In the sprawling sea of vast and varied Netflix offerings, it’s easy to get a bit lost, adrift in endless content. But every so often a beacon of brilliance shines through the fog and guides us toward something truly special.

Most recently, that beacon was Blue Eye Samurai, a series that not only captured our imagination but held it captive over the course of eight episodes. It’s a thrilling, visually rich tale that champions the benefits of animation, and it deserves to be counted among the best shows of the year.

As big fans of Samurai Jack in the early 2000s, we were especially excited about Blue Eye Samurai and its similar thematic exploration of a warrior’s journey coupled with a visually striking animation style. But Blue Eye Samurai contains more mature content and offers a more adult-oriented narrative that contrasts significantly with Samurai Jack.

Set against the backdrop of 17th-century feudal Japan—a period marked by strict isolationist policies and a society steeped in honor and tradition—Blue Eye Samurai introduces us to Mizu, a protagonist unlike any other. Half Japanese, half white, Mizu navigates a world that is as beautiful as it is dangerous, her distinctive blue eyes a secret she must fiercely protect.

The series is as much about Mizu’s quest for vengeance as it is about identity, with Mizu donning the guise of a man in a society that would not accept her true self either as a woman warrior or as a hāfu. This is a nod to the legendary tales of old, where characters often defied expectations in pursuit of their destiny. Blue Eye Samurai explores themes of social justice, sex, and the challenge to patriarchy in creative and compelling ways.

What makes Blue Eye Samurai so compelling, though, isn’t just its plot or its setting—it’s the show’s breathtaking animation. The movement of the characters, the fluidity of the action sequences, the expressive detail in every frame—it’s all rendered with such care and precision that you might forget you’re watching an animated show.

The animation doesn’t just serve the story, it elevates it, transforming each scene into a work of art. The battles, reminiscent of Akira Kurosawa’s classic films, are set against a backdrop of pure anguish, integrating the landscape into the action in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

In fact, of all there is to admire about Blue Eye Samurai, the action sequences were what most grabbed me, set against the meticulously detailed landscapes that seem to breathe life into every scene. It’s a fantasy of vibrant colors and intense stories that hooks you from the very first moment, proving to be a surprising and viscerally exciting TV experience.

I was also struck by the voice actors’ performances. The casting of Maya Erskine as the voice of Mizu stands out as a delightful surprise, showcasing her versatility beyond the comedic roles she’s known for. Erskine, whom I’ve only known for her performance in her absurd comedy PEN15, brings real depth and nuance. Her ability to navigate Mizu’s complex emotional landscape, from fierce determination to hidden vulnerabilities, underscores a range that fans might not have previously appreciated. (I read she’s amazing in Mr. and Mrs. Smith with Danial Glover, too, so we’ll have to add that to our list.)

George Takei as Seki, Mizu’s mentor and friend and a nearly unrecognizable Kenneth Branagh as Abijah Fowler, Mizu’s primary enemy in the first season, were also amazing. Randall Park—another actor I only know from comedies—brought banal evil to life as Heiji Shindo, the leader of a rival samurai clan and ally of Fowler.

Blue Eye Samurai is a love letter to Japanese culture, painted with a blood-soaked brush. It’s a gorgeous, addictive thrill ride that never loses sight of Mizu’s point-of-view, even when the road ahead is obscured with blood. It’s a fantastic binge—the most enjoyable one we’ve had in quite a while. Beautifully animated, visually striking, and delivering an epic narrative.

This is an eight-episode journey is one you’ll want to take. If possible, save a couple episodes for the next day, as we did, to savor the experience as long as possible. Blue Eye Samurai isn’t just a show—it’s an adventure, a work of art, and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of its characters. Choose a weapon, and leap in.

All eight episodes of Blue Eye Samurai are now streaming on Netflix.

posted February 2024