Yasuke: A Visual Masterpiece with a Disappointing Plot

Immerse yourself in Yasuke, a visually stunning yet narratively flawed Netflix anime series. This show focuses on the life of a legendary figure, Yasuke, believed to be the first foreigner granted samurai status in Japan during the tumultuous Sengoku, or "Warring States," period. This historical drama takes us back to the 16th century, shedding light on Yasuke's journey from serving as a retainer and weapon-bearer for the influential Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga to navigating the complex dynamics of feudal Japan.

Yasuke arrived in Japan around 1579, likely as a bodyguard for the Italian Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano. Much about Yasuke is still being determined, including his birthplace, which historians believe could be Ethiopia, Mozambique, or South Sudan, based on trade relations between Japan, Europe, and Africa. It is unclear whether he was free or enslaved when he arrived in Japan, but his unique position as a black samurai in a country steeped in xenophobia is undeniable.

LeSean Thomas, the creator of Yasuke, is at the heart of this visual spectacle. Thomas was praised for his work on the avant-garde seinen manga series Afro Samurai. He attempted to reinterpret the samurai trope with Yasuke by focusing on a black character, which is uncommon in anime. His imagination combines historical accuracy with fantastical elements to create a setting that is not afraid to go where history has never gone before.

However, Yasuke's breathtaking visuals may need to be stronger to compensate for its perceived shortcomings in other areas. We will unpack the series' highs and lows, looking at everything from its spectacular animation and compelling score to its lackluster voice acting and disappointingly cliched plot.

The Artistic Triumphs

One of the most striking triumphs of 'Yasuke' is undeniably its high-quality animation and visual style. The lush landscapes and minute details that paint a vivid picture of 16th-century Japan immediately captivate us as we enter Yasuke's world. Courtesy of studios MAPPA and MOE, each character is brought to life with unique designs and fluid movements, blending traditional artistry with a modern aesthetic (Anime News Network).

The use of color is particularly noteworthy, with a palette that mirrors the story's tone: dark and intense shades during combat scenes contrast with soft pastels that capture the tranquility of the rural landscapes.

This visual vibrancy extends beyond the characters and settings. The action sequences are a feast for the eyes, with kinetic choreography and dynamic use of camera angles that heighten the tension. From samurai sword fights to magical showdowns, every battle is a spectacle that showcases the creators' commitment to delivering an immersive viewing experience.

The Music and Score

Yet visual aesthetics are only half the story. Another critical element in Yasuke's appeal is its music and score. Here, the series truly sets itself apart, offering a soundscape that's as eclectic and captivating as its visuals. Flying Lotus, a Grammy-nominated composer, defies convention with his score. It's a fusion of traditional Japanese music, jazz, hip-hop, and electronic genres that gives 'Yasuke' an audio identity as distinctive as its visual one.

The music enhances every scene. The energetic beats during action sequences heighten the adrenaline rush, while the serene melodies accompanying quieter moments evoke a sense of peace and contemplation. It's a testament to the power of a well-crafted score—it does more than attend to the visuals; it amplifies them, setting the mood and drawing viewers deeper into the story.

At the heart of 'Yasuke' lies a tale drawn from real-life history: a dark-skinned samurai navigating the complexities of 16th-century Japan (Smithsonian Mag). The series brings this uncommon narrative to life through its compelling blend of high-quality animation and a genre-defying score. It immerses us in an equally beautiful and brutal world and introduces us to a character whose journey captures the essence of heroism and humanity. Despite any shortcomings, it's an artistic triumph that merits recognition.

The Shortcomings: Voice Acting and Plot

As viewers enter Yasuke's world, they are met with a mixed bag of artistic triumphs and disappointments. The voice acting in any animated series is crucial, as it can make or break the viewer's immersion in the story. The English voice acting presented difficulties for Yasuke.

Analysis of the English Voice Acting

Lakeith Stanfield, known for his performances in "Get Out" and "Atlanta," lent his voice to the titular character, Yasuke. Stanfield's portrayal manifested as a strong and silent type, consistent with many depictions of samurai in the media. His delivery brought sincere emotion to dramatic and tragic scenes, especially during flashbacks, matching Yasuke's imposing physical presence1.

Despite Stanfield's commendable performance, some viewers felt that he and his character needed more to do throughout the series. This sentiment is echoed by Reddit users who appreciated the voice acting but found the lack of depth in the plot problematic2.

Critique of the Plot

The tale of Yasuke is based on a historical figure, but the anime takes significant creative liberties. While this is typical for historical fiction, the plot of Yasuke was criticized for being uninteresting and clichéd. As noted by one Reddit user, the six-episode series appeared rushed, cramming too much story into a short run-time. This resulted in a narrative that lacked depth, with characters that failed to evolve or grow3.

Another criticism lodged against Yasuke's plot is its use of fantasy elements. The show initially promises a historical retelling with low fantasy elements, but as it progresses, it veers off into high fantasy territory, distancing itself from its source material. Viewers felt that this deviation detracted from the compelling story of Yasuke himself4.

Moreover, the plot includes elements like mechs and magic, which some viewers find out of place. There were also complaints about the antagonist needing to be more developed and the over-reliance on a powerful side character to resolve conflicts5.

Despite these criticisms, it's critical to remember that storytelling is subjective. What one viewer may deem a disappointing plot, another might find engaging and praiseworthy. Regardless, the consensus is that while Yasuke excels visually, its narrative leaves much to be desired.

The Cultural Significance of Yasuke

The cultural significance of Yasuke is deeply rooted in its exploration of tradition, xenophobia, and racism in 16th-century Japan. The series brings to the screen a story that is as much about societal norms and prejudices as it is about the eponymous character's heroism.

Tradition, Xenophobia, and Racism in 1500s Japan

In the era depicted in Yasuke, samurai were the warriors and ruling military class, forming the highest-ranking social caste of the Edo Period (1603–1867) (Japan Guide). This was when foreign presence was largely unwelcome and met with considerable hostility. Yasuke, a black man, not only existed within these rigid societal structures but also ascended to the rank of samurai, an honor reserved for a few (AAIHS). This fact challenges the long-standing tradition and underlines the xenophobia and systemic racism prevalent at the time.

Yasuke’s Validation Without Self-Aggrandizing

The creators of Yasuke have managed to celebrate the character without excessive self-aggrandizement, thereby making the narrative more authentic and relatable. Yasuke is portrayed as a human first, grappling with the complexities of life, rather than a superhuman figure. His journey from being Nobunaga's retainer to becoming a trusted samurai is depicted with sincerity, underscoring the grim realities of the time while highlighting his courage and determination.

Notably, the revelation of an actual African Samurai has sparked conversations about the experiences of the African diaspora in Japan, both historically and in the present day (Global Voices). The series does not shy away from addressing the trials faced by Africans in Japan, ensuring that Yasuke’s story is not just another tale of heroism but also a commentary on race and otherness.

In essence, Yasuke serves as a symbol of resilience and a testament to the strength of character. His story provides a unique perspective on Africans' history and current relations with Japan. It serves as a reminder that there is always room for change, acceptance, and growth, even in societies with rigid traditions and prejudices.

Community Views on Yasuke

When it comes to anime, one person's masterpiece is another's disappointment, and Yasuke is no exception. The series has sparked many reactions from fans and critics alike, with some lauding its unique visuals and themes while others criticizing its voice acting and narrative. Let's delve into these perspectives and see what they reveal about the show.

Reddit, a hub for passionate discussions among anime enthusiasts, offers many insights into viewer responses to Yasuke. Many users praise the show for its stunning animation and distinct soundtrack. They commend the portrayal of the titular character, Yasuke, citing his fresh and intriguing representation as an African samurai in Japanese society.

However, not all opinions are positive. Some viewers express dissatisfaction with the plot, calling it cliched and underdeveloped. They also critique the voice acting, particularly for Yasuke, arguing that it lacks depth and fails to bring the character's personality to life.

Comparison between professional reviews and audience reactions to the show

The wide array of responses from Reddit users mirrors the mixed reviews from professional critics. Critics largely applaud Yasuke's innovative animation and rich score, echoing the sentiments of many fans. They laud the series for highlighting an overlooked facet of Japanese history and initiating conversations about race and identity.

On the flip side, critics, like many viewers, find fault in the series' narrative and voice acting. They argue that despite its promising premise, Yasuke needs to deliver a captivating and coherent storyline. Additionally, the English voice acting is often singled out as a weak link, with critics arguing that it fails to capture the characters' essence and emotions fully.

Despite these criticisms, Yasuke is still essential, both within and outside the anime world. It is a step in the right direction as one of the few anime projects to feature a black protagonist and incorporate elements of African culture.

In the end, the varied views on Yasuke underline the subjectivity of art. While its provocative animation and cultural commentary may enthrall some viewers, its alleged storytelling and voice-acting flaws may turn off others. Regardless of these differing opinions, Yasuke undeniably leaves an impact, prompting viewers to reflect on the narrative possibilities of anime and the importance of diverse representation within it.

The Potential for Improvement

The journey of Yasuke, a real-life African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga in 16th-century Japan, is indeed a compelling storyline. But despite this rich historical backdrop, audiences have expressed dissatisfaction with the execution of the anime series. One of the critical shortcomings highlighted is the hurried development of characters and plot, which comes at the cost of depth and narrative cohesion.

An anonymous review on IMDB laments that within the first few minutes, the story felt out of place, almost like an attempt to cram every mainstream element into a single show source. Another user on Reddit echoes these sentiments, expressing disappointment at how the show deviated from the historical retelling they expected based on the trailer source.

Suggestions for Character and Plot Development

Many viewers agree that more time spent on character development and enhancing the plot could have significantly improved the series. The chance meeting between Yasuke and Nobunaga, Yasuke's rise through the ranks, and his talent for swordplay are fascinating facets that could have been better explored. While the series did touch on these topics, IndieWire noted that as the show went on, it lost sight of its main character source.

Perhaps with more episodes or longer run times, the creators could have delved deeper into Yasuke's backstory, his relationship with Nobunaga, and his struggles with cultural acceptance in a xenophobic society. This would have added much-needed layers to the characters and created a stronger emotional bond with the audience.

Need for More Polished Projects from Black Creators and Musicians in Anime

Beyond the specific context of Yasuke, there's a broader conversation to be had about representation in anime. Despite the Afro-inspired aesthetics and music, Yasuke has sparked a dialogue about the need for more polished projects from black creators and musicians in the anime industry.

As Ash Parrish points out on Kotaku.com, seeing Black people represented in anime feels like a full-circle moment, heralding a "Black anime character renaissance." Still, while Yasuke may be seen as a crowning jewel, it also draws attention to the need for further refinement in such projects. Yasuke represents a significant step towards diversifying representation in anime. However, there's an evident hunger for more nuanced storytelling and character development.

Conclusion: Is Yasuke Worth Watching?

In summarizing the discourse on Yasuke, it becomes clear that the anime series is a study in contrasts. The series has been hailed as a visual feast with striking visuals and compelling historical context. Nevertheless, its numerous shortcomings, particularly in terms of plot development and voice acting, have been widely criticized.

Yasuke, on the one hand, is an artistic triumph thanks to its top-notch animation and striking visual style. The music score is a seamless fusion of contemporary and classical styles that adds another layer of depth to the film. Yasuke is, without a doubt, a highly influential work of art. The show's aesthetic grandeur often overshadows its narrative weaknesses. The character development, particularly for the protagonist, Yasuke, must catch up.

Despite being based on the intriguing real-life story of an African samurai in feudal Japan, the series fails to deliver a captivating narrative arc, often resorting to cliched dialogue and hasty character introductions. The voice acting, especially for the English version, has also received mixed reviews. Despite these criticisms, the cultural significance of Yasuke should be noticed. It bravely addresses themes such as tradition, xenophobia, and racism in 16th-century Japan.

The portrayal of Yasuke and other black characters is commendable, resisting the urge to self-aggrandize while validating their experiences and contributions. The community's views on Yasuke are also varied, reflecting a divergence between professional reviews and audience reactions. Some appreciate the fresh perspective and representation the anime brings, while others criticize its lack of depth and coherence in storytelling. Given these contrasting aspects, is Yasuke worth watching?

The answer largely depends on the viewer’s preferences. Yasuke might be well worth your time if you appreciate intricate animation and find the idea of learning about a little-known period of history intriguing.

On the other hand, Yasuke could use some work if you are looking for an anime with in-depth character exploration and a tightly woven story. We invite you to watch Yasuke regardless of these opinions and form your own. The wide range of reactions to this anime series exemplifies the relative value of different forms of art and entertainment. Travel with Yasuke, Japan's first Black samurai, through the turbulent Sengoku era and judge whether this visually stunning but narratively flawed anime is worth your time.

Please Like, Comment, Share or click one of the links below to read another post.

https://pinnedupink.com/blogs/random-thoughts-because-mondays-suck

https://pinnedupink.com/blogs/on-screen

https://pinnedupink.com/blogs/flashbacks

Image links (unlisted photos are personal screencaps):

Yasuke Official Trailer