Ty’s Hidden Gem Series – Gankutsuou

Gankutsuou, or The Count of Monte Cristo, is the 14-year-old (I’m striking while the iron is red-hot here, people!) anime adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ novel of the same name. It follows the titular Count as he exacts his revenge on the trio of men, all of whom belong to the upper class society of Paris, responsible for framing him for a crime he didn’t commit and young Albert, the naive son of one of these men, as he tries to unravel the mystery behind the bizarre goings-on that begin to take place shortly after their chance(?) encounter. Gankutsuou is a beautiful blend of timeless themes, including revenge and man’s capacity for evil, a futuristic setting, and supernatural elements that, instead of contrasting with each other, as you might expect, compliment one another and distinguish it from Dumas’ classic novel. Nevertheless, it is both criminally underrated and rarely discussed, so it is my aim, in reviewing it, to inspire those of you who have yet to see it to give it a go! Enjoy!

Gankutsuou’s appeal isn’t its careful exploration of weighty themes. Whilst the show’s main theme, revenge, might be considered just that, it never explicitly states what its stance on it is. Is it right? Is it wrong? On the one hand, Gankutsuou’s characters definitely deserved their comeuppance. However, this wasn’t about to happen so long as they, themselves, were the law. But on the other hand, the Count’s scheming was a double-edged sword that devastated both his mind and his body. No, this show’s appeal is getting to watch a collection of awful people get their just desserts in fiendish, yet remarkably creative ways! Its schadenfreude at its finest!

Another arrow in Gankutsuou’s quiver is that it doesn’t reveal its hand to you right away. As opposed to taking a massive info-dump on you right from the get-go, it slowly and deliberately feeds you tiny morsels of information, like what the Count has in store for the upper class society of Paris, who he really is, and why he is so hell-bent on revenge, as the show progresses. Therefore, Gankutsuou is almost constantly whetting your appetite, leaving you hungry for more and desperate to know just what is going to happen next. Although, saying that, you almost always know more than the hapless residents of Paris. This dramatic irony, this knowledge of what is in store for these characters while they are still totally oblivious themselves, contributes to a very real sense of dread. This dread suckers you in and keeps you sat firmly on the edge of your seat throughout each and every episode!

Gankutsuou’s cast of characters is largely loathsome. The upper class society of its version of Paris is almost entirely made up of rapists, liars, murderers, adulterers, and hoarders of wealth. However, whilst these characters are far from likable, they are still very entertaining! As I stated above, it’s immensely satisfying to watch them get their comeuppance at the Count’s hands!

Even the good guys (at least comparatively), like Albert, his fiance, Eugenie, his best friend, Franz, and the Count’s entourage, including the beautiful, yet delicate, Haidee, are not particularly lovable. I often felt frustrated by their refusal to see the Count for what he was, a revenge-driven madman (which often put them in danger), or their willingness to partner with his schemes (which hurt the innocent just as often as they hurt the guilty).

The Count, however, singlehandedly redeems this cast. His drive, charisma, and intelligence make him impossible to hate, even as he deliberately and systematically destroys other people’s lives.

You will either love or hate Gankutsuou’s art style. On the one hand it is a nauseating mish-mash of clashing colors and textures with a generous helping of badly aged CGI. But on the other hand, there is nothing else quite like it! Its characters’ clothes and hair each possess their own unique patterns, which remain static as the characters shift and move. I’m not au fait with animation or its various styles, which means that I did have to look this up, but this is called “plaid animation”, and is something that I’ve yet to see in any other anime. Even the CGI can be said to contribute to the show’s futuristic feel. I can see why Gankutsuou’s art style might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I love it!

I’m also a big fan of Gankutsuou’s soundtrack. Its OP and ED themes are catchy, memorable, and tell the show’s story through their lyrics. I particularly like Gankutsuou’s ED, which is both punchy and frenetic. Its BGM is also great. It’s grand, orchestral, and totally in keeping with the show’s bombastic tone!

In conclusion, Gankutsuou may not be an entirely faithful adaptation of Dumas’ novel, but it manages to retain its strength – the intrigue, the suspense, and the charismatic Count – whilst distinguishing itself with an all-new futuristic setting and distinctive, eye-catching visuals. I’d recommend Gankutsuou if you’re a fan of The Rose of Versaille and/or Code Geass. The Rose of Versaille also features a cast comprised of French nobility, Code Geass also has a scheming, morally ambiguous main character, and both have just as much flair and character.