Review - Gankutsuou Chapter 6
Reviewed by Richard Brownell on 10.25.2007.
Score: 10/10
The Gankutsuou finale approaches. The key families in this story are in ruins. The Count's vengeance is sweet, but he's not finished by any means. He intends to make the people that destroyed his life suffer dearly for their misdeeds, which is where this volume starts off.
Villefort is at a trial, but not one he is overseeing. It's his own. He's been charged with the attempted murder of the Count, among other things. The irony is not hard to see. And it's fun to watch the Count sit idly by. There's really no work left for him to do at this point in his plans other than to watch it all play out.
Danglars, on the other hand, managed to escape Paris and into space. He took the bank's money that was left, ignored his family, and fled like a coward. With the money he stole, he intends to rebuild his fortune in any way he can. But rebuilding his life doesn't sound like it fits in with the Count's plans of vengeance.
In the meantime though, Morcerf has his own plans. He was running for the Presidency before Heidee revealed his true identity and ruined everything. His way of dealing with the situation is a true act of madness. Because he was a general, he has the support of his troops. So he uses them to attack Paris, take it over, and form a new government with him as the leader.
The battles that ensue, including a rather epic mech battle, easily rival those in some of the best sci-fi anime. It's almost hard to believe that this show is mostly conversations between French aristocrats. All the beautiful panoramic shots of Paris we've seen so far are now covered with fire and explosions. And the Count's mansion is unleashed in its full glory with strange Dali-esque imagery as a backdrop for a confrontation that will be remembered by anybody who sees it.
Albert all the while is just hoping everybody will stop. The words Franz included in his birthday letter to Albert keep ringing through his head. He wants everybody to start feeling love instead of all the hate. But only Albert seems truly able to care for all the people around him. Even with all the Count has done to ruin his family, he can't help but want him to give up his revenge and become the man he believes him to be.
The way the finale unfolds is simply amazing to watch. Each vengeful confrontation between the Count and the people that wronged him is just perfect. How things turn out will amaze you. It's a lot to take in. And for once, it's an anime ending that does not feel rushed in the least. I would recommend Gankutsuou to practically anybody. Because of its visual style, it's likely to withstand the test of time more than many shows that come out around it. And it's one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had watching anime or any other medium for that matter.
Special Features
DVD Features
· English Dolby Digital 2.0
· Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0
· English Subtitles
· Anamorphic Widescreen 16:9
· Running Time Approx. 100 Min.
Extras
· Comments from Voice Actors
· Mechanical Art Setting
· Anna Sui's Fashion Gallery
· Geneon Previews
