Geneshaft

Director
Kazuki Akane
Production
Bandai, Satelight, WOWOW
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
13 episodes
Year
2001

Geneshaft

By xrys
28th Apr 04

Like the other reviewer Acclrator mentioned, I would recommend this tv series too :) Ok, no spoilers here as well.

In terms of character animation, Satellite Studio does an average job. But they certainly do well in 3d backgrounds and merging them pleasantly with the 2d characters.

Geneshaft is a 13-episode tv series ran in 2001. The story is set in the 23rd century, when Mankind has evolved much further with the experimenting of DNA and everything is very much computerised (it's a sci-fri genre). Feelings and Desires are treated as redundent and destructive, thus the human race is now educated to only to obey and complete missions. Males are considered to have unremovable bad DNA (in other words, too violent too cunny, etc), thus the number of males is kept extremely low and each male is overseen by a 'register'(female officer actually). If you ever wonder, let me answer first that human reproduction is now controlled by the Government.

The main plot is actually not that difficult, but rather it's complicated by the different intentions harboured by each of the main characters. In the first few episodes, I only know the mission of this main spaceship, and that is to destroy 'ring's. Than it goes to explain the history and the purpose of the mission. The ultimate weapon to perform the mission, however, is still under development with each assignment. And the team members, certainly didn't get on very well with their totally different personalities.

Each episode is action-packed enough to keep me glued to the screen (not to mention how much I like the OP), and it's interesting to see how each of the character grows in personality and knowledge and how the chemistry between the various characters begin to glow. No, don't expect any physical romance(to count, there's only ONE kiss, ONE hug...) but it still doesn't miss out the sentimental aspect. Yes, there are some character sacrifices here starting from the middle of the series but it won't dampen your spirit because it really makes their deaths all worthed it and honorable. I don't get to hate any of the characters as well despite it's pretty clear who are the 'hero' and 'villian' because it shows clearly they did it for their beliefs and it's something admirable.

Well, the mecha design might not be that terrific nor the character designs actually the very attractive kind. But once you started watching, you'll can't wait for the next mission and you'll love the characters!

8/10

-- xrys 28th Apr 04

Geneshaft Images