General Overview"Afro Samurai: Resurrection" is a 2009 Japanese animated television film sequel to the initial mini-series Afro Samurai from 2007. Directed by Fuminori Kizaki, the movie keeps the unique blend of hip-hop and Japanese culture apparent in the very first series, while continuing to check out the lead character's quest for revenge. The series is based upon manga by Takashi Okazaki, and the film, like the series, features the voice skill of renown stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Lucy Liu, and Mark Hamill.
Plot Summary"Afro Samurai: Resurrection" picks up where the original series left off. Afro Samurai (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) has avenged his daddy's death, killed his bane Justice (Mark Hamill) and is now leading a life of isolation and peace. Nevertheless, his harmony is interrupted by his old acquaintance, Jinno (also called Kuma), and his sister, Sio (Lucy Liu), who have an intention for vengeance against Afro for the damage he brought to their lives.
To enact her scheme, Sio steals the body of Afro's dad, Rokutaro, with plans to resurrect and torture him as penalty for Afro's previous transgressions. To save his father from this grim fate, Afro must journey to discover and challenge Sio, unearthing the Number One Headband again, a significant antique in the series that represents the world's best warrior.
Main CharactersAfro Samurai, represented by Samuel L. Jackson, is the protagonist, who formerly sought vengeance for his daddy's murder. In spite of his quiet life in privacy, Afro is forced back into the chaotic world once his daddy's body is taken. Lucy Liu voices Sio, a new nemesis providing a vicious, computed, and vengeful strategy that directly challenges Afro's serenity. Jinno, Afro's former good friend, serves as Sio's devoted follower and harbours a deep animosity towards Afro for triggering his sister, Sio's suffering.
Themes and Styles"Afro Samurai: Resurrection" boasts a special mix of hip-hop culture and conventional Japanese animation, preserving the stylized combination of the original series. The film further explores styles of vengeance, power struggle, and facing the past. Afro's previous actions and choices continue to affect his present, further pushing him down his damaging path as he has a hard time to secure his deceased dad's peace.
DistinctionsHighlighting its reach and impact, "Afro Samurai: Resurrection" was chosen for an Emmy in the Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or More) classification and won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Animated Series.
ConclusionIn conclusion, "Afro Samurai: Resurrection" provides an aesthetically striking and narratively appealing follow up to the initial anime series. The film deepens the expedition of Afro's character, his past, and his battle for peace. The combination of distinct animation, star-studded voice acting, reliable music, and intense action series develops a distinctive and engaging design that permit this movie to stand out in the anime landscape.
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