The Blue Eye Samurai: An In-depth Review

Netflix is not the only platform that offers captivating and mature animated content, but it is definitely worth checking out. Netflix Animation may not be a traditional studio, but it has had its name attached to some of the most captivating projects in recent years. From charming comedies like The Monkey King to extraordinary fantasies like Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, the company demonstrates a keen eye for excellence. Blue Eye Samurai is a prime example of their commitment to quality, offering an exhilarating tale of revenge with top-notch 3D-animated action.

The latest addition to Netflix's lineup is created by the talented couple, Michael Green and Amber Noizumi. While this marks Noizumi's first credit, Green is a highly acclaimed screenwriter known for his work in projects such as Logan, Blade Runner 2049, and the upcoming BioShock movie. The pair have openly discussed how their own mixed-race child with blue eyes served as inspiration for the show.

The Blue Eye Samurai, titled after its unstoppable warrior protagonist, Mizu, tells the story of a young woman facing discrimination due to her mixed heritage. Born to a Japanese mother and an unknown white father, Mizu conceals her race and gender in order to navigate society unnoticed. However, her difficult upbringing takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself under the guidance of a blind swordsmith. Growing up amidst a world of killers, Mizu immerses herself in the craft, preparing for an upcoming quest. Determined to unravel the mystery surrounding her birth father, she sets out on a journey across the country, armed with a chosen sword and concealing her eyes behind a pair of glasses. Along her path, Mizu befriends a disabled chef aspiring to become a samurai and a renowned warrior driven by the desire to avenge a humiliating defeat. Throughout the show, Mizu grapples with the moral complexities of her actions, while the story captivates viewers with its thrilling combat sequences and unexpected twists.

Blue Eye Samurai possesses an undeniable allure, showcasing fast-paced samurai action reminiscent of Samurai Champloo. In recent years, there has been a significant resurgence of Kurosawa-inspired jidaigeki, evident in popular games like Ghost of Tsushima and Like a Dragon: Ishin, which allow fans to actively engage with the genre. Even Star Wars, known for drawing heavily from Kurosawa's works, has embraced these references aggressively in recent outings such as Ahsoka. Amidst this surge in popularity, Blue Eye Samurai stands out as a remarkable result. With a tone that is more grounded than the average anime project yet still captivatingly imaginative, it has carved a niche for itself.

Netflix recently released their adaptation of Onimusha, but it pales in comparison to the greatness of Blue Eye Samurai. The key disparity lies in the expertly crafted action direction. Blue Eye Samurai continuously evolves in exhilarating directions, creating a palpable sense of escalation that never veers into unbelievable territory. For those who revel in the clash of katana and the splatter of blood on snow, this is an absolute must-see.

Beyond its astounding action sequences, Blue Eye Samurai boasts a cast of characters that offer much to admire. Mizu initially embodies the archetype of the strong and silent type, reminiscent of numerous characters from both Western and samurai films. However, Blue Eye Samurai challenges the audience to spend time in Mizu's company, delving into her essence and unmasking her identity. While the revelation of her gender may be considered a minor spoiler, it is swiftly unveiled in the first episode. Mizu maintains an emotional distance, only allowing glimpses into her dreams, passions, and capacity for compassion when circumstances rapidly escalate and force her to reveal her true self. Ringo, the chef who unwillingly becomes her apprentice, serves as a partial point-of-view character. Although he brings moments of comic relief, his earnest desire to be of assistance prevents him from feeling burdensome. Mizu's rival, the noble samurai Taigen, wavers between decency and occasional cartoonish villainy, yet he remains sympathetic for the most part. This diverse and captivating group forms a compelling ragtag ensemble, adorned with their own unique edges.

Blue Eye Samurai enlists a captivating voice cast comprising an exceptional choice for the lead role played by Maya Erskine. Renowned for her comedic series PEN15, Erskine delivers an outstanding performance in this subdued and unique character. Masi Oka, celebrated for his role in Heroes, portrays Ringo with just the right touch of charm, skillfully avoiding any annoyance factor for the audience. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa captivates endlessly as the mysterious unnamed swordmaker. Darren Barnet flawlessly conveys Taigen's quiet nobility and examines his deep-seated inferiority complex, crafting a multi-dimensional character. Lastly, Kenneth Branagh takes on the role of the English villain, almost unrecognizable solely from his voice. As arguably the most prominent name among them, he seamlessly disappears into the part. Together, this exceptional team creates a truly remarkable cast.

Blue Eye Samurai is not flawless, yet highly enjoyable. It leaves certain supernatural aspects unexplored and concludes with a Netflix cliffhanger that tends to disappoint. Nonetheless, there are a few unconventional creative decisions towards the end that do not detract from the overall quality of the series. Despite these peculiar moments, Blue Eye Samurai stands out as one of the most captivating action series of the year. Samurai film enthusiasts cannot miss out on this masterpiece. It encompasses everything one would anticipate from exceptional anime and surpasses expectations. Blue Eye Samurai attains its triumph through a combination of intense violence and remarkable skill, mirroring the heroic nature of its namesake.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the release of Blue Eye Samurai on Netflix. The show's visually captivating animation and gripping tale of vengeance have left me enthralled. The action sequences are top-notch, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. I appreciate the show's exploration of themes such as discrimination and identity, and I think it is an important story for Gen Z viewers to see.

Overall, I highly recommend Blue Eye Samurai to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking anime series. It is a must-watch for fans of samurai films and anime alike. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Mizu and her friends as they continue their journey.