If you like anime that has action, a lot of comedy that leaves you in splits after a few seconds, adventure and characters that can break you up for minutes, then Samurai Champloo is one anime for you and this anime came out in 2004 with 26 episodes — the mixing of samurai culture with hip hop vibes makes it different from your usual historical anime.
First, Mugen, he is a wild and unpredictable swordsman, fights his own way, mixes sword skills with breakdance,inspired moves, he doesn't take orders, won't be a wooden idiot, and doesn't think before acting, He doesn't respect authority, doesn't like being controlled, and usually acts before thinking.
Then there's Jin, who is practically Mugen's opposite, Jin is a calm, disciplined, very good swordsman who is a believer in good swordsmanship, but with Mugen, it's like pouring petrol onto fire, as these two cannot seem to get along, but they are very good swordsmen, but their personalities are an absolute no-go.
Now there's Fuu, a young girl who is working as a waitress, who somehow gets involved in the business of Mugen and Jin. An encounter occurs where the two swordsmen need to be rescued by Fuu, or they will be executed. She asks them to join her on a quest to look for a hidden sunflower-scented samurai in exchange for saving them.
And that is how this strange trio begins their adventure.
Funny thing is that Mugen and Jin don't really care about Fuu's mission, Only because of their own situation they agree to travel with her, they are always fighting, threatening each other and sometimes attempting to resolve their conflict through swordfight, Even so, after all the trouble they cause, they keep on travelling together.
They come face to face with dangerous fighters, corrupt officials, criminals, desperate individuals and people whose lives are affected by poverty, discrimination, revenge and personal ambition as they travel from place to place, Each encounter is a different story, and sometimes it gets more complicated than they would have liked...
Although Fuu seems like the most harmless member of the pack, she is a determined and resourceful woman who's nonetheless often the one who makes these two stubborn men not want to split up, she also has some personal motivations and fears for finishing the trip.
Unlike the usual samurai show, the one thing that makes Samurai Champloo interesting is that it is not just a story about three people going around Japan, fighting enemies. Although it's a comedy and includes swordplay, the anime also deals with loneliness, freedom, friendship and identity, While seemingly unappealing to others, Mugen and Jin are slowly (and often clumsily) revealing aspects of themselves that shed light on their personalities and histories.
The series is also has an unpredictable storytelling, some episodes are hysterical, others are emotional, dark, or surprisingly thought provoking. The historical context has been given a hip-hop flair with the modern influences.
As they continue on their journey, the trio slowly discover the truth behind Fuu's mysterious mission, and their individual tales slowly bring them to a close.
Overall, Samurai Champloo is an enjoyable anime filled with memorable characters, invented fight scenes and a sound track that matches the rebellious nature of the show, where characters are as interesting as the action, this is one anime to keep on your watchlist.
Rating: 80/100
Originally posted through scrobble.life/anime.
