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"Gankutsuou" is one of the best anime I've ever seen: an adaptation that keeps the novel's themes and storylines intact while adding original material for the characters. Many "Monte Cristo" adaptations alter the novel's theme of "Vengeance is hollow and causes collateral damage" to "Vengeance is great", which severely changes how we view the characters' actions; this series follows the original theme. The unmoving patterns that comprise the characters' clothing, hair, and objects take some time to get used to, but all are carefully chosen to illustrate aspects of character or condition. The original music is excellent, as are the uses of existing music by Tchaikovsky and Donizetti, which fit the story and characters thematically. Every character is necessary and every scene pushes the narrative forward. Highly recommended.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a very dramatic anime. The only part I did not enjoy was the naive thinking of the main character. Yet, that is what made him the lovable young man that he is. It delves into the demon of betrayal and unrequited love can do to drive someone into maddening despair, and how unconditional love and forgiveness can bring about positive change. No matter what happened in the past, the story teaches to not hate. Not for young kids. There are many adult subjects and a confusing story line if you do not watch closely. The artwork and the voice actors show much talent. It puts to mind of a very intense soap opera with tender moments of an after school special. Worth the watch. Remember, not for young kids.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The anime version of the Count of Monte Cristo is astoundingly beautiful and admirably faithful to the text while placing it in the anime genre and Japanese culture. (I have read the full version of the book and watched almost every film version - most of which are appalling betrayals of the text.) Both Geneon and Gonzo were involved in the anime series and both put out dvd sets. Sadly the Gonzo set (which this purchase was) is relatively poor quality and each has relentlessly bad coming attraction commercials which cannot be skipped. I learned the hard way, you don't have to. So go with the Geneon set.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The series takes liberally from Dumas' original nover. Somehow, the futuristic, space-faring/Old France aristocratic blend works. The main protagonist suffers soem from classic anime whininess, and the series has some peculiar homoerotic undertones. Still, its well-written, and the visuals are great, and by "great", I mean fantastic. This anime really shines in it's surreal artistry, mixing classic anime backdrops with CGI animations. If nothing else, this series is a pleasure to watch.
I have seen this show all the way through about 3 times and I still catch something new. If not something in the interesting story line, I catch some new detail in the very unique art work. The use of textures in this anime is so neat that I can't help but see it over and over. They took a great classic book and turned it inside out...a great piece of work.