I usually don't comment on the anime I watch before finishing it, but *Code Geass* really leaves me confused about what to think.
From the beginning, I must admit that the anime was highly recommended to me, but I had never researched what it was about. So, when I found myself in a world where giant robots (Knightmares) are common weapons, the United States is part of the Britannian Empire along with a third of the world, and the plot takes place after Japan's invasion by this empire, I was already a bit lost. To top it off, the first episode also introduces a supernatural being
...
who grants powers, all at once. I confess that this left me unsure of what to expect.
Considering the release year (2006), it is worth reminding the reader that what was popular in Japan at that time were works with an appeal to elemental powers, two protagonists with opposing worldviews and a rivalry dynamic (such as *Naruto* and *Dragon Ball Z*). It was also common to find clichés like giant robots, love triangles, and even the exaggerated use of fanservice. In many moments, *Code Geass* seems to follow this formula, which makes me wonder if some of these choices were made intentionally or just to fit the trends of the time.
One of the most annoying points for me is the unnecessary use of fanservice in a story that tries to take itself seriously. Considering that the protagonists are teenagers, the sexualization in some scenes feels forced and uncomfortable. I especially highlight the scene with Nina Einstein at the table looking at the princess's picture, which I found completely unnecessary and distasteful.
Speaking of the central duo, Lelouch and Suzaku, their dynamic leaves much to be desired. In many anime from that era, the protagonist's "rival" has a clear motivation, and even though they oppose the hero, their actions are coherent. In Suzaku's case, however, his personality seems to revolve around a single repetitive idea: "Your methods are wrong, mine are right." This makes it hard to take his motivations seriously, as he is willing to betray his own people and blindly follow the Britannian Empire's orders.
A clear example of this occurs in the dock scene, where he shoots against his father's former army. Another frustrating moment is when he accepts an order to sacrifice himself, which would not only lead to his death but also to the end of Zero's ideals if it weren't for the Geass's intervention. The anime's attempt to create a moral parallel between Lelouch and Suzaku could be interesting but is poorly constructed and unconvincing. Some other scenes where Suzaku is aided by sheer luck, such as the one involving the cat, also feel out of place.
Regarding Suzaku, it irritates me that an anime with logical foundations falls into "plot armor." Whenever Suzaku gets angry, his armor seems to become invincible, even withstanding massive explosions, which weakens the consistency of the plot.
Another point that weakens the anime's proposal is the lack of intellectual opponents for Lelouch. The idea of a protagonist using only his brain and the Geass to face an empire is intriguing, but throughout the season, there are no characters who genuinely challenge his intelligence significantly. The first season's finale even abandons strategy altogether, reducing itself to a brute-force battle, which contradicts the anime's initial premise.
### C.C.
Regarding C.C., I initially thought the anime might follow a more strategic proposal: an ordinary student using only his intellect to face an empire while balancing a double identity and sacrificing his youth and sanity. However, this concept is quickly abandoned when Lelouch meets another person like him, and the anime's theme shifts to suspense about the origin of this power. (I wouldn't be surprised if, in the next season, we find out that his father also has a Geass...)
It's worth mentioning that the introduction of C.C. itself doesn't unbalance the story. The problem arises when the anime starts to focus more on the supernatural mysteries of the Geass at the expense of strategy. The appearance of another character with whom C.C. made a contract, capable of reading minds, and the discovery of a cave with symbols related to her powers, further expand the mystical aspect. Instead of maintaining the focus on a strategist student facing an empire, the plot gradually shifts its priority to a magical and less rational conflict, weakening the initial proposal.
### Seriousness
At its core, *Code Geass* addresses the colonization of a people for the simple desire for power. The early episodes draw interesting parallels, showing the "Elevens" being exploited to ensure the luxury of the Britannians who conquered them. There are two striking scenes of genocide led by the royal family, reinforcing the cruelty of the Britannian Empire.
However, at a certain point, the social critique and exploration of these issues are left aside. The focus turns almost entirely to Lelouch and his strategies, failing to explore more deeply the suffering of the "Elevens" and the ongoing oppression. For an anime with such a heavy theme, this superficiality weakens the impact the story could have.
### Scenes
Despite the inconsistencies, *Code Geass* delivers impressive moments. Scenes like Princess Euphemia being compelled by the Geass to order the massacre of the Japanese or the protagonists teaming up to face the Chinese forces are impactful and made me genuinely say, "Wow, look at this." However, these highlights are constantly followed by weak dialogues or plot conveniences, creating an inconsistent experience.
Because of this rollercoaster of quality, I still can't fully decide what to think about the work as a whole. I hope these issues are addressed in future seasons.
### Technical Quality
- **Voice Acting:** 6
- **Animation:** 10 (considering the year it was produced)
- **Opening:** 9 (personally, the endings of this anime are wonderful)
Feb 18, 2025
Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
(Anime)
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I usually don't comment on the anime I watch before finishing it, but *Code Geass* really leaves me confused about what to think.
From the beginning, I must admit that the anime was highly recommended to me, but I had never researched what it was about. So, when I found myself in a world where giant robots (Knightmares) are common weapons, the United States is part of the Britannian Empire along with a third of the world, and the plot takes place after Japan's invasion by this empire, I was already a bit lost. To top it off, the first episode also introduces a supernatural being ... Feb 12, 2025
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[Contém Spoilers]
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