Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection – Review

By: Robert Prentice

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection takes place two years after the death of Lelouch VI Britannia. His sister Nunnally vi Britannia and her bodyguard Zero are in the middle of a goodwill visit to a desert nation, when they are soon attacked by a squad of mecha. While Zero attempts to protect Nunnally in his own giant robot, he finds himself outmaneuvered and defeated before the battle can even begin, resulting in the two being kidnapped by their attackers.

Review

In short Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is a must see film for any Code Geass fan, that still has the ego and the heart of the original.

Out in theaters this May, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is the sequel project teased last year for Code Geass. Sadly it is not a third season of the series like many had hoped. After it was revealed that a sequel project was in progress, many including ourselves had hoped that meant a third season. Instead it was a film taking place after season2. Still, it is more Lelouch and Code Geass, so I will take it. The film follows 3 compilation films that summed up the first 2 seasons of the series. Each film took parts away and completely changed others from the original story. This film falls more in line with those films than the original series. Still this does take place after the ending of the Zero Requiem incident at the end of season 2.

C2 wanders the desert towns near Zilkhistan, looking to stay out of trouble when she runs into Kallen and Lloyd in an unexpected gun battle. Politics are again heavily at a play with the kidnapping of Zero and Nunnally. Kallen and the others are there under cover attempting to find out where they are being held. C2 didn’t want to get dragged in but it turns out one of the thugs shooting at them has a Geass and that has her intrigued. She was in the area attempting to find a gate to C’s world in an effort to help a certain shell of a man she has had following her around.

It turns out that shell of a man was Lelouch, to which Kallen broken down at least once because of the ‘wounded animal’ look he had in his hallow expression. C2 tries to explain that Lelouch inherited some of his fathers Geass code and such he was able to be pieced back together from C’s world much like she does when she is killed and brought back. However, his mind is lost there and she is trying to find a way to get it back.

Together they team up and find his mind and bring him back in order to save his best friend Suzaku and his sister Nunnally. However, he is not quite the same. He often talks about not being around long or that he might vanish at a moments notice. He shows real remorse about events of the past, even while those who distrusted or betrayed him try to ask for forgiveness.

Despite the fact that the film does not follow the TV series exactly, it was still a refreshing re-visit to the world of Code Geass. Seeing all of the characters back together remembering the good old days made me both happy and sad. There was genuine love and disgust over his return, though one feeling rang consistent, respect. Having the english voice cast return as well made it even more of a trip down memory lane.

I do hope for another season down the road. The fact that they have done 4 films recently shows there is interest in the world of Code Geass. The conclusion to the film will leave many fans of Lelouch and the series very happy as it was a long time coming. All of the action, political intrigue and mecha action are there to enjoy.

Funimation Films is bringing Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection to theaters across North America May 5th (Sub), 7th and 8th (Dubbed). Find tickets at your local theater by visiting FunimationFilms.com. Plus get to the theater early to receive an exclusive Lelouch postcard (While supplies last)