Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo Vol-1 (2004)
Animation Production: Gonzo
Released by: Geneon Entertainment
Official Website: Gankutsuou Count of Montecristo
Running Time: 100 Minutes
By Jeffrey Couto

Introduction

The having just seen the unbelievably beautiful Samurai 7 anime I came to the conclusion that anything I saw right after could not possibly measure up in the visuals department to this masterful work based on Akira Kurosawa’s film, but after checking out the first couple of minutes of the Count of Monte Cristo I was put pack in my place as a kaleidoscope of colors, textures and play of colors jumped across the screen in a way that I have never seen or could have even imagined.

This show, which is based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas, is truly a testament to the human imagination and the artistry of Japan’s top anime production talent. Now, the animation is unbelievable, but how is the show itself? As it happens, it’s pretty good! Let’s check it out.

Story

"Born into an aristocratic family in Paris, Albert sets out on a journey with his best friend, Franz, to escape his privileged yet dull life. They travel to Luna, which is on the surface of the moon, and meet a very wealthy man named The Count of Monte Cristo. Becoming completely fascinated with The Count's mysterious charm, Albert welcomes him into Paris high society. But soon Albert will discover the Count's true motive - revenge... " -- DVD Box

Review

The first volume in Geneon’s release of Gankutsuo: The Count of Monte Cristo features episodes one through four in the series, which include:

Episode 1: At Journey’s End, We Meet
It’s Carnival time in planet Luna and everyone has shown up for the festivities. Among the many people to arrive we meet two young men, Albert and Franz. These two young aristocrats are here to check the scene out, but soon end up crossing paths with the mysterious Count of Montecristo, who winds up inviting our two young aristocrats to dinner. Just who is this strange man and why did he seek the company of our two protagonists?

Episode 2: Until the Sun Rises Over the Moon
Albert has been kidnapped by the bandits that rule the night in Luna! Can Franz pull together the ransom money needed to help his friend? Perhaps he should summon the Count of Monte Cristo to aid him in this desperate situation, but will they make it in time?

Episode 3: 5/22, Stormy
We have returned home to Paris and it’s been three months since Albert has seen his friend the Count of Montecristo, but today he is eagerly looking forward to playing host to the man who saved his life in Luna. What will the mysterious man’s visit reveal and will it stir memories of a time past with someone in Albert’s life?

Episode 4: A Mother's Secret
After paying a visit to his young friend it is now the Count’s turn to play host, but when our young aristocrat arrives what will he encounter in the strange underground mansion that the Count makes his home?

As with Samurai 7 (also a Gonzo animated work), I admit that I’m yet to experience the source material upon which Gankutsuou Count of Montecristo is based on, which in this case is Alexandre Duma’s original novel written in 1844 and deals with a story that is heavy in revenge, politics, and the misleading world in which high society lives. From what I’ve read during my research for this review about the novel and what the director mentions in one of the extras included in this DVD this anime loosely follows the story of the novell while staying true to the spirit of the original story and it’s overall plot.

The story here begins with our introduction to the lunar city of Luna, where we enter a luminous world of dancers, party goers and young people in costumes that are fully engaged in this celebration. Among the many participants in the event we find two young men Albert and Franz, who are some of Paris leading aristocrats and cultural leaders. They have come here to experience the event first hand and for Albert in particular, to escape the boring world in which he has grown up and meet new people and perhaps even someone who can capture his heart. Part of this wish is fulfilled when he and Franz meet the Count of Montecristo, an unconventional man shrouded in mystery, yet eloquent, highly cultured and extremely wealthy.

This meeting eventually leads our young protagonist through a series of events that include a kidnapping and a visit from the Count at his home in Paris. However what superficially may seem like a blossoming relationship may in fact be nothing more than an act, after all the Count is one strange person, whose cultured side may be nothing more than a façade that protects who he truly is. In the end what exactly is it that he is after and why is he using Albert as his conduit to it?

I absolutely LOVED this show not only because the visuals are as striking as they are, but also because the way the story is narrated and the plot unfolds is handled with such elegance and beauty that it’s hard not to watch this anime attentively, eagerly following the conversations that take place. For a show with very little in terms of action I’m surprised at how much the highly literate conversation style and descriptive usage of words can hold your attention and make you think.

The story itself is handled with expert pacing that lets the flow of characterization and plot development to unfold at an optimal speed. As our main character, Albert comes through as an innocent and highly likeable character that sees a hero or role model in the Count of Montecristo, this makes him a vulnerable protagonist that we worry about and would like to make is ok. This is perfectly played off of the Count, whose air of mystery make him all that much more of a possible threat to Albert. Just how these two will grow together or apart is basically what is at the heart of these first four episodes. We see the way they meet, a crucial event that drives them closer together, and a series of meetings whose purpose is to further establish the Count as Albert’s hero. To see how this view of the Count changes will certainly be one of the highlights of volume-2 and I for one can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

As I’ve mentioned above in the production front this show is without equal and in many ways reminds me of the Hollywood film Moulin Rouge, with its unique approach that pioneers a new style all together for anime, much in the way this film did for mainstream movie musicals. From the textures used in the characters clothes to the shimmering spots of lights that adorn the background and so many other stage elements this is a show that has to be seen in motion to be truly appreciated. The color pallete tends to be dark for the backgrounds and very bright and pastel-color oriented for the chaarcters, which make for a brilliant display onscreen.

On the audio front this title is filled with beautiful orchestrated music that fills each scene with a rich variety of sounds that add as much atmosphere as do the extensively detailed background paintings. The opening theme song unfortunately doesn’t fare equally well and in many ways seems laughably out of place. The ending song is basic, but it works at many more levels than does the opening. On the voice acting front the actor that plays the Count turns in what is by far one of the best voice acting pieces I’ve heard in any anime show/movie in recent memory. Everyone else in the cast does their job in bringing their two dimensional personas to life, but none can’t touch the Count’s voice.

Product-wise this is another excellent release from Geneon. Featuring a double sided cover and a small art insert the artwork that adorns this box captures the elegance of this release perfectly. On the DVD itself extras include a storyboard feature for episode 1, an interview with director Mahiro Maeda (by far the best of the extras included, comments from the voice actors, a promotional trailer, clean copies of the opening and ending themes and promos for other Geneon releases. The video and audio transfers it goes without saying are superb.

Final Thoughts

Before the end of the year do yourself a favor and buy this DVD. No matter what you do get this anime series. You will be amazed at every single element that makes this work up. It really is that good!

This title is one of our top picks for the year, without question!

Jeffrey Couto