Drama Digest
Yasuke is a black African Samurai who is entrusted with Saki, a girl possessing enough magical powers to save war-torn Japan from the oppression of Daimyo. He must overcome the memories of his painful past and move forward on his journey to protect Saki and help reunite Japan. To do this, he must battle his memories of love and betrayal, dark magic and old enemies.
The Feel-Good Part
Throughout the story, there is a mystery waiting to be revealed. Yasuke is a calm and composed warrior, who believes in peace rather than war. Yet, he is forced to partake in it again to save Saki. It successfully relays the message- “the past, it informs our future.” The addition of giant mega robots and magical elements adds surprising twists in an otherwise linear story. The series showcases an innovative take on the war-torn world of Japan with its intriguing characters and unique plot. The action scenes are well animated and clean, providing a delightful viewing experience.
The Disappointing Factor
The story is not the standard Japanese anime you would expect. It follows a 6-episode format, so it may feel different to some viewers. The story feels mediocre and follows the character’s journeys as they defeat the Daimyo. The presence of samurai katanas and dark magic add to the diversity but can be overwhelming sometimes. We are shown in the first episode that the story would revolve around Yasuke’s journey rather than the past. There could’ve been more focus on Yasuke’s character as a whole, with his trauma and hopes for the future.
In-Depth Analysis
The series takes inspiration from a real-life black Samurai who served under Japanese Daimyo Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century. The story is reimagined and refocused on a servant turned Samurai Yasuke, as he tries to redeem himself by living a quiet life as a boatman and battling recurrent nightmares about his past. The series analyses a journey from retreat to redemption. The story is original, allowing for a unique viewing experience.
Star Power
The highlight of the series is the clean animated action scenes done by MAPPA Studios. The animation is savory and keeps the viewers hooked to the screen. The detailing in the character designs is experimental but pleasing to the eyes. The violence, gore, as well as bloodshed are realistic and cleanly animated.
Overall Opinion
This Netflix series makes for a binge-worthy watch for a quick escape to an alternate world with unique characters and a new perspective. If you want a simple anime series, with a bit of suspense, underlying mystery, mixed in with unconventional fantasy, this series is for you.
