The appeal and reviews of GUNGRAVE: A thorough explanation of its dark worldview and fierce action

Gungrave - Hard-boiled action of friendship and ambition

Gungrave is a TV anime series that aired from 2003 to 2004 and is based on the game of the same name by Yasuhiro Nightow and Red Entertainment. It aired on TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, and TV Aichi every Monday night and consists of 26 episodes. It was animated by Madhouse and directed by Toshiyuki Tsuru. The series tells a dramatic story of friendship, ambition, and a man's pride.

story

The protagonist of "Gungrave" is Beyond the Grave, a human weapon equipped with a pair of giant pistols called "Cerberus" and a coffin loaded with weapons. His real name is Brandon Heat, and he is an executive of the dark organization "Millenion", and together with his old friend Harry McDowell, he is one of the two wings of the organization. However, when Harry obtains a certain secret, he becomes obsessed with ambition for power and begins to run wild. Following the wishes of Big Daddy, the boss of the organization, Brandon tries to stop Harry's rampage, but is killed by Harry's bullet. Brandon, who was supposed to be dead, is brought back to life as a result of Harry's "Dead Man Plan". With his feelings for his former comrades and subordinates, and his beloved woman Maria in his heart, Grave challenges the organization alone to stop Harry's ambition.

character

Beyond the Grave (Seki Tomokazu) is a lone hitman feared by the organization and referred to as the "Grim Reaper." Brandon Heat (Seki Tomokazu) is Millennion's young top sweeper, and although he grew up in the slums, he has a sincere and kind side. Harry McDowell (Hamada Kenji/Isobe Tsutomu) is Brandon's childhood friend and best friend, a man who runs wild with ambition. Maria (Inoue Kikuko) is a childhood friend of Brandon and Harry, and after losing her adoptive father in a feud, she is taken in by Big Daddy. Mika (Sakuma Kumomi) is Maria and Big Daddy's daughter, and flees to the slums in search of Brandon, who sleeps as Grave. Other characters that color the story include Grave's ally Dr. T, Harry's trusted subordinates Bear Walken, Balladbird Lee, Bob Poundmax, and Kuzu Bunji, and Millennion's big boss, Big Daddy, as well as a host of other unique characters.

Production Staff

Gungrave was written by Yasuhiro Nightow and Red Entertainment, directed by Toshiyuki Tsuru and assistant director Mitsuyuki Masuhara. The original character concept was by Yasuhiro Nightow, the character design by Masanori Ikada, and the general animation directors were Masanori Ikada and CINDY H. YAMAUCHI. The original mechanic concept was by Kosuke Fujishima, the mechanic and accessory design by Masahiro Kimura, the art directors were Hideyuki Ueno and Tomoyuki Shimizu, the color design by Yoshimi Koshikawa, the director of photography by Hisao Shirai, the music by Tsuneo Imahori, and the sound director by Yasunori Honda. The producers were Shigeru Kitayama, Toru Kubo, Hideki Goto, and Masao Morosawa, the animation was by Madhouse, and the production was by PROJECT GUNGRAVE.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Familiar" was composed and arranged by Tsuneo Imahori, and the ending theme "When Akaneiro Burns" was written by Shu Koyama, composed by Taijiro Matsuki, and arranged and sung by Scoobie Do. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Gungrave" was praised for its unique worldview and deep character portrayal. In particular, the axis of friendship and conflict between Brandon and Harry leaves a strong impression on viewers. Madhouse, the animation production company, received high praise for the power of its battle scenes and the quality of its character designs. In addition, the development of the story and the growth of the characters are carefully depicted, giving it the power to draw viewers in.

This work was loved by many fans as a hard-boiled action film that intertwines friendship, ambition, and masculinity. In particular, the relationship between Brandon and Harry and Brandon's lonely battle as Grave are elements that touch the hearts of viewers. In addition, supporting characters such as Big Daddy, Maria, and Mika also add depth to the story and evoke a variety of emotions in the viewers.

Recommended points

"Gungrave" is recommended for those who want to enjoy hard-boiled action where friendship, ambition, and masculinity intersect. In particular, the episodes depicting the relationship between Brandon and Harry and Brandon's lonely battle as Grave are must-sees. Also, don't miss the intensity of the battle scenes and the quality of the character designs. Furthermore, the stories of supporting characters such as Big Daddy, Maria, and Mika are also deep, eliciting a variety of emotions from the viewer.

This work was loved by many fans as a hard-boiled action film that intertwines friendship, ambition, and masculinity. In particular, the relationship between Brandon and Harry and Brandon's lonely battle as Grave are elements that touch the hearts of viewers. In addition, supporting characters such as Big Daddy, Maria, and Mika also add depth to the story and evoke a variety of emotions in the viewers.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Gungrave" are as follows.

• Episode 1: The Twilight Destroyer (2003/10/06)
• Episode 2: YOUNG DOGS (2003/10/13)
• Episode 3: RAIN (2003/10/20)
• Episode 4: GO (2003/10/27)
• Episode 5: MILLENNION (2003/11/03)
• Episode 6: BIG DADDY (2003/11/10)
• Episode 7: 5 Years Later (2003/11/17)
• Episode 8: FAMILY (2003/11/24)
• Episode 9: DISPUTE (2003/12/01)
• Episode 10: CONFLICT (2003/12/08)
• Episode 11: HEAT (2003/12/15)
• Episode 12: KIND (2003/12/22)
• Episode 13: BETRAYAL (2003/12/29)
• Episode 14: DIE (2004/01/05)
• Episode 15: HARRY (2004/01/12)
• Episode 16: LETTER (2004/01/19)
• Episode 17: MIKA (2004/01/26)
• Episode 18: GRAVE (2004/02/02)
• Episode 19: SUPERIOR (2004/02/09)
• Episode 20: BROTHER (2004/02/16)
• Episode 21: DUTY (2004/02/23)
• Episode 22: REMORSE (2004/03/01)
• Episode 23: DAUGHTER (2004/03/08)
• Episode 24: LAST BULLET (2004/03/15)
• Episode 25: THEN (2004/03/22)
• Episode 26: Twilight of the Destroyers (2004/03/29)

Conclusion

"Gungrave" was loved by many fans as a hard-boiled action film where friendship, ambition, and a man's pride intersect. In particular, the relationship between Brandon and Harry and Brandon's lonely battle as Grave touch the hearts of viewers. In addition, supporting characters such as Big Daddy, Maria, and Mika also add depth to the story and evoke a variety of emotions in the viewer. This work is recommended for those who want to enjoy a hard-boiled action film where friendship, ambition, and a man's pride intersect.