Unbelievably, I’ve not seen any Code Geass before, and I still easily followed and enjoyed Rozé of the Recapture.
I think I know what I watched. Code Geass is a TV series. From that series, there are some movies like Code Geass Lelouch of the Re;surrection, and these movies establish an alternative timeline. Rozé of the Recapture is a sequel to Code Geass Lelouch of the Re;surrection, making it a movie based on an edit of a movie of a TV show! Furthermore, each part of Rozé of the Recapture is split into three chapters, complete with an opening and ending theme and credits. Presumably so the movies can be broken back up and run as TV episodes in Japan.
Phew!
To repeat. Despite the legacy of the Code Geass series and movies and despite a twisty-turny plot, Rozé of the Recapture is easy to follow.
Rozé of the Recapture plot
In this alternative reality, the British Empire did not collapse and became the Holy Britannian Empire. Rozé of the Recapture, however, is set after the Holy Britannian Empire falls and is replaced by the Neo-Britannian Empire. This new imperialist threat has carved off a bit of Japan for its own selfish needs.
Our movie follows two brothers, one suspiciously effeminate, known as the Nameless Mercenaries, as they travel around searching for a princess, Sakuya, and get caught up in the resistance to the Neo-Britannian Empire invasion.
If in doubt, pink tends to mean girl and blue means boy.
Given that the movie comes in four parts of three sections, there are plenty of dramatic cliffhangers! Expect big moves from writer Noboru Kimura.
In summary, the armies of this world fight in frames/mechs known as Knightmares. One of the brothers, Ash, is a kickass frame pilot, and the titular Rozé is the strategist.
There are some side quests to convince you these are people with emotions, which are the plot’s weakest part. I was unmoved by the “Rozé of the Refill” scene.
There are cameos, I suspect, of the main characters from the other Geass films, which meant nothing to me. They might dishonour and disservice fans of the previous outings of the franchise. For example, why aren’t these heroes solving the problem? – but to me, they just said, “There are competent people elsewhere but in the wrong place”.
I got an action-paced, weirdly-paced action movie with a solid chore and a lot of frills on the edges. I didn’t find the frills too distracting.
Rozé of the Recapture look and feel
Visually, Rozé of the Recapture hit the high standards I’d expect for a successful mech franchise. The animation is fluid and dynamic, particularly during the mecha battles. Character designs are distinctive, blending familiar aesthetics and new styles for fresh faces. The colour palette is vibrant (see above about pink), with a focus on rich reds and blues that evoke political themes.
However, the overall feel is lighter and less impactful than the plot asks for. Some mild fan service creates a sense of detachment from the narrative as if the stakes aren’t as high and the characters aren’t as deeply explored.
It’s visually appealing and has moments of excitement but lacks the depth and emotional core I get from other successful series.
Overall
Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture is a visually impressive introduction to the franchise, offering the dynamic mecha action and stylish animation anime fans have come to expect.
However, I suspect the narrative falls short of its predecessors, with a rushed plot and underdeveloped characters.
While longtime fans may find it a somewhat disappointing experience, newcomers might appreciate it as a standalone action film with ties to the Code Geass universe.
I was lucky to watch all the parts at Scotland Loves Anime, the UK premiere, which helped with the visuals. Ironically, much has been made about this anime festival running without ads, thus saving us from watching the same thing repeatedly. Yet with this Code Geass, we’re all now very familiar with the episode credits.
🍻 Sponsor: Cheers, Dusk Wave Arts and Barheim, the beer tower defence game, for enabling our Scotland Loves Anime trip.
Are you a long-time Code Geass fan? How does Rozé of the Recapture stand up to the rest?
