Gilgamesh Whose Side Are You On Vol 1 Series Box DVD (Unrated) +Movie Reviews

Fantastic!- spoiler free review of entire series

W. Scott Heitman | Gainesville, Fl United States | 07/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anime is full of cliches. In fact, a genre slowly establishing itself within anime is the anime-parody genre; the cliches are so obvious that a number of series are cashing in on them for a few laughs. Originality is a rare trait today in anime.

Enter Gilgamesh. This is a love or hate series...I don't think there's much middle ground.

Animation: The animation quality in some of the initial episodes can be a bit sub-par, but it gets better. In addition, the character designs and settings are truly inspired. They don't have the characteristics of typical anime characters...when was the last time where anime characters actually had lips?

Music: The OST isn't something you would listen to in your spare time. However, it complements the atmosphere of the anime well, and for that it gets top marks. In addition, I really enjoyed the ending music.

Plot & Characters: This is where the series shines and earns every bit of 5 stars. The plot is very mysterious- THE LESS YOU READ ABOUT IT THE BETTER. Suffice it to say that this is an anime where most episodes raise more questions than they answer. The plot continues strong throughout the course of the anime and has an ending that is bound to provoke discussion (and already has). The characters are very likeable; you'll care when they are in peril...even while you're completely confused as to what is going on. If you don't like to be confused at times...this anime isn't for you. Also, rarely has an anime so tastefully handled matures themes as this series does. Many animes are about middle school students, have a very kiddy feel to them, and don't begin to touch any dark or mature themes. It's not that there is nudity or anything- that would be a big turn off. However, this isn't a series for kids...it goes down some of the darker alleys of the human condition.

This is a series that has thus far been greatly overlooked. It doesn't have flashy, cutting edge animation. In addition, the first episode is particularly confusing. That's too bad...it's easily one of the best sci-fi/mystery animes to come out in a long time. It looks like ADV is spending a good bit of expense to make the packaging and discs for this series look nice. Hopefully, that will entice more people to pick this title up. Gilgamesh is a rare mix of suspense, mystery, great characters, and originality...don't miss it!"

Strange yet Satisfying Anime

B. Ackley | Douglasville, GA | 06/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of ADV Film's newest releases "Gilgamesh" is a bizarre mixture of sci-fi, mystery, and a dash of ancient history all served up with a gothic twist. When I read the original synopsis from a press release it seemed like a rehash of The Animatrix's "The second Renaissance (parts 1 & 2) with the similar commection to Mesopotamia and the blocking out of the sky. However,having viewed the disc it now seems that this show is something comepletely different.

The show quickly introduces the setting. The discovery of an ancient tomb belonging to the ancient Mesopotamian King Gilgamesh is discovered to have supernatural qualities. Hoping to capitalise on these qualities an international scientific hub, Heaven's Gate, is built over the tomb to exploit whatever potential lies within. A terrorist attack on Heaven's Gate causes a world-wide catastrophe known as the twin X phenomenon (the catastrophe happens on Oct 10) which interupts the electromagnetic fields on the planet rendering computers useless and changing the sky into a psychedelic mirror.

The new world is a ashy, dark world where civilization is in decay. We are introduced to siblings Tatsuya and Kiyoko- brother and sister on the run from debt collectors. Their deceased mother left themw ith huge debts and their father has disappeared. Left to their own devices they are constantly on the run until they meet 3 mysterious people (the gilgamesh) who take out the debt collectors. Tatsuya and Kiyoko are grateful for their help but still have reservations about these 3 men.

Another three people arrive working for a mysterious lady known as the countess. These being are after kiyoko and Tatsuya also but their motive sren't known. A psychic battle between them and the the 3 men known as "gilgamesh" ensues as the siblings are caught up in a battle which will determine their fate.

These first disc really did a good job of establishing mood and introducing to the cast of characters. There are many questions that crop up while watching these first episodes which will have you wondering how everyone is connected and what their motives are for seeking Tatsuya and Kiyoko. Fans who like anime which really build up suspense and mystery will definetly enjoy. I was reminded of RahXEphon while watching the disc as I attempted to try and guess what was going to happen next.

The animation was overall very good. The character designs are very different from your typical anime styles which has been applauded by some fans and criticised by others. The characters have a more "western" art style in the sense that they have full lips on most characters and the eyes are slightly more western comic book styled. Personally, I think the design work and really gives the show a different look while still maintaining its anime flavor.

I am a little disappointed that there aren't any extras included in the collectors box. Given the current state of anime I guess we should be happy a artbox exists with so many companies trying to save money. Still, for $10+ over the DVD only version it seems a rather high asking price for just a box.

Overall a great show - Recommended!"

Wonderful and highly under-rated series!

Ko | 07/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've seen the entire series, and I have to say... Why didn't this get more attention?!

The Amazon review is very misleading - the animation, while muted and certainly not of the caliber more popular anime may get, is very unique and fits the dark story well.

The story of Kiyoko and Tatsuya is full of many twists and turns, bringing you through a full range of emotion as you go. It also uses many conventions (not cliches) in interesting and inventive ways, as well as giving you a small history lesson or two along the way.

I highly suggest Gilgamesh to anyone who enjoys original, dark stories and is willing to sacrifice a bit in the animation department in order to get a great story."

A Decent Start

A.J. Dill | Jackson, TN | 09/24/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"When I rented this DVD, I didn't have any expectations for the show except it was going to be gothic. It definitely has that feel since most of the time, the animation is gray and very dull. It is definitely one of the anime's big pitfalls, the animation. The show is not flashy in any aspect of all. The first episode is very bad at not having enough animation. For example, people are speaking and gasping in the crowd but I didn't see any one actually doing it, just these silohettes of people gathered together. The fighting isn't any better- no cool moves are shown and the monsters are as stiff as today's robots.

Another problem with the show is the voice dubbing. It is unrealistic and boring. When the terrorist attack was happening, the people sounded more annoyed that frantic about the event. Also, all of the voices sounded the same- monotone and soft. The show needs a lot better voice actors. Maybe the Japanese dubbing is better, but I didn't have time to rewatch it.

The only thing that keeps the anime afloat is the story. I enjoy how it keeps you in the dark about who is good and who is bad. There is also plenty other of mystery dealing with the myth of Gilgamesh too. Another plus with the story is it has good flow and balance with action even if though it isn't spectacular.

If you are a person who can stand mediocre presentation for a show with a good plot, then you should give Gilgamesh a try. I prefer something a little more exciting, but I got used to the lack of life after the first couple of episodes. The show sort of grew on me."

Who's side are you on?

Dennis A. Amith (kndy) | California | 08/13/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After a terrorist attack transforms the sky into a psychedelic mirror, society struggles to rebuilt itself and two powerful forces wage a secret, terrifying war.

Welcome to a devastated planet earth where no computers are functioning and society is no longer the way we know it.

Trying to restore order is Orga, a tiny group of mutants with amazing powers led by a wealthy and mysterious widow known as "The Countess".
Their enemy is "Gilgamesh". A team clad in black leather and bow only to their leader Enkidu, a dangerous scientist who seeks to finish the attack on Earth that he began many years before.

Caught between these two warring groups are two runaways, a brother and sister who have the key to destroying the world or saving it.

After watching the first five episodes of "Gilgamesh", all I can say right now is... "Wow".

It's a story that reminds me of the "X-MEN" in terms of mutants fighting each other for their own cause but at the same time, very unique and very dark. And also reminiscent of "The Matrix" with all the leather being used and the use of interesting characters that you are not yet allowed to get too comfortable with so early in the series.

The first episode was a bit cerebral to understand but necessary in introducing the viewer to why there are two warring groups and what led to the terrorist attacks.

Fortunately, ADV included a glossary of terms to help the confused viewer.

The story pretty much focuses on our unsuspecting brother and sister as they are running away from some type of authority and they run into a house where laboratory experiments were being done with salamanders.
There they meet the leather-clad group who befriends them by protecting them from another group.

During the battles, the runaways start to see a gruesome transformation that these black leather clad group are turning into. Monsters.

The runaways then end up staying with another group who seem to want to help them but both are confused by the kind of special abilities both groups are exhibiting.

This is pretty much the first five stories which introduces the characters and a question is put out to the viewer of "which side are you on?"
Which side can the brother and sister trust?

"Gilgamesh" is actually a different kind of anime with character designs that tends to blend in a visual kei rocker style to the style exhibited in many Atlus "Shin Megami Tensei" video games and I tend to dig different styles for anime.

I like the dark appeal of this anime and the fact that even the good guys seem a bit well... not so good. Both sides fighting for their own cause and assuming that you know which side is the good side.

The DVD features very good voice acting on both the Japanese and English dubbed tracks.

Special features include a clean opening and closing animation, character art gallery and production art gallery.

I really enjoyed "Gilgamesh" for being different and also for putting that "doubt" of whether the good guys, really are the good guys or not.

The behavior of the Orga team (like The Countess") makes me question the team because for good guys, they seem to be a bit overly spooky.

All-in-all, a very enjoyable anime series and I can't wait to see more episodes."

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	Gilgamesh - Whose Side Are You On Series Box Vol. 1 Genres: Television, Anime & Manga, Animation UR 2005 2hr 5min Enter the world of Gilgamesh. Where the sky has been turned into a psychedelic mirror and civilization is only a shadow of its former self. Where beautiful assassins transform into terrifying winged creatures. Where childr... more » « less
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