Blue Eye Samurai Review: A Quest For Acceptance And Revenge

Blue Eye Samurai Review: Blue Eye Samurai (ブルーアイ・サムライ) is a new addition to Netflix’s animated series collection. It is a Canadian-American adult animated show packed with action and sword fights. It was created and written by the husband-wife duo Michael Green and Amber Noizumi.

According to the creators, if you like Game of Thrones, The Crown, etc, you are bound to love this animated series. The animation is pretty unique here as the audience will witness a 2D/3D hybrid, with 3D elements and a 2D handcrafted feel. Jane Wu is the supervising director and producer, and Toby Wilson is handling the production design.

The characters of this animated series are voiced by Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Song, and others. 

– Blue Eye Samurai Review Contains Minor Spoilers –

Blue Eye Samurai Review: Discussion

This new Netflix series is too good to pass it up. Honestly, I was a bit sceptical about it and did not think how complex and interesting it would turn out to be. But I am really glad that I took the time to watch Blue Eye Samurai, and now I’m here to tell you why you, too, should watch this series.

The story opens with a mysterious samurai heading towards a soba noodle shop. There, a flesh trader taking girls from their homes to brothels starts a quarrel with the shop owner and his son, born with no hands. The flesh trader takes out his newly imported European gun, which he got from Heiji Shindo, one of the most powerful men in Japan.

And this is the link our samurai needed to hear. His name is Mizu, and he is looking for someone because of whom he cannot live a normal life. But he is not alone in his journey, as he will get an apprentice, Ringo, who will be there to take care of all the things his master needs. He is also the only one who comes to know about his master’s secret very early on in the show. The fact that Mizu is actually a girl.

Let’s first talk about the animation and how absolutely gorgeous it is. Rarely can animation capture the beauty of Japan, but here, you really do feel the grandeur and serenity of Japanese architecture and landscapes. The music used is also very fitting and goes well with the situation. Sometimes, even some modern tunes are used to showcase what was happening in the background, and it did not seem out of place at all.

Now, if we talk about the storyline, then I will only have good things to say about it. The plotline gives you a sense of adventure as Mizu goes from one place to another in search of the man she must kill, and you subconsciously travel with her. 

I was also impressed with the amount of research that went into writing the story. The creators tried to cover multiple aspects of Japan and be as truthful as possible to portray a realistic picture of the Edo period with some creative liberties. 

The underlying message is also not lost, as you see how hard it was to survive for people in those times, especially for women. They had very few choices and could grow and survive within those limited boundaries only. But Mizu is different from all; she does not care that society cannot accept her appearance, and she trains herself even to the point of masquerading as a man in her quest for vengeance. But she is not the only brave lady, Akemi, who started off as a free-spirited princess, turned into someone slated for greatness by the end of the show.

The characters of the series are not at all one-dimensional, and they all have their own dreams and aspirations. The villain is definitely hateworthy, and you will pray for his doom by the last episode.

Also Read: Samurai Anime Like Onimusha That Will Keep You on Edge: Rurouni Kenshin, Samurai Champloo, And More

Blue Eye Samurai Review: Verdict

If you are still wondering whether you should watch Blue Eye Samurai, then my advice will be to watch it. Even if you do not like to watch animated stuff, give this one a try, and you will not be disappointed at all.

Also Read: Onimusha Ending Explained: Did Iemon Choose Wrong Allies?