Blue Eyed Samurai (2023)
Creators: Michael Greene; Amber Noizumi
Starring: George Takei; Maya Erskine; Kenneth Branagh
Netflix
By Paul Bernardo paulieb2003@gmail.com
This animation is a beautifully done work of art. I simply have no other way to put it. It is patient, dramatic, does not take violence lightly yet has a lot of it. It is poetic, dramatic and engaging. An animation truly for the lovers of the art form, and of the Japanese culture and the way of the Samurai, or lack there of.
Mizu is a bastard child, and simply sets out on a journey of revenge. She is not allowed to hold a sword, yet wields one of the most powerful swords ever made. She rejects her place in society and goes on a quest to fulfill her lifelong ambition, to kill.
Along the way major complications arise. Some of the heart, some of the spirit, some of the physical kind. Mizu fights all kinds of men from trained Samurai, to mercenaries, to lovers to ex-lovers.
Her journey is a long one, and not just of the warriors tale. She must go a long way in her beliefs, and her in heart. Mizu gets tested many times, and each time she stays true to herself.
This is a battle on many levels. A battle of wits, a battle of swords, a battle of love, a battle of the sexes, and a battle of discipline.
Blue Eyed Samurai is very smart, very heartfelt and has a cast of talent that is simply tremendous.
Do not take this show lightly because it is a cartoon, or anime. This show is brilliantly done for grown ups. Well thought out, has many layers and hits on all cylinders.
Even if you don’t like anime, or cartoons, and if you just like Japanese culture, this show will be wholly satisfying.
Season 1 has 8 episodes, and I thoroughly enjoyed each one.
