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| Overall | Art | Animation | Character Design | Music | Series Story | Episode Story | Reviewer | |
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| Buy | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
 Ggultra2764
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[series:173#1552] |
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On par with Elfen Lied as one of the bloodiest anime TV titles I've seen is Berserk. Portraying the brutal beginnings of Guts before he became the Black Swordsman, this title doesn't hold back in its bloody and intense battles as rival kingdoms are at war with one another, people are tortured, and demons feast on humans. Even throw in scenes of attempted rape, rape, sex, implied homosexuality and child molestation in one form or another for some more heavy content. Be warned that if you can't handle such content, then Berserk isn't for you. If you can handle it, then you can look forward to an engaging story where all this heavy content has relevance to the themes of the series and not just thrown around for shock value. The world of Berserk is completely influenced by medieval times. You have castles, knights, princesses, and kings. But, this world's no fairy tale. Berserk shows off quite a dark side to this period that you would learn of from history. You have nobles and monarchs thinking they have the divine right to rule and letting the authority that they have get to their heads quite often becoming corrupt with their actions. Children are sold away as personal servants to nobles by their peasant families just to have one less mouth to feed. Even with the noble, these children are treated as personal property. The mere thought of a commoner gaining authority of any kind from the royal family is strongly a taboo to many of them. Case in point, Griffith's rise in fame with the Midland king with his successes in battle with the Band of the Hawk. Several assassination attempts are made on Griffith which backfire in the face of the nobles quite horribly when payback comes around. The main theme of this series is personal desire. The main characters we are introduced to have dreams and desires they wish to make come true or are searching for desires that they want. Griffith and the Band of the Hawks represent those trying to make their desires a reality with Griffith being king and his army becoming nobles and recognized knights despite their commoner and mercenary status. Griffith is of major significance since he does what he can to press towards his desires at any cost from manipulating nobles to killing off anyone who threatens his goals. Guts is searching for a desire to hold onto since he has wandered his entire life on his own having only his sword and survival to hold onto. Despite seeming like a mindless killing machine at the start, he too has his personal feelings and thoughts about living. There is such a thing as reality where personal differences with one's desires lead to conflict and things don't go your way for too long as a result of this. Berserk makes a point of this throughout its run and doesn't hold back in showing off the hardships that come from personal desire. If there's one aspect to Berserk that I see as a problem, it would have to be the introduction of the demons. With much of Berserk's focus on the rise and fall of the Band of the Hawk from Guts's perspective featuring realistic medieval lifestyles, there are only occasions where the demonic imagery make its presence. The last two episodes of the series bring up a new point to the storyline that is for the most part left unresolved and unexplored. I was left with enough questions when I seen the demonic ceremony take place. Despite its open ending and unexplored demonic side, Berserk was an engaging series given its bloody and dark content. Fans of the manga will get to see the beginnings of Guts and the Band of the Hawk through this anime series. Last updated Saturday, March 07 2009. Created Saturday, March 07 2009. | ||||||||
| Buy | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 |
 Dreamer
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[series:173#2279] |
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After reviewing all the ratings, I finally decided to pick this one up and sit down to see what all the fuss was about. I must say, this one was a truly amazing anime. It had me by a choke-hold from episode 1 right thru the very end, and had me wanting more..... I kept on looking for episode 27 and more.... but sniff... there wasn't any. Without doubt, this is one of the best anime's I've seen in a looooong time... and I'm quite critical about what I watch, as some of you may have read me mention numerous other times. Art ,Animation & Character Design: The art was pretty good. Not the best out there, but far better than most. The animation was on par with the artwork althought it seemed at times it would tend to lose a few frames.... or it could have been my imagination. Oh, and good God! This one is bloody as hell. If you get squeemish easily, then you may want to watch this one with one eye closed.... or both eyes half opened. Better yet, just avoid it all together. It's a real bloodfest, I mean, limbs flying, heads rolling, holes, punctures, slashes and thrusts practically every few minutes, with endless buckets of blood splashing the screen. I'm willing to bet Gutsu (Gutts) and the gang probably killed more of their anime enemies than all of the real deaths from the world wars combined. The character designs were good. I mean, they weren't "near-clones" as many other animes would do rather, it seemed each character had a physical trait of their own... not just a hair color difference. Music: Hmmmmm, nothing really special again. However, during some of the battle scenes, or rather during the emotional moments here and there, there was some interesting tunes. Other than that, nothing that caught my attention. Of course, it's to be expected.... based on how I rate music. Series & Episode Stories: Each episode was nearly flawless. I cannot recall a single episode that was a filler or irrelevant to the whole of the story. I can't ever remember dying to see what the next episode would have in store like this series had me doing. I love how the first episode really was the ending to the series... of sorts that is, since this anime pretty much left you hanging as to wonder what would have happened if the series continued. It's too bad that some of my fav characters were laid to waste in the end... but that's expected of any good show that has a well developed plot. As for Griffith's desire for a kingdom, I knew it would turn out really screwed up. Afterall, when a person's desire to make their dream a reality, people are trampled to the ground and lives are ruined, just as this anime had accurately portrayed. Lastly, I don't know what the big fuss was about the "ending" as some of commentors have noted. In my opinion it was brilliantly done. Although what transpired within the last 2 episodes was weird, with the demons and all, aside from that, how it "ended", truly was interesting since it took you right back to the first episode.... which thus begins the "real story".... or at least the continuation of it. Although, we may not see that in anime form, but nevertheless, a perfect "ending"..... an ending that leads to a new beginning. Overall, a great anime. It's a definite buy. If they ever come out with another season, I will be sure to pick it up. Last updated Monday, September 15 2008. Created Monday, September 15 2008. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
 KBanger1
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[series:173#1694] |
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I rate this as one of the best anime series in my collection. The series is like a complete flashback of what has happened before the first episode begins or more like the first episode is where the real story continues. The lead characters, Guts and Griffith, are the main part of the entire series. Guts, a hot-headed warrior with a sword the size of his body and Griffith, a leader of a mercenary group with the charisma of JFK. In the end, Berserk leaves you wanting more and more. Consider this a great investment for all you anime collectors.
Last updated Monday, April 25 2005. Created Monday, April 25 2005. | ||||||||
| Buy | 7 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
 Iceman_Aragorn
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[series:173#1517] |
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Call him Gatsu, Gatts, Gattz, Gutts, whatever, he's still the strongest thing on two legs. With a sword reminisent of FF7 proportions, he does one thing. Kills a lot of people. I mean a lot. If you don't like killing, guts, and gore, this anime isn't for you. Otherwise, be prepared for a great story set in an era of castles and swords. Gatts (my prefered spelling) and Griffith are both well developed characters by the end of the anime. Gatts has to choose whether he wants to be a part of someone else's dream, or make his own, and Griffith has to choose how afr he will go to attain his goals. The first episode can be a bit of a confusing watch, mainly for the reason that it's really the last episode. I still don't understand why they made this a prologue instead of an epilouge. Either way, episode 2 starts with Gatts as a teen, and the story goes on from there. I think this anime would be plenty watchable if you skip episode 1, and episodes 24 and 25. Granted you don't get the finality of the plot, but it did get a bit wierd and mind-bending in those last 2 episodes. All in all, a very well done anime leaving you wanting more. Just remember to watch episode 1 again after finishing the series, so you can finally make sense of it. Last updated Thursday, July 29 2004. Created Thursday, July 29 2004. | ||||||||
| Rent | 6 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
 DillonSOB
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[series:173#1352] |
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Berserk begins as a really interesting, almost Tolkien-esque fantasy epic. Captivating characters like Gatsu and Griffith are shrouded in mystery, and almost supernatural powers for battle and perception. They evoke real, profound sentiments concerning comradeship, emotion, ambition, and purpose of existence. Supporting protagonists and enemies are also decent, although Corkus and the young Hawk kid get a bit too cliche. The storyline progresses well, and we learn bits and pieces about the characters' pasts and why they do what they do. The addition of Zodd was cool too, but we wonder how he knows the things he does, and why he is the only monster around. In the presence of such powerful enemies, one might expect that the humans would have some Gandalf-like powers or magic, but everyone else seems sadly mortal. Gatsu and Griffith are master swordsmen, but we'd like to find out why Griffith "knows something everyone else doesn't" and more details about Gatsu's motives. It is nice to see how he evolves over the course of the war campaigns, and how his relationships with Caska and Griffith change. The earthly struggles between the two nations and the battles they fight are interesting, but a bit repetitive. Unfortunately, the story concludes in a wildly horrific fashion that would rival Wes Craven's work. As other reviewers have noted, the ending takes a crazy supernatural turn and makes very little sense when compared to the earlier plotline. Almost like the film Event Horizon, they could have done so much with that premise but end up settling for a gore fest. The side plots about the Egg of the King and Griffith's romance with the Princess could have been expanded instead of conveniently resolved. I haven't read the Manga so maybe it brings everything together. But by the time I finished the Berserk series, I found myself genuinely caring about the characters and what would happen next, but then utterly pissed and disappointed with the ending. The artwork/animation are not very impressive, but the music fit well. Like with Hellsing or other series, I hope Berserk doesn't leave us hanging after just one confusing, limited season.
Last updated Friday, April 23 2004. Created Friday, April 23 2004. | ||||||||
| Buy | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
 MarX
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[series:173#1033] | |
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Berserk is a great series and I will tell you why.. Lets start with the blood, violence, and deep character development. Berserk is a series with 26 episodes of wonder and gore.. Primarily, Berserk takes place in a medieval European kingdom of sorts.. And the entire story is told in flashbacks after the first episode.... See Guts is out to kick some ass.. Demon ass.. But that happens only after the next 25 episodes.. You don't even see demons until, the last two episodes or so.. The rest is people on people medieval violence and sabotage and character development and hate and love and of course war... And the title is rightful the main character Guts.. Just see the way he fights and you will totally get it... The animation is dark for the most part and there isn't levity anywhere to be found.. I mean, war is supposed to be like this... I highly recommend this series even if the last episode is not a last episode.. Best thing for you to do is buy the manga and the series.. I mean, that is what I did.. It gives you much more insight.. And the manga is truly kick ass... Much Darker than the anime.... Then again, the manga takes place after the demons claim the world... Look that wasn't a spoiler since there is no ending... As of yet.. Who knows maybe they will decide to produce more Berserk.. Hmm.. One can dream.. Oh, and I know everyone has there criticisms about the ending but I still like it how they left you wanting more... Last updated Tuesday, April 13 2004. Created Tuesday, April 13 2004. | ||||||||
| Watch | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
 Macolio
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[series:173#1131] |
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This is one of the few anime series I like. I would qualify the style as Ninja Scroll set in a neutral (ie, not japanese or european) medieval setting. The story centers around Gatts, a strong mercenary who doesn't know anything but to fight. He joins the Band of the Hawk, a small army led by the very ambitious and effeminate Griffith, who sees his potential and befriends him. The meat of the series focuses on the Band of the Hawk's ascent to glory and fame. The animation is a little lazy at times, but the art is superb. There's lots of gore to be found, and that's not a bad thing, it gives it a more adult feel. In fact, everything about the series has a great feel, from the animation to the story to the music. Most of the characters are (and remain) interesting and there isn't too much pointless melodrama except maybe from the Caska character, who for some reason is the only whiny anime girl that I can stand. Probably because she's not as whiny as the other anime girls. In any case, this is a must-watch for everyone. Last updated Monday, January 05 2004. Created Monday, January 05 2004. | ||||||||
| Buy | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
 lawrence131
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[series:173#1021] |
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Excellent character dev. with strong, unique personalities. Sudden ending that doesn't quite wrap up the story they started however. Here is a Newbie anime question: how do I "read the manga" to get the rest of the story?? lawrence350@yahoo.com
Last updated Wednesday, October 15 2003. Created Wednesday, October 15 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy |
 dhrachth
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[series:173#962] | ||||||
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Episodes 2-20 were fantastic. I don't know if the comparison will make sense to anyone besides myself but the best description I can think of is a combination Flesh and Blood/Elric/Conan--sort of cool and cheesy at the same time but with a bloody, violent edge and characters that are both larger than life and still very human. There's character development, plot, violence, weird love/lust/obsession triangles, political intrigue, everything you could possibly want in an anime--outside of slapstick comedy. Then there's the first episode and the last five (the last five relate back to the first ep.). Those are a case of too much manga being shoved into too little tv show. There's this weird demon stuff that doesn't make a whole lot of sense--the ending is mostly just confusing. I don't recommmend this for those who need closure. To get the full story you have to read the manga, and the manga is still being written. But, the story so far is excellent. Last updated Friday, September 26 2003. Created Friday, September 26 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 10 |
 Slacker
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[series:173#960] | |
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I recomend this series for thouse of you how are tired of a main character who dosn't kill, or kills begrudgingly. For the main character of this series kills with little or no regret (there is a few deaths that he regrets), because it is through killing that he feels most alive. This series has quickly became one of my favroites. This is mostly because of the splended storyline. Although the end of the series left me staring at a blank screen for about a half an hour. The only problem is that I cannot decide if I want to read past #13 of the manga yet. Because if I do, and the series is continued, the series will have been ruiened for me. But if I don't I may never find out what happens. The bottem line is, If you havent seen this series yet, you should be watching it now. Last updated Tuesday, September 09 2003. Created Tuesday, September 09 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 11 | 10 |
 Ezekial
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[series:173#839] |
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Ok even if you have never seen an anime before you should watch this one! After I watched Berserk I tried to seek out another anime that came close to the amazing story, horror, and action as Berserk. The story is deep, characters flawless; once you watch and episode you will be forced to watch all of them (then break your TV at the end...). Last updated Wednesday, July 09 2003. Created Wednesday, July 09 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
 Greg Bread
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[series:173#763] |
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Follow the life of gatts, a superb warrior trying to find a reason for his being. First of all I'd like to say this is anime at its best! The story is captivating the blood is in gallons, in my opinion this is as close to perfect as it gets. This is my #1 fav anime. I shall not say anymore for I believe the only way to understand the greatness of this series is to watch it.
Last updated Friday, June 13 2003. Created Friday, June 13 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 3 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
 Ðå kïÐ
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[series:173#464] | |
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This anime is one I would love to watch over and over its very nice and gorey i think any anime fan would love it and should recommend it to others,very nice series:)
Last updated Sunday, February 23 2003. Created Sunday, February 23 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 5 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 9 |
 EndlessRamblings
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[series:173#534] | |
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It's a very human thing to desire power and that is what this series is. It's about power in a medevil world that seems suprisingly Europeon. The art seems to be a bit of a throw back to an earlier style but for some reason they put alot of work into Griffin. The Animation is decent but what really drives this anime is the story and charecter development. With detailed side characters and a main character you can root for it carries you until the end. After the last episode I was left staring at the screen waiting for something. If the intended confusion that resulted from the last two episode of Evangelion angered you, then Beserk is gonna make you throw things and speak choice words. I personally liked the ending of Evangelion but... Beserk.. I'm waiting. Last updated Sunday, February 09 2003. Created Sunday, February 09 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 8 |
 nodoubt
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[series:173#399] |
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If you are looking for an anime with an ending, avoid this one. The manga was still running when they made this series so you will not get any conclusion. The story ends abruptly and leaves you with many unanswered questions. The first episode is actually not that interesting. It throws you in the thick of many events while you sit there trying to figure out what is going on since you are given no background information whatsoever. The real story begins from episode 2 on, which in reality is a flashback of what transpired into the events of episode 1. Ignoring the fact that Berserk is not concluded, it is one of the best animes of its kind (not much of a competition since there are only a few others). IT is dark and contains a good amount of gore and nudity. The series is laced with scenes of medievel warfare, so you will see lots of heads getting smashed and people getting killed. The main story is about Gatsu and Griffin. Griffin is the leader of the Band of the hawks and Gatsu is just a mercenary for hire. This is a story about their rise to fame and the freefall when one's ambitions exceed his capabilities. No one is ever happy for long before tradegy hits. And when tradegy hits, it hits hard. I believe they are working a second season, so hopefully they will conclude this excellent series. In the meantime, read the manga. 10-13-02 Last updated Sunday, October 13 2002. Created Sunday, October 13 2002. | ||||||||
| Buy | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
 paUKKu
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[series:173#387] | |
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This one totally got me! I liked art style (gore! WAAAAGH!!), animation was good, nothing to complain in music either. But characters and story we're superb! I somehow liked Gutts best (maybe because we're both tall, strong and handsome ;P) but none of characters we're lousy. Everybody was unique and had their own ways to think, to live and reasons to fight. Story was, just like Dingle said, much about friendship and loyalty, one's own limits and willpower and, ofcourse, love. What more can I say? I really think it kicks some serious ass and if it would be able I'd buy episodes on DVD. If you like action and little violence doesn't bother you, here's one anime that has much that action stuff! PS. I admit that there's quite a bit of fighting, blood and such. But personally I think it's made clean (masses of blood yes, but nothing more (hearts, brains etc.)). Also "mature stuff" is made quite clean so that you understand what happens but you won't see anything (or at least much). PPS. I've heard RUMOURS (<-- NO sure info!) about that there's LITTLE change for more episodes... Oh please let this be true! Last updated Friday, September 13 2002. Created Friday, September 13 2002. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
 Tsunami
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[series:173#323] | |
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What can I say! Berzerk is a wonderful exsample of why I love anime in the first place! Great art, superb music, and wonderful characters. The story of mid evil villians and heros never gets old in my opinion. Add to this the villians within the heros themselves and you have Bezerk. The complex characters and their relationships with one another is likely to keep the female fans interested, and the senseless violence is sure to attract male otaku as well. This is a must see for any fantasy violence fan . . .
Last updated Saturday, June 15 2002. Created Saturday, June 15 2002. | ||||||||
| Watch | 6 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
 LoC
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[series:173#141] | |
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Ok i must say that this was one of the first anime i ever saw, and that some friends who actually hated anime liked it... But this isnt a 'good' anime its just lots and lots of fighting, mostly pointless... Im not really against that kind of anime, i like some of it really much, its just that this one isnt as good. watch it if u can borrow it or something, but dont bother to buy it... Last updated Monday, February 19 2001. Created Monday, February 19 2001. | ||||||||
| Buy | 5 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 8 |
 Dingle
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[series:173#35] | |
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This show really rocks. It is not just a show about a guy who can cut people down with his sword. It is about friendship and drive. How far would you go in order to make your goals realized? This is the only show I know of the really tries to show how an normal grunt sees life. Just a warning, the first episode is really the last episode. The show has no closure at all. The rest of the story is told in the manga, but not the anime. The music also kind of suck (the openning and the closings are some of the worst I have ever seen), but the show rocks so hard that you begin he like it. If you don't mind lots of violence and mature stories, watch Berzerk.
Last updated Wednesday, August 30 2000. Created Wednesday, August 30 2000. | ||||||||
