Berserk:

Reviewed: Episodes 1-25 (subbed)

Basic Plot:

Gatsu is a powerful human warrior with a tragic childhood. As a young man, he joins up with a group of mercenaries called the Band of the Hawk, lead by the charming/enthusiastic/spell-binding Griffith. Among them is Caska, the lone female of the group who, until Gatsu showed up, was the second strongest behind Griffith. Caska immediately takes a disliking to Gatsu, even after he warms up to the Band of the Hawk (and vice versa). Gatsu quickly becomes a chief commander and the closest friend to Griffith. Soon, Griffith’s ambitions become clear as he leads the Band of the Hawk to unbelievably high status and ever closer to the throne of Midland (the kingdom in which the story takes place). But Grifith’s mysterious necklace, an object called the Egg of the King seems to bear much responsibility for Griffith’s luck. Exactly what is the Egg of the King, and what effect could it’s purpose have on the Band of the Hawk?

Review:

As with most series that have complicated plots, it’s hard to summarize the story without spoiling things. Initially, I found Berserk boring and tedious, without many likable characters aside from Caska. After watching about three episodes, I decided to check some review sites and see if it was worth continuing. Upon seeing very high praises, I decided to watch on. I’m very glad I did. The real plot of this story doesn’t really kick in till around mid-series (a trend I’ve been noticing in series with 25-26 episodes). When it does, it wraps you up into it and you can’t escape until you’ve watched it all. The characters become more understandable, which in-turn, makes them more likable. Gatsu’s painful past makes you feel for him, and the short scenes where he surrenders to a smile lets you know there’s more to this guy than a big body and a violent temper. Caska is a gorgeously tough woman who helps to level out this male-dominated series. The rest of the Hawks, who began as interchangeable faces with swords, are developed into memorable and lovable characters. The story itself is a desperate and tragic tale, one that packs an emotional wallop unseen in most fantasy/action series. These characters are tough-as-nails, but they continue to be challenged.

Animation is smooth and well-executed. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the art style, or any of the character designs aside from Caska, but it’s still a visually pleasing show. Voice acting is great and the music (aside from the ending theme) is original and bold. It’s rare that I notice how great the background music is so early in a series.

Now to the flaws. The first episode is the last, therefore confusion is bound to occur. The ending is incredibly powerful, but it leaves you desiring something more. Here’s a tip: as soon as you watch the last episode, go back and watch the first one again. It helps, but I still felt a bit deprived. For consolation, I read manga translations, which will tell you what really happened after the last episode (believe me, you will DIE to know). Also, this series is very bloody and violent. I’m a bit surprised that this was a tv series (they’ve had to have aired this late at night or something). It’s far more disturbing than, say, Akira. The blood and gore aren’t extremely detailed, but they’re there. There’s also nudity, sex, and rape, but believe me, it’s not there just for fan-service. It’s all very important to the plot. They happen for a reason, and there are repercussions. So basically, if you’re very sensitive, or very young, I don’t recommend this series until you’re older/stronger. As a huge horror/gore fan, I didn’t flinch until the end, but it wasn’t because of the gore. It was an emotional flinch, if that makes any sense. o_O

As a side note, I don’t like Griffith. He’s an ass. :/