Title: Samurai Champloo

Genre: Historical Fiction/Comedy

Creator/Studio

: Shinichiro Watanabe/Manglobe

Company: Geneon

DVD Info: 26 episodes, 7 volumes

Summary: Set during Japan's Edo period, (1603-1867), this series centers on three characters--Mugen (hardened criminal), Jin (strong, silent type), and Fuu (ditzy waitress)--who are searching for the Sunflower Samurai.

The Good: Although the show is filled with inaccuracies (for example, check out Mugen's fighting style), it does manage to get some things right. The show's got a good art style.

The Bad: The music's a little out of place. The show's so inaccurate, even someone who took naps instead of notes in history class could pick them out.

Offensive Material: Graphic violence, sexual themes (prostitution and sex scenes), bad language and drug abuse. Plus, the three protagonists aren't role models.

Overall: Samurai Champloo is a unique show. But if you want something accurate, look elsewhere.

My Review: 2.5 Category: D (Adults only)

Note: Shinichiro Watanabe also worked on Macross Plus and Cowboy Bebop. He directed two Animatrixshorts, "Kid's Story" and "A Detective Story". Character designer Mahiro Maeda also worked on Blue Submarine No. 6, Last Exile, Gatekeepers, andGatekeepers 21.