Code Geass: Akito the Exiled 1 - The Wyvern Arrives
コードギアス 亡国のアキト 第１章「翼竜は舞い降りた」It is the year 2017, and Europe is being invaded by the forces of the Holy Britannian Empire. In an attempt to combat the opposition's overwhelming pressure and put an end to the massive casualties, the army forms a special unit called Wyvern, or W-0, composed of former Japanese citizens referred to as "Elevens." Recruited from ghettos, these young men and women pilot Knightmare frames—humanoid war machines—into dangerous operations where death awaits, hoping to make a name for themselves. When a European regiment attempting to recapture a crucial city is pinned down by the enemy, it's up to W-0 to bail them out. Among those selected for the rescue operation is Lieutenant Akito Hyuuga, known as "Hannibal's Ghost" due to his prowess on the battlefield. However, the supposed rescue mission becomes suicidal when, in an attempt to take out as many Britannians as possible, the commanding officer initiates the Knightmare's self-destruct sequence. In its aftermath, Akito finds that he is the last one standing… [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Reviews
schultz.cooper - 2014-04-11 14:56:05
When Code Geass first graced the world with the Lelouch of the Rebellion series it was something that took most of the anime world by storm. Coming from Sunrise who produces the Gundam franchise (If you never knew before) it came as no surprise to some and something shocking to others. With the mecha battles being more tactic driven and less about a single overpowered machine destroying everything with a very good plot to boot, it became something that was unique in it's special way. With a fanbase set a sequel series was announced by name of the Akito the Exiled. When first announced it came with a large amount of talk among the fan-base due to the fact it looked to have a completely new cast and none of the old characters they came to love, it was expected to be doubted by some. But as a 1st movie, can you really judge this new series from 50 minutes of material?
Story
The series takes place on the Britannia and European Union borders after the Black Rebellion was suppressed in Area 11. It focuses on the war between the 2 superpowers with a heavy focus on the EU led unit call the W-0 Unit. Its soldiers are made up of Elevens who were exiled from Japan and a small number of EU personal. While being the 1st movie of the series it provided most if not all the basic info to set the stage for the series and something that should be expected with most franchises. It also is more directed at a slightly older audience with it being much more military based, which is a welcome change after the Lelouch of the Rebellion series
Animation
Coming from Sunrise I had a level of expectation. When I saw this movie for the first time it both reached and surpassed what I had in mind. The 2D animation was what I had expected but the CGI styled fight scenes were something to behold. The fight scenes were what I could only call a memorizing dance, more so with the Alexander units. However improvements can be made
Sound
The soundtrack is nothing worth making alot of praise on. It fitted very well when used, but it isn't so amazing that I would be tempted to put the soundtrack onto my iPhone and listen to it wherever I go. Props go to the ED song
Character
If your still unaware of this, none of the characters from Lelouch of the Rebellion are seen in the Akito the Exiled series. Instead they have a new colorful cast of characters. The main 2 characters consist of the Eleven solider Lt Akito Hyuuga and the unit's commanding officer Major Leila Malkal. Aktio proves to be a well trained, bloodthirsty solider who is connected to a Geass power when piloting a Knightmare. Leila is seen as a smart and capable commanding officer, and is seen to be the only high ranked military officer who can see the Elevens as Japanese people. While there's isn't alot more development into the characters at this point, it's proven that neither of them are unafraid of action and aren't the type to boast. There is also some interesting support characters, most notably the Japanese rebels (Ayano, Yukiya and Ryo) who caught my eye as a group that would be beneficial to the series
Enjoyment
From the start, the mecha battle earned a place in my top 10 mecha battles ever. Starting the 1st movie to be fast paced was the best thing about this movie. Enough action to keep your eyes open, a minimal amount of fan service and with only 1 or 2 annoying characters (With about 2 minutes of not-so noteworthy screen-time between them), it's extremely hard to get bored with this one. Being 50 minutes I was skeptical that by the end I would complain that it was simply to short, but that never proved to be the case, providing what was needed for the series and clearly not trying to be the best anime of the year, giving off the feeling that each new movie will attempt to take it up a level each and every time (And with a 1 year gap, who's the say that won't be the case)
Overall, Code Geass fans should be satisfied with the beginning of the Akito the Exiled series. With a much more mature approach, and a start with honestly gripped me more then Lelouch of the Rebellion did, this could prove to be a movie (Technically an OVA) series that can't disappoint