Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Storyline
Code Geass tells the tale of a young, 17-year old student, Lelouch Lamperouge, who is enrolled in Ashford Academy. Unlike regular students, Lelouch spends most of his time playing chess with nobles to earn his pocket money; as such he regularly dozes off in classes (on the occasions that he actually attends school) , although he cuts a rather slim figure, Lelouch is also rather lacking in his physical fitness. However, his rather unconventional life is twisted even further when he comes upon a canister being chased by Britannian soldiers, and inside it is a mysterious, green haired girl( C.C, pronounced as C-tsu), who subsequently gives him the power of the Geass in a twist of events. This power allows Lelouch to command anyone he makes eye contact with, putting them in a state of complete subjugation to him. It is later revealed that Lelouch is actually an exiled prince of Britannia, a powerful nation that has been conquering other countries through the use of Knightmare Frames, powerful bipedal machines that are capable of tearing through any form of conventional weaponry. Lelouch has been in hiding with in his handicapped sister, Nunally, under the care of the Academy and with his newfound Geass he starts plotting again his father, the Emperor of Britannia, the man who Lelouch sees as heartless to ignore the assassination of his mother (the event also caused Nunally to be in her current state) and he soon prepares a grand rebellion to bring the empire to its knees…
Art and music
Code Geass could be said to be an anime that isn’t really classifiable in any genre, it’s a mix of action, love and, of course, quick-minded plotting by Lelouch, who churns out plans faster than anyone can exclaim, “GENIUS!” As such, the anime shines more in this aspect; however the Knightmare Frames are something to be awed at. Even the mass-production models, the Burai and the Sutherland (machines used by the Lelouch-led Black Knights and the Britannian Empire respectively) are wonderfully designed; though the true eye-catch remains the Lancelot, a prototype 7th-generation Knightmare Frame, piloted by Suzaku Kururugi, Lelouch’s bosom friend, who later turns out to be a pilot for Britannia. The battle scenes are also a treat as they are an infusion of skilful piloting and powerful prototype weaponry, such as the Lancelot’s VARIS (Variable Ammunition Repulsion Impact Spitfire) particle rifle that is able to shoot at variable outputs, allowing it to reduce a significant portion of a mountain into molten rock at its maximum power. Also, keep a lookout for the Guren Nishiki, yet another prototype machine (piloted by Black Knight member, Kallen Stadtfield) which is equipped with a devastating Fukushahadō, a mechanical arm capable of generating nuclear radiation into an enemy Knightmare Frame.
Music-wise, Code Geass is also a treat to its fans; its openings consist of “Colors”, by FLOW and “Kaidoku Funo” performed by rock band Jinn, which also did the fourth opening of Blood+. It is also notable that “Colors” was voted as most popular anime song by readers of Animage, a reputable anime magazine in Japan. Needless to say, watch out for the openings to the show.
Conclusion
Code Geass is currently a rather popular anime in Japan and it has been won numerous accolades since its showing, including the bagging of the top award of best anime at the Tokyo International anime fair and the anime awards at the Animation Kobe event. It has recently begun on its second season in Japan and is heading towards an exciting conclusion, with a further 25 episodes, rounding off with a total of 50. So take your time, enjoy the show and awe at the gratuitous fan service, thrilling battles and the ingenuity of Lelouch’s complex mind.
By Lim Ming Qing Stanley