A lone warrior enters a saloon and engages in a deadly face-off. It’s a scene that has been repeated in so many Western and Samurai films. Set in 17th century Japan during a time of isolationist politics, Blue Eye Samurai follows Mizu (Maya Erskine), a biracial swordswoman haunted by her ability to see ghosts with her striking blue eyes. The series delicately balances personal vendettas with broader societal conflicts.
Plot
A revenge-driven samurai series might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of stories enhanced by animation, but Blue Eye Samurai proves it’s possible. This historical drama is both visually striking and tightly woven, delivering a story that entertains across multiple genres.
It takes a familiar and enduring plot — a disenfranchised samurai seeks revenge on men she believes have wronged her — but it adds enough small twists to make it feel fresh. Logan screenwriter Michael Green (who also wrote this show) infuses the story with a complex depth that looks at the high cost of revenge for a woman already fighting against her own world. And while it’s easy to get swept up in the spectacular battle scenes, it’s also worth noting that the writers take care to avoid fetishizing 17th century Japan.
The animation is available on go123 movies, which blends traditional and modern techniques, is a visual feast. From snow-covered forests to quaint villages and elaborate palaces, each setting feels vibrant and authentic. And while some CG blandness peeks through now and then, many of the show’s action sequences are meticulously choreographed, with Mizu cleaving trees in half and taking on entire armies single-handedly.
Characters
Blue Eye Samurai is a masterful pinnacle of adult animation, offering a gripping narrative that delves into profound themes of identity and vengeance. Its eponymous protagonist, Mizu, is a fiercely determined warrior whose concealed vulnerability and unyielding quest for justice make her more than just an archetypal character. Voiced by the marvelous Maya Erskine, her performance is a true tour-de-force that captures the full range of Mizu’s complex persona.
The rest of the cast is also uniformly strong, with the exception of a few bland supporting characters. The story takes place in 17th century Edo-era Japan, several decades after a strict isolationist policy closed the country’s borders to outsiders. It centers around a biracial swordswoman named Mizu who hunts down the four white men she suspects fathered her. Her unique blue eyes mark her as different from everyone else in a society that deems children born of mixed parents monstrous.
The story was conceived by husband-and-wife co-creators Michael Green (Logan, Blade Runner 2049) and Amber Noizumi and inspired by a moment in the couple’s own lives when they looked at their baby’s eyes for the first time. They’ve crafted a rousing revenge epic that’s as visceral as it is nuanced, bringing the brash action of a bloody Edo-era samurai series to life with expertly choreographed fight scenes that use real martial artists and choreographers for reference.
Visuals
One of the most striking elements of Blue Eye Samurai is its dazzling visuals. The series deftly blends traditional animation with 3D overlays, creating a dynamic look that is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally moving. The fight scenes are particularly impressive, as the samurai Mizu slices through armies with ease and defies the laws of physics in several jaw-dropping battles.
The animation also helps to elevate the story and adds to the overall impact of the show. The series explores themes of identity and revenge with a delicate sensitivity. Its protagonist’s struggle against her personal demons and societal shifts are presented with a depth that is rarely seen in these types of stories.
Blue Eye Samurai takes the revenge-driven samurai trope and injects it with enough twists to make it feel fresh. The main character is a mixed-race warrior whose ruthlessness and lust for vengeance are balanced by her gradual displays of empathy. The result is a powerful and moving series that is sure to leave its audience with a lasting impression. With its stunning visuals, complex characters, and engaging story, Blue Eye Samurai is a must-watch anime. It is the rare historical drama that offers both exhilarating swordfights and deep storytelling, and it deserves to be recognized for its exemplary work.
Overall
Set in 17th-century Japan, Blue Eye Samurai is an epic and violent tale of revenge. The series focuses on the biracial warrior Mizu, who seeks to avenge her mother’s death and hunt down the four white men responsible for her birth. The show is unapologetically adult, tackling themes of race, gender and class in a mature way.
The show is a visual delight, with its painterly world and sweeping action sequences. The animation is a clear highlight, with slick choreography and a strong style that draws inspiration from everything from Akira Kurosawa to the ’60s spaghetti westerns. The characters are also well-developed, with each arc carrying a clear emotional impact and clear growth for its character.
The show is not perfect, though. There are a few small issues that keep the show from being an all-out smash hit. Randall Park’s odd voice work as Heiji Shindo detracts from the tension of many scenes, and the series’ use of sex often feels like it’s being used for shock value rather than narrative purposes. Otherwise, Blue Eye Samurai is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in history, animation or the samurai genre. Pen15 co-creator Maya Erskine’s ferocious performance as Mizu is a particular standout. Erskine leans into the brutality and ruthlessness of her character, while still delivering the core emotional beats of her journey.
