After finally getting the last 2 volumes, I have seen the conclusion of this series. And I must say, Dumas would have been proud.
The animation is some of the best that is out there for an anime. Costumes show a great sense of style and flair, and the characters are expressive. Also, Gankutsuou employs a very unique art-style, one that uses moving patterns. And it does so very well, the patterns fit well with the character designs, and help with the stylish feeling of the series.
The music of Gankutsuou is great. Instead of Jpop(which I absolutely hate), most of the music has been composed by Jean Jaques Brunel, from "The Stranglers." The music fits very well with all the moments it is used, and Gankutsuou easily has my favorite show-tune of all time, the ending theme "Won't See Me Coming". However, the voice acting(english) on a whole is not anything astounding, I found the voices for Albert, the Count, and Eugenie(and to an extent, Benedetto) were very, very good, so much that I chose to use english dubs over the Japanese subs(especially for the count, he sounds much less powerful in Japanese).
The story of Gankutsuou is based off "The Count Of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. However, it starts off with a few key differences, leading to a completely different ending altogether. One of the biggest differences is that the story is through the eyes of Albert d'Morcerf, and that it starts with Albert meeting the Count on Luna(as in, on the moon), instead of Rome. The story actually takes place in the 5000's, giving it a futuristic style, yet staying true with french design, giving it a very unique, and cool experiance. Later on, the story goes to a completely different vein from the book(hinted by a demon who possessed Edmont Dantes when he was in the Chateau 'dif) when a certain character dies(won't spoil it). However, even though it is a different story then the book, it has the same feel, and those who read the book will find it refreshing, and something different, instead of a bastardization of the book(since Gankutsuou goes in its own direction). Characters also remain true to their book-selves, and although they don't usually adhere to the descriptions in the book, their personalities are for the most part dead on.
I heavily reccommend watching this wonderful series, regardless of whether you have or havn't read the book upon which it is based. If you havn't read it before, you'll find an incredible story and characters, and if you have, you'll find a story that remains faithful to the characters and a few plot points, but goes in a completely different, and fresh, direction. No matter how you obtain it, I really do insist that you all check it out. It is up there for my favourite anime of all time, even beating Noein(the ending really brought it up there). Definetly check it out.
The animation is some of the best that is out there for an anime. Costumes show a great sense of style and flair, and the characters are expressive. Also, Gankutsuou employs a very unique art-style, one that uses moving patterns. And it does so very well, the patterns fit well with the character designs, and help with the stylish feeling of the series.
The music of Gankutsuou is great. Instead of Jpop(which I absolutely hate), most of the music has been composed by Jean Jaques Brunel, from "The Stranglers." The music fits very well with all the moments it is used, and Gankutsuou easily has my favorite show-tune of all time, the ending theme "Won't See Me Coming". However, the voice acting(english) on a whole is not anything astounding, I found the voices for Albert, the Count, and Eugenie(and to an extent, Benedetto) were very, very good, so much that I chose to use english dubs over the Japanese subs(especially for the count, he sounds much less powerful in Japanese).
The story of Gankutsuou is based off "The Count Of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. However, it starts off with a few key differences, leading to a completely different ending altogether. One of the biggest differences is that the story is through the eyes of Albert d'Morcerf, and that it starts with Albert meeting the Count on Luna(as in, on the moon), instead of Rome. The story actually takes place in the 5000's, giving it a futuristic style, yet staying true with french design, giving it a very unique, and cool experiance. Later on, the story goes to a completely different vein from the book(hinted by a demon who possessed Edmont Dantes when he was in the Chateau 'dif) when a certain character dies(won't spoil it). However, even though it is a different story then the book, it has the same feel, and those who read the book will find it refreshing, and something different, instead of a bastardization of the book(since Gankutsuou goes in its own direction). Characters also remain true to their book-selves, and although they don't usually adhere to the descriptions in the book, their personalities are for the most part dead on.
I heavily reccommend watching this wonderful series, regardless of whether you have or havn't read the book upon which it is based. If you havn't read it before, you'll find an incredible story and characters, and if you have, you'll find a story that remains faithful to the characters and a few plot points, but goes in a completely different, and fresh, direction. No matter how you obtain it, I really do insist that you all check it out. It is up there for my favourite anime of all time, even beating Noein(the ending really brought it up there). Definetly check it out.