Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo vol. 3by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 9 Albert's father and the other aristocrats harbor a dark secret that someone else seems to know, and they are all brought together in a panic when letters from Edmond Dantes arrive. The exposure of this secret could ruin them all. One of them has been looking into the count, but his spy was sent back in a coffin. On top of that Valentine is poisoned, Albert's engagement is broken off just as they come to realize they might love each other, and Albert's world is thrown into chaos as he tries to help his friends.Gankutsuou continues to amaze and intrigue me. Such an unsual version of The Count of Monte Cristo has never been told. The more we learn about the Count (aka Gankutsuou) the more mysterious he turns out to be. Every answer creates more questions, yet the story is progressing to a nerve-wraking crescendo. It doesn't seem fair that Albert and his friends should suffer as they are ignorant of their parents secret pasts, but they are all a part of the Count's master plan. On the one hand I enjoy the relationship between Albert and the Count and on the other I feel sorry for Albert because of it. However, I must say that after this volume it is the relationship between Albert and Franz that I am most intrigued by. It is hinted that Franz has feelings for Albert that go beyond friendship, and it is Albert's own words to Max that stir Franz's feelings — that marriage isn't the only way to show your love to someone. Franz's genuine concern for his friend and companion, coupled with Albert's blind devotion to the Count is making for an intereting twist in the plot. I would love to see this relationship expanded on more in the coming episodes — I think it could fit in very well, especially coupled with the Count's vampiric and romantic nature. The animation style and CG coloring will not be for everyone. The psychadelic patterns that are constantly moving to create the aristocratic textures of their hair, clothes, and surroundings take more than a little getting used to, but once you do it seems like the only type of coloring suitable for such an extravagant and otherworldly story. The voice acting for Gankutsuou is one of the best around. My only real complaint doesn't have to do with the voices, but with the language. The story is set in Paris, France and in the Japanese sub the Count does the intro to each episode in French (pretty good French too), but the dub keeps it all in English. The French really adds a little something extra to the sub and reminds you that you are in France and not some made up world. Gankutsuou knows how to stand out from all the other anime out there, it takes Dumas' story to a whole new plane. Mesmerizing, with a strong, captivating plot, it is an anime not to be missed. Written: April 30, 2006
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