Netflix’s Blue Eye Samurai is not only moving, gripping, and action-packed, but it is a stellar introduction to what could become a handful of seasons, proving that animated content is where the platform truly excels. It also shows how versatile and incredible animated series can be, hopefully leading to more for the streaming service.
Blue Eye Samurai is about a warrior named Mizu, who fights for revenge in a world where she is seen as a monster. The show is set in Edo-period Japan, about a time where borders are closed to outsiders. Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine, Obi-Wan Kenobi), who is half Japanese and half White (her father being an “outsider”), is bullied and hides more than one part of herself from a young age, including the fact that she’s a girl. The series follows her journey to get revenge against the four white men who were in Japan when she was born, and she suspects one of them is her father. We also meet her – hesitantly accepted – apprentice Ringo (Masi Oka, Heroes), fierce rival Taigen (Darren Barnet, Never Have I Ever), and the strong-willed princess Akemi (Brenda Song, Dollface), who round out the main cast.
To start, Mizu learns about swordmaking from a master (voiced by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) who takes her in as a child. As Mizu grows up, she picks up sword fighting techniques and becomes a skillful samurai, taking down foes left and right on her quest. We also learn a lot about Ringo, Taigen, and Akemi, and their own motivations. Ringo wants to be the best at something – and he’s starting to think it’s not just making noodles. Taigen has a bone to pick with Mizu in a rivalry that goes back to when they were young. Meanwhile, Akemi wants to choose her own destiny and have power over her life, not just get married to the rich man her father picks out.
The plot and character growth play a vital role. It’s easy to root for the characters, as we get bits and pieces of their lives handed to us in flashbacks. Mizu’s story develops over the course of the season, and we get insight into their experiences and reasons behind their revenge. Next season – fingers crossed there is one! – we’ll get to learn more about the other characters and even more about this world, especially since there were hints that there’s much we, and Mizu, still don’t know.
The visuals in this series are also absolutely stunning. From sweeping snowfalls to bustling streets to beautiful palaces, the animation is beautiful and makes this world immersive for the viewers. The fight scenes are also done incredibly well.
Beyond the incredible art and cinematography, the cast of Blue Eye Samurai really breathe life into the story. The talented cast is star-studded, and the show features performances from many side characters that complement our leads and carry the plot along. Among these side characters are those voiced by George Takei to Kenneth Brannagh to Randall Park, who definitely shine in this series, alongside the core four.
Blue Eye Samurai is definitely a triumph. It’s perfect for fellow long-time animated series lovers like yours truly. If you were a fan of shows like Netflix’s own Arcane, you will certainly love this one. The series explores many themes such as gender, race, belonging, and family, with breathtaking animation to match. The storytelling is extraordinary, making the show truly special. But if you haven’t seen it just yet, even if animated shows aren’t your cup of tea, Blue Eye Samurai will capture you in a matter of minutes, and you’ll be at the final episode before you know it.
