In the Kingdom of Midland, a mercenary named Guts wanders the land, preferring a life of conflict over a life of peace. Despite the odds never being in his favor, he is an unstoppable force that overcomes every opponent, wielding a massive sword larger than himself.
One day, Griffith, the mysterious leader of the mercenary group Band of the Hawk, witnesses the warrior's battle prowess and invites the wandering swordsman to join his squadron. Rejecting the offer, Guts challenges Griffith to a duel—and, much to the former's surprise, is subsequently defeated and forced to join.
Now, Guts must fight alongside Griffith and his crew to help Midland defeat the Empire of Chuder. However, Griffith seems to harbor ulterior motives, desiring something much larger than just settling the war…
Synopsis
The epic anime film “Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen I – Haou no Tamago” (Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I – The Egg of the King) is the first in a trilogy of retellings of the popular manga, Berserk. The story is set in a dark and grim medieval world, presenting the life of a lone mercenary named Guts. This hardened warrior, armed with a colossal sword, finds himself in the middle of a bloody war. Guts’ destiny takes a dramatic turn after he crosses paths with the charismatic and fearsome leader of the Band of the Hawk, Griffith, who is drawn to his unparalleled strength and skill.
Guts becomes enveloped in Griffith’s ambition and personal dream of achieving his own kingdom. The band of mercenaries rises from obscurity to prominence, gaining the attention of the King of Midland himself. Yet, amidst battles and political intrigue, deep bonds of friendship, rivalry, and harrowing secrets unfold, leading us to a tale of dreams, despair and destiny.
Review
“Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen I – Haou no Tamago” rewards viewers with its multi-dimensional characters, intense storytelling, and spectacular artwork. For newcomers, the movie provides a perfect entrance into the Berserk universe. Simultaneously, it offers hardcore fans a fresh perspective on the iconic scenario. The narrative not only revolves around warfare and intense action but also delves into the characters’ psyche, their dreams, struggles, and relationships, adding a much-needed humane touch.
The world-building is intricate and immersive, combining elements of dark fantasy and medieval Europe. The animation is phenomenal with detailed backgrounds, realistic character designs and visceral, bone-crunching battles. Small, subtle moments of silence and introspection amidst the chaos and bloodshed allow for character development, making us relate to and root for them, even in their darkest hours.
Studio 4°C’s adapts Kentaro Miura’s masterpiece with a combination of beautifully drawn 2D animation and 3D computer graphics. While fan reception of the CGI aspect is mixed, I found the blend of both to be mostly seamless, and even impressive in certain grandiose, large-scale battles. What stands out primarily is the exceptional detailing that brings the horrifically beautiful world of Berserk to life. The art beautifully illustrates Berserk’s grim tone, capturing the raw intensity and brutality of the battles.
The background music by Shiro Sagisu, in my opinion, is a feat in itself. The haunting melodies perfectly complement the grim atmosphere of Berserk, ramping up the intensity of battle sequences, while providing soulful laments during the poignant moments. “Utsukushiki Mono” (Beautiful Dream) at the climax pulls at your heartstrings, making it a mesmerizing auditory experience.
Looking at the developmental pacing, it admirably covers a substantial part of the ‘Golden Age’ arc. Yet, it’s worth noting that it is less detailed in comparison to the original manga. Nevertheless, the essence of the story is captured quite well, generating anticipation for the subsequent installments.
In conclusion, whether you’re a long-time fan of Berserk or a newcomer to the series, “Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen I – Haou no Tamago” makes for a great watch. With an engaging storyline, captivating characters, remarkable artwork, and exceptional music, it gives you a visceral experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s certainly worth renting, buying, or streaming as it sets the stage for the epic tale to follow.
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