Basilisk

My, my. It seems as if Gonzo is out to prove their naysayers wrong: Gankutsuou, Speed Grapher, and now Basilisk. If they keep up their good work, I might start wearing I < 3 GONZO shirts. ;p

There’s nothing like a Romeo and Juliet scenario set in a Historical Japan amidst ninjas, samurais, fantastical creatures, warring clans, and political machinations. The series opens to a duel between a snake and a bird, both struggling to live. The next scene almost mimics the teaser with a slight twist, two strange individuals battle it out while their masters sit and observe. I think this will become a theme throughout the entire series. Behind the carnage of feuding states lies a scheming and manipulative party willing to play god to satisfy their whims and ambitions. Clans become pawns of these beings. (I could be mistaken.) Underneath all this bloodshed, a love story blooms. But how it ends remains a mystery.

The tragic romance between Ogen and Danjo sold the episode to me. It immediately hints of a bittersweet romance foreshadowing the lead characters. Will they pursue the same path or will they find a new direction for themselves? *sigh* The Ogen-Danjo love affair is too depressing. I got teary-eyed when I saw the parting scene. Then, they went psycho on each other… Awesome scene. *sniff, sniff*

Honestly, I could not remember the OP/ED theme nor the background music. I was too engrossed with the wicked fight scenes and the intense Ogen-Danjo subplot. At least, it affirms that it is capable of adept storytelling and convincing emotions. I have high hopes in this series. And I hope I won’t get disappointed.

BTW, what’s up with the crotch-attack and GONZO? I think Kanbei (Samurai 7) also utilized this deadly technique to one of his opponents.