author: Nanae Chrono
director: Tomohiro Hirata
review type: anime
status: completed
genre: Shonen, Chanbara, Action, Drama
studio: Gonzo
original run: October 7, 2003- March 24, 2004
episodes: 24
Synopsis
Ichimura Tetsunosuke, or fondly known as Tetsu by his peers, is an immature, energetic, and very short 15 year old. He is even sometimes mistaken for a boy because of his attitude and physical stature. Tetsu's past is a grim one. His parents were brutally murdered, leaving him and his older brother Tatsu to fend for themselves. Tetsu still reeling with the bitter wound that has been inflicted onto him, seeks out revenge against his perpetrators.
Tatsu, joins the Shinsengumi; a special police task force consisting of highly skilled men, but as an accountant to earn a decent income. Tatsu's desire of providing bread for the both of them is contrasted with the attitude of Tetsu; who like Tatsu desires to join the Shinsengumi but with vengeful intents.
During his tenure with the Shinsengumi, Tetsu became accustomed to some of the other skilled warriors in the house. He develops a close bond to the prodigious Okita Soji, and even becomes his sparring partner.
The anime chronicles the challenging and trying life of Tetsu, a summon or 'office boy' for the Shinsengumi police corps. He wrestles with the voices that contend for his desire to mete out revenge, to finally seek redemption and to be part of the Shinsengumi as a warring warrior on the side of justice. Tetsu would also learn to understand that the path of a warrior is indeed a crucifying one. And finally realize that the responsibility placed that would be placed on him is not a childish ideology.
Rempit's Vrooming Comment
Substance. If I could drop a word before this introduction, for such a breathe taking series it would definitely be substance. I began watching this, after being vehemently frustrated with the Samurai X franchise, or at least the mainstream version of the Samurai X franchise. I preceded with caution on Peacemaker. Hoping that, it would be of a different delight. And it was.
Firstly, I would say this would be one of the most interesting historical anime I have came across with. The other would be the Vagabond manga. I do think Nanae Chrono did a fantastic job in portraying a fictional account of the real Shinsengumi police corps and also the characters that have donned the Shinsengumi mantle. So credits to the author.
Now there is a theme that is somewhat overarching the anime. And I am not sure if this was done purposely, but note that contradiction/s is a dominant theme throughout. Let's take Tatsu and Tetsu. Both have gone through the same nightmare and yet are different in views and goals. Each has a different purpose driven life. If you even look at Okita Soji would notice the opposites that primarily feature him. He is a prodigy and would be considered a shinigami (death god), but on the other hand he is soft, kind, femine (in the context of the anime) and is able to attend to Tetsu with pastoral care. And to top that off is the famous disease he was known to have, tuberculosis; which is historically accurate as well. Beyond the characters, this theme is emphasized as mentioned in the synopsis as when Tetsu learns that fighthing for good does not necessarily earn satisfaction or even a positive reward.
The character development is not that thorough, considerably reasonable given the duration of the anime. But I would say that Chrono did quite a good job in playing with the characters because it is realistic. There is nothing fancy about them, each would have a large percentage of getting killed by thugs or vandals during police raids and probably would also be harboring a dark side to them. All are seem to have their own share of struggles and that is supplemented by the risks involved in serving with the Shinsengumi.
The art is amazing and the fight scenes really make my day. Even though there is a lot of drama comparing to the action involved, The plot and its twists and turns could actually keep you glued to your seat.
I am quite surprised this was intended for a shonen audience. Even though Tetsu and the overarching idea of good triumphing over evil is present, you might just have categorized this as seinen if you aren't careful. Actually I do think this leans more towards seinen because Tetsu doesn't have a rival, neither does he grow exponentially strong in the anime. A stark contradiction to Naruto, Bleach, D-Gray Man, One Piece, etc. The anime never fails to highlight Tetsu's contemporaries as not only stronger, but with a good dosage of substance in terms of character development. So there is this break away from just focusing on Tetsu.
If you're looking for drama, with some zen to it and really good depth in terms of plot, action and art and also concept that this is something you might want to check out.
Rempit Rates:
Storyline: 4/5
Character Development: 3/5 (episodes are just too short)
Art: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
