Blue Eye Samurai

Ever watch a show that's so good you'll binge it just a bit slower so it'll last a bit longer? I did that with Blue Eye Samurai.

The story is brilliant and poignant, the action and animation is great, often looking like art. There are no fillers and the way the story is told is captivating. It's at once raw and tender, brutal and profound.

It's very much a heroes journey story but with plenty of twists to keep the attention of the most jaded people. The voice-acting is top-notch as well and you feel the characters in archs and complexity. The bait and 'will this or that' happen is there aplenty but you'll never really know until it happens.

From now on, it's waiting on season 2 and rewatching it to catch all the nuances. Best show I've seen since Arcane, and I do not say that lightly. Watch it, watch it now!

The brilliant animation team, Blue Spirit Studios, based out of Montreal and Paris, is the same group that did "What If?" which was their first foray beyond French cartoons. Their captivating artwork complement a fluid story line with strong character development. Continuing to collaborate with "Heroes" producer, Michael Green, Masi Oka provides timely humor as Ringo. The soundtrack is invigorating, lending a pulse to, at times, predictable action sequences. The comparisons to Kill Bill have been made by some critics, which is spot on since it combines a traditional story with a modern vibe. Over eight tightly packed episodes, the series contains a considerable amount of pacing that allows it to breathe with meaning and purpose. There isn't a better animated series IMHO and is perfect for fans of "Warrior" on MAX. You won't be able to tell how satisfying this show is till you start it.

The first five episodes of this animated story of vengeance (and love) set in 17th C Japan are superb. The characters are lively, the aesthetics are spot on and the story is compelling. But as it reaches towards the climax, the level of "suspension of disbelief" required to swallow the story become almost untenable. It's not the superheroic endurance of the main characters that got me, it was the stupid lazy errors in the writing. No Irishman in 17th C would have described himself as British. Guns were already in Japan (it's how Tokugawa got to power). The assault in the final episode is just daft.

Still it's a stylish and entertaining story regardless of its flaws and I hope they make more.

Every now and then, Netflix gets it right and BOY did they get this one right!

Blue Eye Samurai is one of the best animated series I've seen in a long time. The first episode had me hooked and by the third, I was completely invested in the characters, the plot, everything.

It's hilarious, heartbreaking, dark, a little dirty sometimes, gory as heck and just straight up beautiful. It can go from a captivating scene with gorgeous landscapes and delicate emotions being put on display to quick and precise butchery with martial arts and swordsmanship on full display. The main character plays to their strengths when facing skilled opponents and creates advantages when facing overwhelming odds. It's somewhat grounded and not too over the top. Kinda like a samurai John Wick. The animation is truly a pleasure to watch. The fight scenes are just *chefs kiss*

On the surface, it's a classic revenge tale. Some might find that boring and overdone but I kid you not, It's so much more than that.

It's also refreshing to see an animated series of this particular style without a ton of fantasy elements.

It's a must watch for me.

Yeah I feel like Netflix out of nowhere made not only one of the best animated but perhaps one of the best shows of 2023!

The journey and character of Mizu was something I did not expect! A vengefull samurai with a dark past, comiting to kill 4 certain people.. no matter what!

This was a journey of all kind of emotions! I was either super excited at times, or felt my heart and soul crushed or feeling the tears due to the beautifull and emotional stories! The show does not shy away from gore or nudity either!

The other characters are great as well, and each stand out! I have to praise Kenneth Brannagh as Fowler! Does a great job at creating a detastable villain!

The animation however might be the true achievement of the show! Beautifully animated with breathtaking sequences! American animation is at groundbreaking point with this along with Spiderverse, Arcane, puss in boots etc! This is the kind of stuff we want!

Best part was the announcement of season two!