Reviewing Netflix’s new series, ‘Blue Eye Samurai’
With animation that reminisces on Arcane and Love, Death, & Robots, Netflix releases the first season of an icy and bitter story of a mixed Japanese-European ronin in the midst of uncovering dark secrets through their path to revenge. Considered a demon for their piercing blue eyes, Mizu is abused their whole life for their racial impurity — a hairline trigger that unleashes a turbulent wrath when provoked. There are four possible white men who could have fathered them, and Mizu will not rest until all four are killed to avenge their mother’s honor and life. Moving through combat and gender identity like water, Mizu finds and slips through cracks in every barrier between them and their destiny. Their voice is provided from none other than Maya Erskine — a surprising and almost unrecognizable dark performance that goes against the expected comedic tone she often gives. We’ve witnessed a range from Erskine before, especially with her unforgettable and lovely act in Hulu’s Pen15, but this role undoubtedly enhances it.
This is a profound journey accompanied with tremendous supporting characters. The series starts with introducing us to Ringo — who has no hands, but also no defeat — as inarguably the most sweet-hearted character, voiced by the equally lovable Masi Oka. As Ringo more or less forces his apprenticeship under Mizu into fruition, many foes seek out to kill Mizu before they go any further — creating beautiful and swift scenes of swordplay in the snow. The white man knows they are coming and waits in the shadows for them, while forming a more sinister plan of his own.
Another one of Mizu’s adversaries is Taigen, a samurai seeking to restore his honor. Convinced the only way to retrieve it is to duel with Mizu, he seeks them out while abandoning his engagement to the charming Princess Akemi — who will not be stranded so easily. Brenda Song brings a dominating force to her character; learning much of her capabilities and the ruling men who surround her on her own journey beyond the walls that have trapped her for so long.
Filled with cliffhangers, Blue Eye Samurai is gut-wrenching — viewers might find themselves addicted to the new series, needing to see what happens next. A promising first season with expertly written backstory, slowly revealed throughout, and a finale of roaring intensity: this story will strongly resonate to viewers, blatantly acknowledging the evils of white imperialism throughout time — and the cutting indifference that fuels it. Though perhaps the leading force within this story is the vigorous challenge for resistance and the steadfast admission through each character’s eyes that greatness can only be achieved with visceral defiance and bravery.
