Classics: A Review of Blue Eye Samurai By Lauren Ennis

 "Under the law revenge is a luxury for men" street-wise brothel madam Madame Kanji notes. For outcast orphan turned master swordswoman Mizu, however, revenge is the purpose for her entire existence. The 2023 Netflix series Blue Eye Samurai follows Mizu as she seeks the four white men who could be her father and discovers difficult truths about herself and the world around her along the way. Blending Japanese history, classic cinema, and cutting edge animation the series takes viewers on a pulse pounding journey through Japan and into the darkest depths of the human soul. For a bloody good time set yourself on the path of revenge with the Blue Eye Samurai.

Move over, Mulan

The story begins in 1600's Japan, in what is known as the country's Edo Period. At this time Japan's borders have been closed to the outside world for decades and all foreigners are forbidden from stepping foot on Japanese soil. As a result, any mixed race children left behind by foreign fathers are viewed as less than human. In this restrictive world mixed race orphan Mizu embarks upon her quest for revenge. As retribution for her mother's rape and her own resulting outcast existence, she sets out to find and kill the four white men who were in Japan at the time of her conception. Her vendetta pits her against the ruthless Irish gun-runner Abijah Fowler, who is in pursuit of his own retribution against the Japanese government. What ensues is a blood soaked journey across Japan littered with formidable foes, unlikely allies, and a trail of bodies.

 

Animated but still adult, eastern with a wild west edge, Blue Eye Samurai is every bit as unique as its heroine. The series shatters the stereotype that animation is for children by relaying a gritty story that is strictly for adults. While the series features plenty of sex and violence it is its exploration of such complex themes as trauma, social ostracism, politics, and corruption that make it stand out as mature viewing. Even as Mizu slices and stabs her way towards her goal the story never loses sight of the greater battle she faces within herself. As a result, the series acts as both a character study and an action drama, ensuring that viewers remain invested in Mizu's journey even when she puts down her blade. Similarly, the series' supporting characters are all multifaceted and complex, with everyone from comic relief Ringo to villain Fowler possessing logical motives and compelling backstories. In this way the series elevates itself from action drama to historical epic as it showcases the struggles of an array of characters from across the spectrum of Edo society. For viewing that is a cut above take a thrill ride through feudal Japan with Mizu in Blue Eye Samurai.

The series transports viewers to Edo era Japan in all of its beauty and brutality thanks to its stunning animation and brilliant cast. The series blends two dimensional animation techniques with three dimensional technology to seamless effect. As a result, the animation is something akin to a moving painting in which there is poetry in every flake of snow and each drop of blood. The vocal performances bring each of the series' characters to vivid life. Masi Oka infuses Mizu's unlikely apprentice, disabled chef Ringo, with warmth, humor, and decency. Darren Barnett turns in a complex and charismatic performance as Mizu's childhood enemy turned reluctant ally, Taigen. Brenda Song balances a charm, sensuality, and resilience worthy of Scarlett O'Hara as princess Akemi. Ming Na Wen doles out wisdom and wit in equal measure as world weary Madame Kanji. Even in the midst of its outstanding ensemble cast the series is dominated by the portrayal of its titular samurai. Maya Erskine delivers a powerhouse performance that combines intelligence, cynicism, torment, vulnerability, and steely resolve as Mizu.

Fusing the best of East and West and classic and contemporary, Blue Eye Samurai pushes animation and television to new heights. The script takes viewers on a non-stop thrill ride all while showcasing an array of complex characters. Even at its most bloody the animation is never less than breathtaking and the vocal performances imbue each of the characters with depth and complexity. For an unforgettable viewing experience follow the bloody trail of the Blue Eye Samurai.

"You have murder in your eyes"