#johnny yong bosch

Ten years ago, Code Geass season 2 ended with, in my opinion, a very satisfying ending to one of my favorite anime series. So when it was announced that, ten years later, a Code Geass sequel movie would be coming out, I had a fair amount of trepidation. Funimation decided to bring the new movie, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection, to Anime Boston for its east coast premiere, so I leaped at the opportunity to see if it’s a worthy revival. Short version? Yes.

Before showing the film, Funimation had a panel with Johnny Yong Bosch, voice actor for Lelouch, and Yuri Lowenthal, voice actor for Suzaku. Turns out they shared my trepidation. When asked his thoughts about revisiting the franchise, Bosch said he was “a little divided,” expressing satisfaction with the previous conclusion, but he said that “Coming back is exciting.” They also didn’t know if the show would still matter, with Bosch commenting “Ten years later, maybe nobody cares anymore.” Well based on the packed auditorium the premiere drew, it’s clear that Code Geass still has a strong fanbase. As for what to expect from the movie, without any spoilers, Lowenthal said “There’s fan service in this movie.”

Boy is Lowenthal right. This movie is full of fan service, though I’m not using that term in the usual titilating way (though there is some of that). I’m talking fan service in terms of giving the fans what they expect from the characters. Lelouch is scheming and arrogant. Suzaku is courageous and gets into multiple Knightmare Frame battles. Basically, if a character survived the end of season 2, they showed up in Re;surrection.

But fan service doesn’t make a great movie. At the heart of Code Geass is a battle of wits between schemers played out on a grand scale. I wasn’t sure the movie would deliver that, as the first 60 minutes or so didn’t really have any of that. But then the twist dropped, and the movie became incredibly compelling. There are still some parts that don’t really make sense, but it’s not enough to detract from an otherwise compelling battle of wits.

If you’re completely satisfied with the ending of season 2, I can’t say that this is necessary viewing. But if you enjoyed Code Geass and want some more, this movie should satisfy you. And more Code Geass is what you can expect, since Funimation rep Tara McKinney said that the producers of the movie have a ten year plan to continue the Code Geass franchise. If this is where it starts, I’m curious to see where things go next.

If you’re interested  Also, Funimation is donating a movie poster which has been signed by Bosch and Lowenthal for the Anime Boston charity auction. If you’re interested, stop by Panel A tomorrow at 10:00 AM and you may take it home with you.

- Andrew, AB Staff Blogger