Samurai 7

"Samurai 7" is a 26 episode anime that pays homage to the classic film "Seven Samurai."  The plot revolves around a poor rice farming village that attempts to protect itself from bandits by hiring samurai to fight them off, just like the original film.  The characters are also inspired by the classic film and the overall setting is virtually the same.  Despite this, the show attempts to be distinctive by changing up parts of the story.  The "bandits" are giant robots who used to be samurai but gave up their bodies (and the honor) by becoming machines and robbing from the peasantry.  This leads into major battles where the samurai have to combat these machines in order to protect the village.  Each of the samurai have their own stories and goals, but despite this, they work together against the bandits.

First off, it's important to get one thing in your head before starting to watch this show: it's emphasis, despite the story present, is mainly in the action department.  While the action was of good quality, there are several leaps in reasoning you have to shut out of your brain to feel engrossed in this show. For example, watching samurai cut through giant robots with their swords seems like the most epic thing ever....... BUT, you might eventually ask yourself, "How can a 36" sword cut through a giant robot AND never seem to dull?"  Then, you want to ask yourself, "Wait, I thought these guys became machines to become superior warriors, yet they must have gotten stingy on the armor budget because it's not doing them any good at all."  Those relatively minor little issues aside, the action is fairly solid. But the best combat is definitely between actual samurai, too bad there wasn't more of it.  The story keeps you engaged and competently drives the narrative forward, the samurai are all interesting in their own ways for the most part, but you'll likely focus on a couple as your personal favorites. 

All in all, "Samurai 7" is in interesting show with solid characters and decent story.  It's only major detractors me where the fact that the show felt competent, but not inspiring.  The action seems like it was all directed by Michael Bay and while you feel excited while the fights are going on, you quickly realize that aside from the battles between samurai where you see actual martial arts being used, the battles just have giant robots exploding.  While that may sound great at first, overall it felt quite bland and uninspired, resulting in much of it being forgettable.

Good:

- Nice list of characters that all have something to bring forward. Lot of strong moments from the main cast.

- Story is a classic, if tweaked a little bit for contemporary audiences.

- A lot of action to get you pumped up, especially when it's between actual people.

Bad:

- Bandits are literally only fodder for some Michael Bay inspired robot explosions.

- SERIOUSLY, HOW CAN A SWORD CUT THROUGH 50 GIANT ROBOTS AND NEVER EVEN DULL!?!?!?!..... (Sigh)... Whatever, While anime doesn't have to be completely grounded, I still feel like there's a point where a show needs to set some boundaries on what's reasonable.

Scully Rating: 8 out of 10

Watch, "Samurai 7" at: http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/samurai-7-english-dubbed-online-free