 1:00 PM on 10.22.2010 |
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The term "sengoku" refers to the "warring states" period of feudal Japan, taking place roughly during the 15th century, when many various clans battled to lay claim to the land. While the basis for this show is historical in nature, and the characters involved were once real people, expecting Sengoku Basara to exist within the boundaries of reality would be a mistake, not to mention far less entertaining. If you can imagine a historic Japan filled with over-the-top personalities, the occasional mech-samurai, and a complete disregard for the laws of physics then you /might/ have a clue as to what to expect from this series. Of course, a ridiculous nature is almost a prerequisite for this show, having been based off of Capcom's successful video game series, starting with 2005's PS2 release known as Sengoku Basara in Japan or Devil Kings in the U.S. The game was also based on feudal Japanese concepts, though the American release had far more fantasy elements, which seem to have influenced the anime adaptation. You might think that any anime adaptation that doesn't stem directly from a manga series might be destined for failure, as even the Sengoku Basara manga is based on the game rather than being the original work, but you'd be surprised how much fun it can be. While this title is certainly not the most complex or compelling series out there, it still has many redeeming qualities for those who want a show that's fun, silly, and just a little bit rock 'n' roll. Read on to see just why this ludicrous whirlwind of a show might be worth your time.
Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings
Created by: Production I.G.
Published by: FUNimation
Release Date: October 12th 
Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings is the story of the historical figures of the sengoku period, focusing primarily on seasoned fighter Masamune Date, a.k.a. "The One-Eyed Dragon of Oshu," young and hotheaded Yukimura Sanada, as well as the wise and unparalleled Shingen Takeda, a.k.a. "The Tiger of Kai." The story revolves around the constant struggle between clans and their need for unification in order to fight against the evil Demon King, Oda Nobunaga. All of these plot points are revealed early in the story, and become the motivating force behind the entire series. Sengoku Basara isn't the type of show to delve too deeply into complex characters or spiraling plot points, instead allowing the viewer to simply sit back and enjoy nothing but kick ass action.
While Sengoku Basara may not be the deepest of shows, it certainly has some qualities that might surprise viewers, and occasionally have some trouble translating over into western sentiments. Each of the warriors depicted has an intense fighting spirit, with Yukimura in particular making constant declarations of his will to battle and of his admiration of his rivals, at one point remarking, "It burns, there is a burning in my heart! What ambition! What strength!" While this might strike western viewers as comedy more than anything else, there is a grain of seriousness embedded that asian audiences might understand better. The relationship between Yukimura and Takeda is full of the comedy and reverence one might expect between a master and his charge, the two characters teetering on the verge of a full blown bromance with exchanges like:
"My Lord!"
"Yukimura!"
"MY LORD!"
"YUKIMURA!"
The hot blooded brashness of Yukimura is often rewarded by a series of punches and attacks by his mentor, an effective method of teaching, of course. But for all the hilarity implied by these scenes and reverent terms Yukimura uses in reference to Nobunaga (the use of the term "dono" in particular) don't really have the same effect in the English dub. Here's where you might have to begin weighing the pros and cons of watching this series. While the Japanese dub of this show is full of the vigor and flamboyant voice acting you might expect from a show that relies heavily on comedy and caricature, the English dub falls flat in comparison. Sadly, no one seems to have quite the right amount of energy needed for their over the top characters, and even the great Johnny Yong Bosch's voice work for Yukimura seems a little forced and stilted, perhaps due to a poor choice of translations, with the subbed term "my Lord" becoming "my Lordship" in the dub, some things just don't flow as well. Other voices just seem to be ill cast. The Japanese voice of Takeda is deep and loud, full of manly authority and zest for battle. In comparison, his English voice seems too refined and calm, even quiet for a man of such stature. Despite the less than stellar English dub, those watching this series will also have to weigh exactly what they value in their anime viewing experience. Knowing whether this show is for you is completely dependent on what you're expecting beforehand. While many people expect deep characters, conflicted and moving scenes, inspiring quests or intellectual challenges from their anime, keep in mind that Sengoku Basara is none of these things, though this is not necessarily to its detriment. This show never intends to be your intellectually stimulating anime, and never pretends to be anything its not. If you're looking for the aforementioned qualities, this might not be for you, but if you're up for a good time that gets your blood pumping, your fighting spirit raised, and your eyes opened to absolutely astounding and ridiculous battles, then Sengoku Basara has just one thing to ask you:
"Are you ready guys?" 
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