Code Geass Mini-Review

Code Geass is my favorite anime.  Favoritism doesn't apply, however, for the simple reason that the high score this anime receives reflects the reasons *why* I like it so much.  I originally watched Code Geass towards the end of 2009, and I've rewatched it at least twice since then.  ...for reference, it is incredibly rare for me to reread or rewatch anything within several years of originally doing so.

Code Geass is arguably a mecha* anime.  I say arguably because although the focus of the combat is on the mecha, the combat isn't the focus of the anime itself.  The mecha could be replaced with some other form of vehicle with little loss to the anime as a whole.  Not saying mecha are poorly used in it.  To the contrary, the mecha make perfect sense.  The anime needs a fast, maneuverable, omnidirectional ground unit.  Cars aren't maneuverable enough, and are too unwieldly in dense terrain.  Tanks are slow, and are hard to aim quickly.  Something of human frame, though, is natural to figure out how to aim, can turn on a dime, and is much more adaptable to tight quarters.

Japan has been conquered by the Holy Britannian Empire, stripped of their national identity, and renamed simply Area 11.  Treated as barely people, the Japanese, or 'Elevens' as they are now known, desperately fight against the dictatorial empire oppressing them through terrorism and hidden rebellions.  With an element of the supernatural introduced, one boy, Lelouch, a Britannian schoolboy of no small gifts, manages to change the fate of the world.  Code Geass is a combination political machinations, tactical conflicts, intrigue, and slice-of-life as Lelouch struggles to accomplish his grandiose goals while still maintaining his cover as a mere high school student.

I overall rate Code Geass as 5+ stars, with a score of 101/100.  For poignancy and character development, especially, it is the standard by which I judge other anime.  It does have violence and bloodshed, and is fairly dark, but neither is particularly extreme for a show rated 'Mature'.  Nudity does not abound in it, but it is for mature audiences.  I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys action, intrigue, or political/military machinations.  All three are common enough to keep it interesting, and unlike many action series, the combat does not tend to get at all repetitive.

Glossary

Mecha:  Giant robots.  Most accurately, mecha are generally piloted machines of war in a generally humanoid shape.  They are a common staple in anime.