Animations in the last few years have been better than anyone predicted. The first Arcane series that broke records in 2021 is one of the many we can point to. The visually stunning 3D animation was indeed breathtaking and unlike any other thing we’ve seen in cinematic history. The lighting and colours were packed with so much detail: bold, vibrant, and life-like. Let’s not forget the perfectly curated playlist that viewers continuously raved about even until this moment.
Shortly after this, Netflix released Blue Eyed Samurai, a masterpiece co-produced and animated by French Studio Blue Spirit. The hype for blue-eyed samurai closely mirrors Arcane, especially in terms of the quality of the animation. This kind of quality can also be found in titles on platforms like SyndicateCasino. However, there is so much more to it than imagery. Is it truly worth the watch? Let’s cut to the chase and help you find out.
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Blue Eye Samurai: The Plot
Set in the 17th century Edo period in Japan, Blue Eye Samurai covers the story of Mizu, a mixed-race child born to one of the four white men in the country. Her characteristic blue eyes and white skin were features categorised as shameful at the time, as they were distinctive to children born to these “white men.” So her mission was simple: to exert revenge and kill these men, one of who made a creature of shame.
While revenge often becomes a lonesome adventure, Mizu managed to garner some exciting company. The first is Ringo, an overeager soba maker who is very cheerful, quite the opposite personality of our main character. Another is Taigen, a pompous samurai who lost to her in a random battle and vowed to win back his dignity in a rematch. Together with these characters and many other unique appearances in the animation, this quest leads viewers across the 17th century Edo, its culture, charm, and allure, but not without the bloody live-action and thrill of this adult animation.
Art and Animation
Graphics quality has been a priority for all developers in the entertainment scene, including movies, casino games, and video games. Blue eye samurai creators also prioritised quality beyond viewers’ expectations. They revealed at some point that the aim while creating the series was for viewers to forget they were watching animation entirely. Looking at the results, they were quite successful at this. Even some Emmy voters would agree because the release earned two nominations for Outstanding Animated Program and Outstanding Sound Editing. Not only was it nominated, but it also won in the Outstanding Animated Program category in the 76th Emmy Awards season 2023-2024.
Creators Michael Green and Amber Noizumi revealed the lengths they went to in an interview released by the Hollywood reporter. In the publication, they mentioned collaborating with Jane Wu, a veteran storyboard artist who worked on movies like Mulan and Spider-man across the Spider-verse. Blue Eye Samurai adopted what these veteran talents would call a two-and-a-half D animation. It combines a live-action-inspired approach to camerawork, 2D animation matte painting, and 3D characters designed to mimic a 2D aesthetic with stylised details. It is a 2D/3D hybrid animation with a lot of similarities to the best releases in recent years.
Themes and Message
The theme and message of the Blue Eye Samurai are reminiscent of what life was like for women, children, and people born with mixed blood in Edo-period Japan. They were repeatedly categorised as more or less than human. Women, at this time, were particularly exposed to more stereotypes. They have to be subservient, and being a fighter was never an option for them.
Mizu’s position as a woman and one harbouring the genes of a white man made her reality quite damning. She is burdened with so many expectations, many of which she has no control over. The story is a reflection of the prejudice every other Mizu faced in this age and how they lived in this system. The series portrays the hidden existence of individuals of mixed European and Japanese ancestry during this era. It also captures other realities, such as the real upper classes in this period and the choices that were open to them. It follows up with the reality of violence at the time, as well as the economic and political positioning.
Is Blue Eye Samurai Worth the Watch?
Blue Eye Samurai is well worth the watch. The storyline and plot are clearly beyond average, and the delivery and animation are mind-blowing. If you’re looking to add it to your must-watch list, you’ll find the first season available to watch on Netflix. Although there are conversations about the second season’s release, no one is certain when it will be. One sure thing is that Netflix renewed it for a second season.
