Posted by : joem20 
Posted on : 2009-10-08 
I’ve watched over a hundred anime, and only reviewed the best ones, but this is just awesome. To be honest, I don’t know about samurai champloo until late april of 2009. So far, this is the coolest anime I’ve ever watch. Definitely cool.
Story 10/10
It is really amazing that this anime has a very simple storyline, yet every episode turns out to be more and more interesting. It is a story about a very cute girl, searching for a samurai that smells like sunflowers. She met two great swordsman, one is a silent and serious four eyed samurai while the other is a ‘no-read no-write’ lunatic that loves to fight someone who is stronger than him. Decided by a toss coin, they started their hilarious and crazy journey.
Animation 10/10
The animators of this one are really masters. There is no single scene that is bad. The fight scenes are really cool and the character designs are very realistic. The fight in the rain with Sara is one of the greatest fight scene I’ve ever watch in an anime. For the setting, It may be ancient Japan, but you can also see cool people that do beatbox and people that make the streets full of graffiti. I really love how one scene will go to the other, because it is cool!
Characters 10/10
One of the greatest cast of characters ever gathered in an anime series. Mugen, Jin and Fuu are really funny and lovable. Even if they don’t admit it, they really care for each other. They are really cool! Cooler than cool, it’s ice cold!
Music 10/10
It is rare for me to give a 10 to the music category, but I will give it to this one. All the music are cool! BGMs are cool and the sound effects are cool! As I say, the coolest anime I’ve ever watched so don’t be annoyed by the word ‘cool’.
Overall 10/10
This is an another masterpiece by Shinichiro Watanabe, the director of Cowboy Bebop. The fight scenes are really great, the jokes are really funny, and the ending is truly fantastic. One of the greatest anime ever made and will stay great for a long time.
Posted by : Mokko
Posted on : 2008-11-17
I feel that this show deserves the credit it is due for its ability to blend the modern cultural influences with the more traditional cultural influences. I also feel that the aimless wanderings of the characters inherently being a subtle reflection of the characters themselves, presents a deeper representation of the ideas that the creators were trying to get across.
By viewing this piece from the perspective of the time period that it is set in, will allow you to gain full perspective on all of the imagery that is portrayed not only in the engrossing dialog but the vividly artistic animation itself.
A true yin and yang piece right down the middle, by looking deeper into this show you will find more than you could ever hope to expect.
The soundtrack is also very, very well done.
Posted by : haosama
Posted on : 2008-04-08  
If there's one thing I can't understand, it's the popularity of Samurai Champloo. The series’ laid back style produces incoherent plot progression because makers of this series obviously did not try to put any effort in creating a reasonable, concrete or even decent plot. The result: shitty logic and a lazily done storylines where things just happen; emphasizing an aimlessly lost feeling that defines most of the series and leaves the audience in the dark.
Nonetheless, Samurai Champloo still manages to entertain to a certain extent. The series does many things right. Excellent choreography coupled with high quality animation make fight scenes highly enjoyable. The series incorporates remnants of Shinichiro Watanabe’s intriguing character development (previously seen in Cowboy Bebop) that are heartfelt and deep. But the main strength of this anime is in its style; its ability to blend modern and samurai culture to produce anachronistic, yet entertaining stories. Such qualities differentiate Samurai Champloo from other ordinary, mediocre animes.
Unfortunately, these redeeming factors are only able to distract but not compensate for the series horribly lackluster plot and direction.
7/10
C
Posted by : Lightningcount12
Posted on : 2008-03-07
I had high expectations for an anime whose same creator brought us Cowboy Bebop, Wolf's Rain, and Excel Saga. Unfortunately, these expectations are not fulfilled with Samurai Champloo.
Story (7/10): Samurai Champloo is a journey anime that is episodic. I believe it is difficult to pull off a great story with an episodic anime. Cowboy Bebop succeeded at this, but Champloo unfortunately does not. For the most part the good episodes are two-parters, while the single episodes are mediocre and some are just bad. The first half of the series is especially poor since it gives viewers virtually nothing on the main storyline. While the second half of the series had some great moments (Mugen's home island, the blind woman, and the "deranged" man) it still couldn't elevate this anime. While I liked final episodes, they could not establish greatness and thus we are left with a good story with too much filling.
Characters (6/10): I'm sorry but I didn't buy the Fuu, Jin and Mugen relationship. Mugen was just a cruder, wilder Spike who just seemed out of character by going along with Fuu's journey. Seriously, I don't understand why a criminal like him bothered to listen to Fuu. Jin was interesting, but not great. The same can be said for Fuu. These characters made for a comedic mix, but they just were not impressive enough to carry a 26-episode anime. While there were better characters in several of the episodes, their roles were to short to have much of a lasting impact (except the blind woman and "deranged man").
Animation (6/10): This is really a matter of preference, as I just couldn't bring myself to appreciate this choice of animation. The sword fights were well animated. The scenery was good. The character designs were weak. Overall, I felt the artwork was crude, and it just didn't work for me.
Music/Sound (8.5/10): The ending songs were usually good, but not great. I had no complaints with the music. The sound editing is by far the best aspect of Samurai Champloo. The whole disc jockey approach was definitely cool and fitting for the anime and its theme.
Entertainment (7.5/10): It took too long for this anime to really be interesting. I understand that the style was supposed be unique and carry the whole experience, but for me it was unsatisfying. It's not that the whole hip-hop in the age of samurai is a terrible idea, I just felt empty from the execution of it.
Some may find Samurai Champloo style entertaining enough to enjoy this anime, but the truth is I would not recommend Samurai Champloo. There are better sure-things out there in the anime world to watch. I do believe that this is an anime where if you can't appreciate what it is trying to do from the beginning then you will find the end product to be mediocre (as I did) or just plain bad. Overall (7/10).
Posted by : kevinchaosvs
Posted on : 2008-02-10
In the language of Okinawa, "champloo" means to mix things together. And this anime couldn’t have a more fitting title. Not just because you have protagonists whose characters are of polar opposites, but because how by the end of the show it left me lots of mixed feelings.
Classy, stylish, punk , funny, sentimental, emotional. Who would have thought that it was possible to have all these themes rolled into one? Especially a Historical genre anime. One moment, there’s bloodshed and deaths, next moment ,a scene that’s ridiculous hilarious and then yet another scene, this time sentimental and touching. And every now and then a modern persona turns up in the form of random street rappers (yes, rappers, in OLD Japan) and yet, somehow, they manage to make it part of the anime, instead of ruining the anime. It certainly is one of a kind. The sword fights are wild, yet refined, fast and lethal. The camera angles are also interesting. It is also amusing, the way the narrator randomly pops out to talk about history of Japan.
This anime brings on a fusion of East and West, and is like a transition between past and present, something considered as oil and water, actually mixed well here. Another such example, is how The anime used sounds DJ's record mixing in the background and paired it against traditional swordfights, once again, something that one usually would never have thought possible .
Usually, when one think of Samurai shows, it tends to be drama, those typical gentleman portrayal of samurai saving damsels in distress. Not this though.
Such things are what add to the brilliance of this anime.
Posted by : onslaughtkingdom
Posted on : 2007-07-09
Holy Champloo!!!
Samurai Champloo, in my opinion, is the best samurai anime ever produced. It may not be for the faint of heart, but for all you fast pace, adventure seeking, adrenaline junkies this anime is for you. Personally, I enjoy the potty mouth Mugen, the silent but deadly Jin, and the oh so fickled Fuu. No other anime gives you three main character, two of which want to kill each other while the third won't let them. The reason Champloo lives up to it's own hype is, because it tells the true story of the oh so popular samurai and it doesn't pull any punches. Samurai Champloo is one of those greats that comes once a life time so don't miss out!!!
Posted by : helicon_blue
Posted on : 2007-07-03
Straight up: I loved this show from start to finish. But is it worth being considered a classic? Not really. So I must warn you that I review this as someone who had high hopes to see an "unmissable anime classic" and was consequently let down.
It seems like anime fans are looking for the next great success, much like EVANGELION was, and so many seem to be quick to call SAMURAI CHAMPLOO the "best anime ever". While it is one of the coolest series I have ever seen, it's in no way even comparible to the brilliance that was EVANGELION.
While CHAMPLOO is a unique piece of animation, it doesn't have the emotional grab that a true classic would. The feel of the show bounces back and forth way too often between serious and goofy. While it is quite entertaining at points, it's comic relief overshadows its deeper and darker moments to a point where you don't really feel emotionally attached to any moment. Basically, CHAMPLOO is a comedy, but it's first episode and gory fight scenes would try to make you think otherwise. Watch for episodes with Fuu's little squirrel friend, Mo-chan. Seriously, this guy is a show killer.
CHAMPLOO also suffers from what every other run-of-the-mill anime series suffers from: a very rapid decline in animation quality. The first episode bleeds style, and it's animation is crisp and clean, with a realistic shakey-camera effect during the fight scenes. From episode 3 and onwards, these qualities do not apply almost anywhere. Also, it's thick and involving plotline takes a nose dive as the show loses focus on the "samurai who smells of sunflowers" hunt and decides to focus on cannibal-zombies, ultra-violent baseball, and gay Europeans. A little much, right?
It's fair to say that I am being totally hard on CHAMPLOO for not meeting the expectations that others had built up for me, but what can I say? I'm hard to please. I did like this series a lot, and, other than some episodes that were really out of place and out of sync with the rest of the show, dug every minute of it. It's an entertaining ride and well worth a watch, but it's no classic by any means.
Posted by : psychodoughboy
Posted on : 2007-06-10
Ever since I first saw Samurai Champloo I fell in love with it. IT is another one of those great animes that can mix western and eastern culture together.
Story (9/10) The plot is pretty good, its basically about a quest. But it eventually turns out to be a lot deeper than that.
Visuals (10/10) The animation of this series is great. It is smooth and easy flowing.
Characters (10/10) The characters in the story are great yet simple and you manage to learn a significant amount about each one.
Music (11/10) The music in this show is what brings the whole thing together and makes it the epic that it is. To be able to watch great dramatic fight scenes and hear the great hip-hop soundtrack at the same time is amazing.
Overall (10/10) It's a rare occasion that you get to see a great anime with only 26 episodes, but Samurai Champloo makes it seem easy.
Posted by : Nandedaro
Posted on : 2007-04-28
Wow, This anime was amazing. I would highly recomend it to anyone. I still remember my first impression after the first episode, "omg this is cool is the rest of the series out yet!!!??? more more more I want more!" Sadly we were getting it as soon as they were getting subbed and released so I had to wait weekly. A great story about the bonds of companionship and the unexpected things life can bring our way.
Animation[10] basically it is the BEST animation quality that I have seen in a long time. Smooth, flowing and just incredible action sequences. Any art fans out there will just love this series I think.
Plot[9] It is a somewhat simple theme in the beginning but begins to take deeper and more developing twists throughout as the character's relationships deepen on their travels.
Music[10] Just like Cowboy Beebop the creators hit another homerun in the area of music. My first thought was wow this music is great! I want to know who this group is.
Characters[10] they are all good even many of the single episode side characters were all pretty well developed. They really seemed to take some time develping these characters. If you liked Spike at all from Cowboy Beebop then you will like Mugen he is basically a feral version of Spike.
I honestly don't know why this ended up rated around the 48th of the top 50 in this rating system. I think it should be in at least the top 30. One of the only downsides for me with this series was that I think it had potential for lasting out more seasons like Bleach and Naruto have. However in all honestly I am partially glad that it didn't because I would hate to see this series end up like Kenshin did with a seemingly low budget and the artwork being tossed in the toilet by the last season. I just enjoyed Samurai Champloo so much that I wish there was more. I highly recommend this series to anyone.
Posted by : reaperxtreme
Posted on : 2007-04-11
Samurai Champloo is definitely something to watch!!!
Story 8/10
Got to say there is not much in the way of uniqueness for the plot. The story is about a girl called Fuu who rescues two samurais Mugen and Jin, who are now bound to be her bodyguard until she meets and kills the samurai who smells of sunflowers. The way the anime is made the plot is more of a sub plot as each episode is another story on their way to meet the sunflower samurai.
Characters 10/10
For this adventure there are three protagonists Mugen, Jin and Fuu chan Mugen is a wild man who uses his impulses to fight freeestyle with his sword, when it comes to his character he is the same rude and care free. Jin is an exact opposite of Mugen, he restrains himself from speeking freely and fights in a traditional samurai form. The girl loves to eat, makes sure the two samurai are healthy enough to continue their journey.
Visuals 10/10
Samurai Champloo has a detailed but clean style it allows the viewer to distinguish the main characters, sub characters and even the background. This anime also has some kick ass fight scenes.
Sound 10/10
Now I can definitely say this anime has some of the best music ever, the music is truly amazing and the voices match the characters in both the English and the Japanese versions.
Overall 10/10
As I said there is not much to the overall plot but each episode is wonderfully put together to make a really enjoyable anime. This may not have a unique plot but the style, layout and characters are this anime should not be dismissed.
Posted by : MoBoss79
Posted on : 2007-03-19
Thank you, Great Creator, for making this series!!! There is truly nothing like it on the planet!
Story- 9/10
The only reason why Champloo got a 9 was even though the story still entails the crew looking for a Samurai that smells of Sunflowers, some of the side stories were way off track.
Sounds- 10/10
From the music in the story to the sound effects in the action sequences everything seems to grasp the mood of the moment and that is very important!
Characters- 10/10
The main characters are so different from one another that it makes sense that they travel together! Ones strength is the another's weakness and they seem to cover for one another despite the fact that they don't get along. The side characters that vary from episode to episode are interesting to the point were you wish them luck or death by Mugen/Jin.
Overall 9.66/10
Samurai Champloo is definitely a keeper for the collection; the fact that they mixed traditional Japanese tales to an update music and keep it good is an accomplishment in its own right! Enjoy.
Posted by : stupidflies
Posted on : 2007-03-12
His anime is like WOW and not world of Warcraft wow, but WOW this anime is awesome. This anime differs from other samurai era types, from its great soundtrack to the characters and story.
Plot:9
This anime is good. It puts you emotionally in the characters shoes and takes you on for the ride.
Sound:10
Hey. Who would have known there where such thing as a beat boxing dude back then? The sound track for this anime is great. It is action packed and re-vamped to sound gooooood. :)
Overall:10
This anime is a must see. It has a different approach on how samurai anime should be done; from the unique characters to the awesome sounds, this anime gets a good grade from me (10/10).
Posted by : ayumi15
Posted on : 2007-03-04
This anime is really cool.
At first seeing it, I got interested upon seeing its genre. It was totally hilarious when it comes to some scenes especially the rap styles, and the disc scratching sound effects.
When it comes to the story plot, its pretty ok as they focus on a certain adventure, and that is to find the sunflower smelling samurai. The character chemistry is pretty well especially with Jin and Mugen and also with Fuu.
The design is well drawn and also the background. Although some scenes are really violent in nature, Mugen's wacky fighting style is a sure hit as well as Jin's serious swordsmanship.
Overall I give it a 9 and its among those unique anime I've ever seen.
Posted by : hjmaster2
Posted on : 2007-02-25
This anime is the reason I stay up till 1:30 am in the morning. I WILL NOT miss an episode of this. It's just to good. I love the characters, the plot, the humour, I love everything about this anime.
The best part of this show it by far the action. And not necessarily the sword fights. It could be a chase, a fire or whatever. It keeps you glued to your screen. You pretty much know what the outcome of fights will be (or what you hope it will be). But it always has some kind of twist to it that catches you completely unprepared.
My next favourite part of this anime is how the three main character react to each other. These three people are the most unlikely people to join up and help each other. But as it goes on, you see a very strong bond growing between them and they always help each other out, no matter what the problem.
I love this anime, and will continue to love until I pass away. I hope other people will read this, watch the anime, and end up feeling the same way about as I do. 10 out of 10.
Posted by : chaosranger
Posted on : 2007-02-20
Another splendid anime that is truly captivating, moving, and down right funny.
To describe it would be hard to do but if you mix in some Samurai X, Zatoichi (an old Japanese Samurai movies 1960’s - ), and a little bit of the Three Stooges and you got the making of Samurai Champloo.
This is not a kiddy show due to the violence and the humorous vulgar langue but still has a few scenes that give the characters some supernatural abilities if you will. There is a running pun that follows one the main characters, Fuu.
Story 9/10 not a 10 because there is one episode that just did not fit in at all and left me a little disappointed
Characters 10/10
Animation 8/10 there is a lot of dark scenes in this anima and I don’t know if my eye sight is going, bad reception, or the way it was intentionally made but it is hard to "see"? what is actually taking place even in a dark. Other then the dark scenes there is a lot of gorgeous scenes especially the twilight scenes.
Humor 11/10 you have to listen carefully to their insults to get the joke. Oh yeah there is one episode that gives this humor rating the "11", I don’t want to spoil it but be prepared for painful laughter.
Music 10/10 there is a great deal of different music throughout this anime with the exception to the intro and ending that making this a very unique show.
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