Comments on: Stuck in the Present (Code Geass analysis)

By: Dustin

Dustin — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:24:30 +0000

I’ve watched Code Geass a grand total of 7 times. I agree to some of your post, apparently other me, but i have to disagree on three of your points. The Zero Requiem was hinged on The Demon Emporer not being forgotten for quite some time. Peace through this method is achieved by not focusing literally all hate on Lelouch, but by making all other struggles seem insignificant in comparison. This effectively allows citizens to use their energy to work toward the better future Nunnally envisions. Even terrible people wouldn’t want another Demon Emporer. Secondly, Code Geass answers few questions. The Zero Requiem is simply Lelouch’s final plan to make the world a better place and break the cycle. It poses many questions pertaining to morality, and even may argue that the ends justify the means, depending on your interpretation. Even the impossibly nieve Suzaku states this. “What matters… is results.” Third is your interpretation of the Black Rebellion Lelouch wasn’t simply rebelling against Brittania, he was fighting the cycle of hate he saw around him. To more illustrate my point, I’ll include parts of one of Lelouch’s mega-speeches in the Damocles. “You are biased because you belong to a semble known as a royal family.” “I’ve seen it over and over. People struggling for happiness…” (damn… still can’t remember that part verbatim.). …Good God I just reread this and it looks like I just posted a counter arguement!

Like the post. Good work, other me.

By: Swineboss

Swineboss — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:15:58 +0000

Thank you… I enjoyed your writing!

By: MM

MM — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:23:11 +0000

Very nice analysis, though in your last paragraph you said you felt the social commentary was a bit heavy handed. I respectfully disagree; I wish more anime would make their themes more clear, as I often have trouble giving writers the benefit of the doubt when it comes to underlying themes and ideas. And in general, anime can be rather shallow in terms of plot, so it’s refreshing to have one that challenges your concepts of morality and social justice.

You mention that Schneizel’s method is peace through fear, and you say that you think it is the only one that works. I also disagree here in that I think the method is a bit insulting to the citizens. I believe peace through fear only works with a less educated populace. I hate to drag real world politics into this, but the US government is a perfect example of this. Control through fear (such as fear of Muslims) only works on those that tend to be less educated and may have dangerous and counterproductive consequences, such as hate crimes against Muslims (which reduces peace.)

Anyhow, great blog and I look forward to your comments.

By: Guido

Guido — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:44:33 +0000

Thanks for the post, I´ve just finished watching Code Geass for a second time, and some questions arised. But I really liked your analysis. I do think, though, you forgot to write about relationships between the characters, such as the Lelouch, C.C., Kallen and Shirley love square.
Nice post, and thanks again

By: Dustin

Dustin — Fri, 21 May 2010 01:47:18 +0000

That’s very kind of you Sabrina. I’m glad you found some clarifications in this post :). That’s kind of why I wrote it (I’ve also watched the series twice which probably helps a lot).