The Dark Side of Anime… Berserk (1997)
Series Review: May 2023
A chaotic, single season, 25 episode sequence of events that showcase the dark and dirty side of politics with an agenda to obtain ultimate power. Advantageous ulterior motives, sexual affairs and assassination plots.
A Period drama released from 1997–1998, and adapted by Naohito Takahashi from the original manga comic Berserk, still delivers such a deeply unnerving tale that hasn’t lost it’s shock value 26 years on. I was drawn back to watching this anime for a third time because of how exasperating this story truly is, and in the hopes I could take something new away that might help in gaining closure.
The first episode begins in reverse-chronological order, as we are placed head first into dark and turbulent times. Within the first five minutes, the tone of the overall series is set with an unpleasant sexual harassment scene played out by lawless cavalrymen on a powerless bar owner’s granddaughter. In this first episode we are introduced to the main protagonist Guts; the archetypal demigod-like warrior who possesses near omnipotent power and strength. A symbol resembling that of a rune is branded into his neck and holds great power of dark forces over him. He seems to be simultaneously on the run as on the hunt, as he fights away hallucinations forged by his brand, and chases down a serpent king that is terrorising a village he has wandered upon.
An episode later (and back to the beginning of this story) we are introduced to protagonist Guts’ counterparts: Griffiths and Casca. Griffiths the leader of an amateurish group of thieving bandits known as ‘The Band of The Hawk” juxtaposes his leadership role with his ethereal beauty. His fair complexion, light eyes and long white locks are illusive in people underestimating his strength and capability due to his insatiable hunger to one day rule the world. Casca being the strongest of Griffiths’ bandits is a feminist powerhouse, with her dark skin, short dark hair and deep brown eyes. Being Griffiths’ second in command, Casca carries a hard and professional exterior that is just as deeply invested in Griffiths’ dreams and desires as he is.
The Band of The Hawk are the central story and focus in this anime as we are taken along on their personal journey as they progress and gain recognition within their field. Not only do we bear witness to this, but the individual development and progression of the main protagonists in Berserk forms a deep investment in the whole storyline. As the episodes go by we uncover the history of their dreadful pasts that brought them all together. Most notable is Casca’s back story expressed using hauntingly beautiful art work and the anime’s iconically chilling theme music that is also played throughout the entirety of the season.
A most unusual amulet adorns Griffiths’ neck which he claims a fortune teller said is the key to ruling the world, and brings Griffiths great luck in dangerous situations, guiding him to his goal. Just as these characters understand the rules of debts however, all favours must one day be repaid… His desperation and unrelenting drive to rule the world means he is prepared to do anything to reach his dreams, which proves deeply disturbing as his true nature is slowly unveiled.
In a world where they didn’t know monsters exist, it quite quickly becomes evident that humans can be equally as unforgiving. The political hierarchy of characters within this series means they are no stranger to playing dirty if it means maintaining balance within the order.
This anime is ultimately an emotional build up to such a climactic ending with a huge plot twist, that you are left questioning many things. Was it always going to end that way? Could it have been prevented? What happened next? Berserk ends on such a cliff hanger which is why I find myself rewatching this anime over and over again. There is something very frustrating and unsatisfactory about how we are left hanging in thin air, desperate to know what happens next, but this is what makes it so good!
Due to how complex, deep and dark this storyline is and the connection weaved between the characters, this has quite quickly became my favourite anime of all time.
Have you watched Berserk (1997)? What were your thoughts? Do you think it could have ended differently? You can read my other posts here — Let’s Talk Film
