL:

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Oct 24, 2023

deadlyspawn

Not Recommended

Funny

So... this show is like Death Note; you'll expect so much because of the hype and be like... meh. With a main characters' name which translates from French to English into The-suspicious Red-lamp... meh.

It didn't feel like a waste of time; I just preferred Cross Ange, which I found to be a pretty close similarity as far as story type goes. What is supposed to be intense, falls flat compared to other shows that did similar things in my opinion.

Basically I don't recommend it; yet, if you choose to watch it... it's not trash. Restored my rating system to default so I ... gave it a 5, average is fair.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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