Throughout this anime, my opinion of it kept switching. Even as it was wrapping up, parts would make me gasp in awe, only to be followed by questionable choices or sheer mediocrity. I don't know how to exactly feel about this show.
Monte Cristo's animation is gorgeous. Its one of the best-looking anime I've ever seen, let alone television series. Its incredibly colorful, with elaborate patterns and designs present in every scene. This is most frequently seen in the clothing of our characters, which also use a strange "filter" effect. Combined with the mixture of past and future, each episode has some great scenes, and there's rarely a boring shot. CGI is used frequently - most of it matches the style, with a few exceptions.
Then you get to the story. The original Count of Monte Cristo is a classic tale of revenge. This version follows many of its plot points, with sci-fi twists. The big problem here, is that the Count isn't the main character of the show. Instead, its Albert. We spend most of our time with him, often focusing on relationships outside the original story. I found this to be a bad move. Why are we focusing on Albert's romantic issues in a Count of Monte Cristo anime? Its not really relevant.
More importantly, most of the characters fall below the mark. Most of the teenage cast is boring, with too little depth and personality. The romantic relationships are especially awful. Maximilien falls in love with Valentine? Why? First Albert is indifferent to his fiancé, then he changes his mind? When did that happen? Yet the villainous characters are too evil. Morcef was good, but Danglars and Villefort were almost cartoonish in their depravity. Then there's the cliché, scummy handsome douche Andrea. Oh no, he's marrying Eugénie!? Who on Earth will save her!?
The Count is almost right. He's mysterious, charismatic, intelligent, kind...and vengeful. But Gankutsuou kind of ruins him. Its an unnecessarily element that ultimately removes responsibility for his terrible actions. ...But if that's the case, then WTF is up with his final words? Ugh.
You know what? I'd still recommend this show. There's a lot of problems, and its a bit slow, but there's still some great suspense. And if nothing else, its the best eye candy you're going to see spread out through 20+ episodes. And hey, if you loved the anime, props to ya. I just have too many issues with it. :/
Monte Cristo's animation is gorgeous. Its one of the best-looking anime I've ever seen, let alone television series. Its incredibly colorful, with elaborate patterns and designs present in every scene. This is most frequently seen in the clothing of our characters, which also use a strange "filter" effect. Combined with the mixture of past and future, each episode has some great scenes, and there's rarely a boring shot. CGI is used frequently - most of it matches the style, with a few exceptions.
Then you get to the story. The original Count of Monte Cristo is a classic tale of revenge. This version follows many of its plot points, with sci-fi twists. The big problem here, is that the Count isn't the main character of the show. Instead, its Albert. We spend most of our time with him, often focusing on relationships outside the original story. I found this to be a bad move. Why are we focusing on Albert's romantic issues in a Count of Monte Cristo anime? Its not really relevant.
More importantly, most of the characters fall below the mark. Most of the teenage cast is boring, with too little depth and personality. The romantic relationships are especially awful. Maximilien falls in love with Valentine? Why? First Albert is indifferent to his fiancé, then he changes his mind? When did that happen? Yet the villainous characters are too evil. Morcef was good, but Danglars and Villefort were almost cartoonish in their depravity. Then there's the cliché, scummy handsome douche Andrea. Oh no, he's marrying Eugénie!? Who on Earth will save her!?
The Count is almost right. He's mysterious, charismatic, intelligent, kind...and vengeful. But Gankutsuou kind of ruins him. Its an unnecessarily element that ultimately removes responsibility for his terrible actions. ...But if that's the case, then WTF is up with his final words? Ugh.
You know what? I'd still recommend this show. There's a lot of problems, and its a bit slow, but there's still some great suspense. And if nothing else, its the best eye candy you're going to see spread out through 20+ episodes. And hey, if you loved the anime, props to ya. I just have too many issues with it. :/