Rating: 
Summary: A man wields his sword in order to depart life with a smile.
Review: Kento Miura's original Manga 'Young Animal' is the basis of this series, an uncomfortable, gritty story of medieval warfare and magic, which rarely holds its punches. In keeping with the manga, which is still ongoing, this series plays hardball with the viewer's sensibilities continually confronting us with a very realistic view of the horrors of warfare even as it spins out its noir fantasy.As many Anime series do, the first episode, 'the Black Swordsman,' is really from the middle of the story. Our first view of Guts, a hair-trigger killer with a sword the size of a sidewinder missile, is as he enters a town terrorized by a demonic overlord who feeds on human terror and misery. The town's garrison is compose of criminals who think nothing of torturing children, but the Black Swordsman steps in - to late to save the town, but in time to challenge the author of all the misery. In the next four episodes, the story returns to its beginning, and we meet the young Guts and see him starting out as a foundling tagalong to a mercenary band. His childhood is every bit as grim as one might imagine, as he is force to kill his leader and then flees from on battle to the next. Finally, he comes against the Band of the Hawk and its leader Griffith, and for the first time in years is overmastered by a swordsman. Griffith sees the real value and strength hidden in the young warrior and is determined to add Guts to his troop rather than kill him. Griffith's effeminate appearance hides a tough warrior and a proven battle master. When he finally penetrates through the layers of emotional protectiveness that Guts hides behind a strong and mutually agreeable relationship develops. Guts has troubles adjusting to this new, and disciplined, military unit, but he gradually earns the admiration of almost all of them, including the thorny Caska, a woman who is fiercely loyal to Griffith and his belief in destiny. For all its violence, 'Berserk' strikes many sympathetic chords. It isn't mindless violence, there is an underlying plot, and the production values and artwork are excellent. Dialogue displays an unexpected complexity that signals almost from the beginning that this series is something special. Keep in mind that it deals with some controversial issues, and is aimed at a mature audience.
Rating:
Summary: berserk
Review: This series was a new and creative way of writing and thinking. I was impressed with the way the series went and is going. the way that people are played and made to act are just so unique. i also like the way they have the bloopers.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent anime series, but not for kids.
Review: I can best compare this series to Record of Lodoss War, but with much more violence and adult themes than Lodoss War had. This series is definately not for children. The story is of a mercenary named Guts and set in a world similar to Lodoss War, but with fewer fantastic creatures and different odd races (most all of the characters are human, with a few exceptions). Do not expect to see a bunch of elves and dwarves and dragons, the non-human characters are few and far between through the first 5 episodes. One hilarious bonus feature on all of the Berserk DVDs is the Outtakes. Basically, it is a series of line reading errors placed over the same scene in the original anime scenes. Watch them after viewing all of the episodes on the DVD so that you understand the context, but they are truly hilarious. It's very different than those "outtakes" on other animated DVDs, which are actual added scenes. This is an excelent series; any anime fan should buy it.
Rating: 
Summary: so I'm paying so much for what?
Review: ok heres the deal.. when i bought this package @ Fry's electronics i was stoked .. episodes 1-5 of an anime i've never seen but heard was cool. ok as i walked picked up the box . Box seems kinda light. ok keep going.. bought item cashier said that box seems light for a box set.. i thought the same.. left store.. went home opened item one night after g/f had left and thought i'd stay up the night watching anime's.. only one dvd pack in the box... thats the gripe.. Now Berzerk is a great anime series . 1-5 sends you wondering what the hell is going. almost minute with questions w/o answer with gore and hints of a really good storyline that keeps tug @ you . Definately a purist sort of anime.
Rating:
Summary: The best anime ever
Review: I actully stumbled onto this anime by mistake. While at a local store that sold fansub tapes, I decided to pick up the first volume which had the first 2 episodes on it. I had remembered the berserk video game being released for the sega dreamcast, but dident think much of it. After viewing the first two episodes, I was completely hooked..... Story: The story is great because of its charecter development. Everyone is explored throughout the serius, involving dark moments, such as guts's past, to hillarious moments, with coborlwitz's idiotic military ramblings. The story takes place in a midevil european type of atsmophere, which provides a vivid geography for fantasy storytelling. All in all, the story is about guts's journey through this dark world, until where the story began in episode one. It involves mysticisim, religion,fantasy, politics, philsophy, and romance. The realistic depections of these themes further entices the viewers interest. This is definatly a thinking man's anime, even though it has lots of violence, rape, and nudity. Music:The music in the serius is great. It varies from celtic tunes, to tribal beats, to j-pop-ish music. The engrishy opening music is kind of funny, but the ending theme music is haunting from the first note, causing you to look around your room for monsters that may jump out and attack you. Animation:For what it is, the animation is not too bad. It is low budget, but it was ran late a night. I personally think the rugged look is quite unique. Packaging:The individual dvd packages are good. They are all designed in the same way, and allow quick indentification. Artwork is also skillfully selected for the packages. The box set to keep it in is alright, but it might have been cool to get a book or insert with it...... All in all, I would just like to say.....WATCH BERSERK. You wont regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Great anime, but not for young kids
Review: It's not the violence nor other potentially controversial issues themselves that are enjoyable, it's how these things enrich the character/plot that makes this series great. I just love the characters in Berserk, even though the plot isn't exceptional. This is far more dramatic and enjoyable than the Record of Lodoss War anime (although they do suffer the`same problem of using too much still images). In short, I recommand this to anyone who doesn't mind the R-rated materials. The DVD extra on dubbing is funny, but none of the features adds to the anime itself.
Rating: 
Summary: hmm...where is the hip soundtrack?
Review: I have the DVD of Beserk. I was lured by the upbeat soundtrack of drums and choruses in the background giving that full warriordom atmosphere. It is slightly disappointing. I haven't finished the entire collection because it has just become so less interesting. Yes, there is gore and yes, there is a small guy with a big sword. There is a school of thought that promotes the necessity of a good soundtrack to propel a story foward. Try watching a horror film on mute and see how much heebie jeebies you get. Berserk accomplishes in doing the direct opposite. If you want to be shocked I would recommend Ninja Scroll. If you like a cool soundtrack (at least at the beginning) get Bubblegum Crisis. If you want great character development get Rorouni Kenshin. If you are just in the mood to sate a curious palate, then by all means get Berserk. You have been forewarned.
Rating:
Summary: Stupendous guy should stop critisizing other people
Review: This is mostly a "shove it" towards Stupendous whatever below me. Now I won't argue about this guy and his own beliefs on what's good and what's not, but telling other reviewers that they are dumb and blind is very ignorant. I found the art in Berserk to be not as good as other anime's, but the story is just incredible. With the lack in art, I feel that the story has more than made up for it. Not all production studio's have millions or a gagillion dollars. That's my beliefs and I'm sticking to it. Oh, but Mr. Gods Gift to Anime Reiviewers(Stupendous Whatever) probably thinks I'm either
1. g**
2. stupid
3. blind
4. all of the above
Rating:
Summary: It gets kinda cheesy.. but very entertaining first volume
Review: It's an anime series, so things like a guy carrying a big gigantic sword, wielding like a toothpick is ok. Big magical monsters, giant snake man, and HUGE Minotaur with wings are also ok. But it kinda gets bit lame when that same guy swings this massive sword against another character (who is built like kicker) and he blocks the attack with one hand without much use of strength, using a toothpick of a sword for defense, you gotta ask yourself about the REALISM of this anime... hhmmm.. ooook.. maybe an oxymoron here maybe.. But regardless, this is pretty entertaining anime. First Volume introduces the main character Guts (artist formerly known as the guy who swings the HUGE massive sword), on the mission searching for guy named Griffith (artist formerly known as the guy built like a kicker, who defended Guts massive sword swing with a toothpick). And yes, we all scratch our heads and wonder why Guts carry around such a huge massive sword? And why is he searching for Griffith and etc etc.. Typical, "now watch the series 'till the end and find out why!" thingy. But story and characters keep you interested enough for you to keep watching until you curse yourself not renting or buying 2nd volume of Berserk. Yes my fellow anime fans, this anime series gets pretty addictive.. I'd recommend this series. It's got tons of bloody battles, HUGE Snakeman monsters who shoot fire balls through their mouth and many more for typical dopes who review every anime shipped from Japan as, "BEST EVER!!! WOW!! BUY IT NOW!! OH-MYGOD AWESOME!!!"
Rating:
Summary: Fun and Interesting
Review: This series is a bit confusing in the beginning. It is very interesting with a lot of action. There are a lot of mature ideas and content which not everyone might like, but it has a very interesting and twisting plot. The characters have a complex relationship and develops in different ways which leave you wondering how they could develop. This style of anime is a bit different from which ADV or Manga or Pioneer might produce but still it seems like its going to be a good one. Hope this review is helpful
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