The Elusive Samurai Is Exactly as Good as It Looks

Highlights

• The Elusive Samurai impressed with stunning visuals and complex characters, overcoming a rough patch to deliver a thrilling story.
• CGI horses aside, Episode 6 stands out as one of the best TV anime episodes this year, blending artistry and thrilling action seamlessly.
• The show’s blend of beauty, humor, and violence may not be for everyone, but Hojo Tokiyuki’s unique heroism shines in a dark era.

A good TV premiere is good storytelling, but a truly great one can be a double-edged sword; once the bar is raised so high, there’s that much more distance to fall if the story can’t keep up. After a mesmeric opener that our eyes couldn’t believe, the luster had almost seemed to wear off for CloverWorks’ The Elusive Samurai, but it came back from a rough patch, stronger than ever.

In the story derived from Yusei Matsui’s manga, we follow the journey of Hojo Tokiyuki, a clever youth who is the sole survivor of the wiped-out Hojo clan and defeated Kamakura Shogunate. Deceived by someone he once respected, Tokiyuki embarks on an adventure accompanied by a foresightful priest. This priest will provide him with the resources and companions to transform into a hero – not through violence, but by enduring hardships.

The Game of Hide-and-Seek To Reclaim Japan

Episode 1 established a lofty standard with its thrilling yet comprehensible action sequences, captivating color palette, and infectious energy that left viewers eager for more. The beginning of any remarkable journey isn’t just exhilarating in itself, but because it hints at even greater experiences to follow. As the curtain opens, spectators are introduced to the emerging cast of characters, and ever since the debut, the audience has been captivated by watching these characters unite as the central narrative unfolds.

Our last feature about the series briefly touched on Episode 2, where Tokiyuki meets the first of his new retainers: Kojiro Nezu and Ayako Mochizuki. While Tokiyuki, one concerned less with studies and more with play, is initially flummoxed by how to engage with these new friends, their chemistry shines quickly through the same place the young lord always excels: in battle.

In summary, “The Elusive Warriors” are created, and while no single one may be as captivating individually as Tokiyuki, their dynamics together prove quite engaging. It’s surprising yet delightful how quickly they form friendships. Tokiyuki might not possess the conventional traits of a leader, but his extraordinary charm is more than enough to draw others to him. For him, leading is simply about having companions to share adventures with, and this genuine eagerness is remarkably endearing.

The CGI Horses Almost Ruined It

Some viewers felt that the storyline of “The Elusive Samurai” alone made the series less engaging, as it can be relatively straightforward at times. However, a simple narrative doesn’t have to equate to weakness if it is skillfully executed, which this show seemed to be doing effectively. Unfortunately, for those who were skeptical and thought the first episode set the bar too high, Episodes 4 and 5 appeared to confirm their suspicions, as if the issues were coming back to haunt the series.

In previous discussions, we’ve delved into Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) in anime. It’s essential to remind everyone that the use of CGI isn’t inherently problematic; instead, it’s the way it’s used that matters. In this particular series, the CGI stood out noticeably, perhaps even more so after witnessing some exceptional hand-drawn animation this year. Animating animals, particularly horses, is a challenge due to their complex movements. A lengthy sequence of archery on horseback, therefore, was undoubtedly a challenge for an accomplished team like this one.

Despite some limitations in the computer-generated imagery (CGI), there was clear ambition on display, through the camera angles, character poses, and facial expressions. It might seem excessive to spend so much time discussing mediocre CGI animals if that were all it entailed. However, we’re bringing it up because of how impressively CloverWorks demonstrated that such compromises wouldn’t become the norm, as evidenced by the quality just one episode later.

Episode 6 Is a Miracle

The heart of “The Elusive Samurai” is challenging to express precisely, yet it effortlessly invites grand, sweeping statements. It’s undeniably one of the standout episodes of TV anime this year. The visual effects seamlessly transition from shot to shot, not just visually appealing, but also thematically consistent at times. Most notably, these moments elevate an already exceptional piece of art beyond the realm of television, making its keyframes worthy of display in museums.

At the heart of this episode lies Tokiyuki’s growing alliance with the ninja, Kazama Genba, whose mask allows them to transform and mimic others. Much like how he effortlessly merges with nature and alters his form to deceive enemies, the camera’s smooth pans and sudden zooms create optical illusions for the viewers. The audience is swept along on a rollercoaster of excitement as they traverse a forest transformed into a battlefield, while the two primary adversaries dominate the landscape with their dramatic performances.

In “The Elusive Samurai,” the adversaries, particularly their eerily demonic portrayal of abilities such as Sadamune’s extraordinary vision and Ichikawa’s inhuman hearing, are deliciously unsettling. Moreover, Ashikaga Takauji surpasses expectations by showcasing his demonic menace in the most brutal yet awe-inspiring visuals the series has presented so far.

Is This Show Truly as Good as It Looks?

While the show’s beauty is unquestionable, some viewers find its minor flaws sufficient to distance themselves from the excitement it generates. Compared to the rave reviews about the artwork, the humor can appear rather crude. Moreover, the script sometimes seems repetitive, particularly when characters like Yorishige comment on Tokiyuki’s elusive behavior as portrayed in the title. Lastly, the series’ violent scenes are another point of contention for some viewers.

As a gamer, I find myself drawn into the intricate world of The Elusive Samurai, where the game’s darker aspects clash delightfully with its lighter elements. The protagonist’s childlike innocence serves as a stark contrast to the treacherous times we live in – an age where good men betray each other, heroism is measured by the number of lives claimed, and honor is found only on the battlefield. But this game doesn’t subscribe to those norms. Instead, it offers a refreshing “no thanks” with a polite smile, making it clear who the true heroes are amidst all the chaos.

It works because of the kind of hero Hojo Tokiyuki is, just as Tokiyuki works because of the kind of story he exists within. To run away is thought of as cowardly, but when he runs away, it feels like the grandest kind of heroism there is, perhaps because it is an offense mounted in response to such a grotesque evil. The tonal contrast of this show is equal parts flaw and feature, but for every character interaction that left me grinning ear-to-ear, it leaned heavily toward the latter.

In Genba’s opening scene, we find the core idea of our appreciation. Witnessing a character so accustomed to greed being completely disarmed by the kindness of our young protagonist offers the kind of straightforward enjoyment that adventure tales are designed for. The Elusive Samurai has been nothing short of extraordinary, even with its CGI horses, and if it hasn’t already, it deserves a spot on your watchlist.

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2024-08-15 19:34