“Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” (Japanese: コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ, Hepburn: Kōdo Giasu: Hangyaku no Rurūshu), commonly known as Code Geass, is a Japanese anime series produced by Sunrise. Helmed by director Gorō Taniguchi and writer Ichirō Ōkouchi, with original character designs by Clamp, the show unfolds in an alternate reality. The narrative follows Lelouch Lamperouge, an exiled prince who gains the “power of absolute obedience” from a mysterious figure named C.C. Armed with this supernatural ability, known as Geass, he spearheads a rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire, engaging in epic mecha battles.
Originally aired on MBS from October 2006 to July 2007, the sequel series, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 debuted as a simulcast on MBS and TBS from April to September 2008. The franchise has expanded into various manga and light novel adaptations, offering alternative storylines from the original TV series.
Additionally, a trilogy of compilation films titled Initiation, Transgression, and Glorification, released between 2017 and 2018, revisits the anime’s events while introducing altered plotlines and crafting an alternate universe. Following the trilogy, a new original film titled Code Geass Lelouch of the Re;surrection premiered in February 2019, set after the Zero Requiem depicted in the alternate universe of the film trilogy. Further expanding the universe, the announcement of Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture in December 2020 signaled a forthcoming anime film series.
Bandai Entertainment acquired the English rights to most parts of the franchise in December 2007, broadcasting the English dubbed version on Adult Swim in the United States. The series, alongside its manga and light novels, has garnered acclaim in Japan, boasting over a million DVD and Blu-ray sales. Recognized for its compelling storyline, stellar voice acting, broad audience appeal, character conflicts, and thought-provoking themes, Code Geass has earned numerous awards at prestigious events like the Tokyo International Anime Fair, Animage Anime Grand Prix, and Animation Kobe.
CHARACTERS
- Takaya Kuroda portrays Kensei Kuroto.
- Katsuyuki Konishi voices Isao Monobe.
- Miyu Tomita takes on the role of Haruka Rutaka.
- Shoya Chiba voices Tomo’omi Oda.
- Taito Ban portrays Shota Munemori.
- Riho Sugiyama plays the character Yoko Araki.
- Anzu Haruno voices Yuri Sano.
- Hayato Fujii portrays Sanshiro Tomi.
- Yutaka Aoyama voices Tokio Iwamoto.
- Kanehira Yamamoto takes on the role of Shiro Sazanami.
- Chikahiro Kobayashi portrays Kaoru Shizuka.
- Haruka Shiraishi takes on the role of Mei Ema.
- Masashi Nogawa portrays Vallen Stark.
- The new Knightmare Frame designs include Type-07T Keisetsu, Type-07 Sekka, and Type-05C Akatsuki-Upgrade.
- Additional cast members include Kohei Amasaki as Rozé, Makoto Furukawa as Ash, Reina Ueda as Sakuya, Kana Ichinose as Chalice, Hiroki Yasumoto as Noland, and Nao Toyama.
STORYLINELelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince of Britannia, harbors deep resentment toward his father, Emperor Charles zi Britannia, after his mother Marianne vi Britannia’s murder. The traumatic event leaves his sister Nunnally vi Britannia blind and unable to walk. Feeling betrayed by his father’s inaction, Lelouch vows to avenge his family’s suffering, particularly against the backdrop of their political exile to Japan, orchestrated by Britannia to manipulate the Japanese government. However, Japan’s subsequent defeat by Britannia only strengthens Lelouch’s determination to one day overthrow the empire, a promise he makes to his Japanese friend Suzaku Kururugi amidst the ruins of Japan.
Years later, assuming the identity of Lelouch Lamperouge, he encounters a mysterious girl named C.C. who grants him the power of Geass, enabling him to bend others’ wills to his desire. With this newfound ability, Lelouch, now known as Zero, leads the resistance group, The Black Knights, aiming to dismantle Britannia and create a world where Nunnally can find solace. Yet, as he delves deeper into his quest, he faces formidable adversaries, including Suzaku, fellow resistance member Kallen Stadtfeld, and his own siblings. Amidst this conflict, Lelouch grapples with the consequences of his actions, realizing that his path to revolution comes at a steep price, forever altering the course of history.
