Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining, but...
Review: Someone may find the subject matters in Berserk difficult (child abuse, rape, insanity, homosexuality, just to name a few), and someone may find that creater of the series has little to no affection toward the character; however, that does make Berserk one of the most mature fantasy series on the market. Inevitably, there are some typical fantasy cliches in this series, yet those cliches are actually Western fantasy story cliches instead of those hyper anime kiddy fantasy show cliches (slayer series came to mind). There are absolutely no annoying magical creature in the show (not in the TV series anyway...) and important character(s) do die in the series. The animation of the show is nothing to write about, and there are quite a few still frames due to budgeting constraint. Nonetheless, it does get the job done and convey the story to its audiences. Finally, the most important note of all... THE MANGA SERIES THAT THE SHOW BASED OFF OF IS NOT OVER YET. Since they did not animate the series past volumn 13 (there are 22 volumns so far) the end of the animated series is a giant cliffhanger. There are talks of making a new series (or actually, finishing making it), but there is nothing concrete about that rumor. Not having a resolution is a horrible thing, because you do want to know what is going to happen to Gatts, Caska, and how big Gatts' sword will get eventually. But you wouldn't regret getting to know them.
Rating: 
Summary: A Blood & Guts Anime with Character
Review: In short, yes I am a Berserk fanatic. But I will not go around claiming that Berserk is the greatest anime of all times, but instead I'll tell you that Berserk fills its niche in anime better than any other. Although both [other movie] and Berserk are fantasies, I consider each to fill different niches. For [other movie] it is High Magic Fantasy. For Berserk it is Dark Low Magic Fantasy with only the occasion supernatural forces interfering with characters (ie Demons and Monsters). The anime is based on a highly intense and graphic novel that is still going, long past the events that end the series. As such, to make the anime more appropriate, less lengthy, and less packed with characters, the anime leaves items out. But the series is still highly enjoyable. The series starts off in classic epic style, in the middle (of the manga) or in the case of the series, the end. The first episode is the present and all other episodes are flashbacks which show the character development of the lead characters: Guts, protagonist, mercenary, and natural survivor, Griffith, ambitious, calculative, charismatic mercenary leader, and Casca the only female mercenary in the bunch. The series throws in an assortment of characters that you grow to love and cherish as the series goes on, each adding that bit of uniqueness to the world. This disc shows the one episode Guts in his present state (one-eyed, metallic left arm, black armor, big sword, and a grudge against everything) as well as how the young Guts will be introduced to the infamous and successful mercenary group known as Band of the Hawk, which is lead by Griffith. The animation occassionaly freezes the frame into a mangaish picture, but that does not take away from the series. The anime is rather violent, even after taking the worse scenes out from the manga, but nothing too bad. Since most people do, I might as well comment on the fact that this series is not for the weak of heart. Overall: A great anime for diversity in your collection and a piece that should not be missed out on. This type of anime may not be best for everyone, with the action battles and all, but watching how the events unfold in Guts's life is a great pleasure.
Rating:
Summary: Don't fret, it gets better...
Review: This is one of my all-time favorite animes, but before I get into that, I'd like to address a few things here: 1) Griffith is NOT gay. 2) If you absolutely loved Record of Lodoss War, you probably won't like this. No inane love triangles, plot that drags ooon and ooon, or loads of magic. If you liked Army of Darkness, the video game version of this series, dark/mideval/character study stuff, and good 'ol fashioned booty kickin', you'll probably like this. I recommend this for anime fans who want a little more from their TV than just episodic bleh. And don't think this is a guy show either, I'm a girl and I love it! 3) If you don't like the first episodes, it gets better. 4) In my opinion, this series stands on its own. It surpasses sword-and-sorcery... it shouldn't be lumped together with others like that. Berserk is not your average anime (no grotesquely huge eyes, cat girls, or perfect hero). Lots of carnagae, a little conspiracy, a big betrayal, a few monsters, and a sprinkle of romance focused on a main character that kicks a ...load of booty. Some people just don't like him, but he has to be my favorite male anime character. His struggle to find his own purpose in life, his own dream, is fascinating. The other characters in this series stay with you also. The overly ambitious Griffith. Casca, striving to find her place at Griffith's side. The kind-hearted Judeau, resentful Corkus, and all-around awesome Zodd. In conclusion, I'd recommend this series to anyone who is not squeamish, likes mideval fantasy and/or character studies, and is over the age of sixteen. Dude, just buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Good enough to want more
Review: This is my first real exposure to anime. The only other time I watched some of it was in Tarantino's "Kill Bill: Volume 1", but it is only in a few passages in the movie that anime is used. Since I enjoy epic fantasy, I thought a good way to start out in anime was in a series that used this genre. I found that I enjoyed the first five episodes of "Berserk", and even though at some points I found myself having trouble figuring out where the story was going, I was left looking forward to the next disc in the series. In the first episode, the Black Swordsman arrives in a town looking for a monster that has the habitants under his grip, living in a world of fear and misery. The Black Swordsman carries along a huge sword that is bigger than him, he is branded in one of his shoulders and is visited in his dreams by demons that claim to own him. At this point there is no clear plot in the story, but in the next four episodes the story goes back to our hero's youth and the viewer finds out that his name is Guts and he honors this name to the extreme. Guts meets with the Band of the Hawk, which is lead by Griffith, an effeminate but very skillful warrior. After some initial quarrels Guts joins the band of mercenaries and an interesting relationship develops between him, Griffith and Caska, who was until that moment the right hand of Griffith and apparently is in love with him. In episodes two through five there are three main points of interest intertwined in the story: the relationship between Guts and the other Band of Hawk members; the missions in which the band embarks gaining fame and respect; and the glimpses at Guts childhood, which helps the audience to make sense of some of his actions and attitudes. The series starts out a little slow, but through the episodes, it captures the viewers' attention and one starts to sympathize with the main character. I was left craving for more information about the characters' past and future and will definitely get the next installment.
Rating:
Summary: BERSERK 1-5 MANGA AND BEYOND
Review: At one point in your life you come across something that's so great and breath taking that your forced to conclude that nothing else in existence could ever match it's equal. For me that something is the Berserk series. There are a few people who made bad reviews about Berserk; saying its boring and no good blah blah blah. That goes to show you that Berserk isn't for everyone. We all have our likes and dislikes, that's what makes us human. But if you look at all of the reviews; there are more people who enjoyed this anime then those who didn't. Those who gave bad reviews about Berserk weren't worthy to enjoy it. And there will be plenty more. So if your looking for Berserk to be some DBZ/POKIMON/Kiddy anime with little cute characters running around, BERSERK IS NOT FOR YOU! Other wise....BUY THIS ANIME! If you cant afford 1-5 buy the whole set on 3 cds by a group called FX. Just do a search on Google for Berserk FX sale and you will come across a few places with the whole serious for like 28 bucks. -Hardcore Berserk Fan NosferatuX []xxxxx|::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>
Look there in the darkness. Look hard into the darkness around me. ::Demon eyes start to glow/brand starts to drip blood:: You don't want this life. -Guts
Rating:
Summary: An Interesting and Powerful Start to a Promising Series...
Review: Recently, I've been getting more and more interested in the art of anime. Anime is exciting, thrilling, deep, and even disturbing at times. Anime also has the undeniable power of telling an interesting story. I picked up "Berserk 1: War Cry" because it looked like something that was promising. After watching all of the first disc, I immediately ran out of the house to pick up the next two volumes and plan on getting the last remaining three very shortly. "Berserk" is a dark and haunting series that doesn't hold back for one single second. The town of Midland is covered in darkness and evil as it is controlled by a treacherous king. Things change one night when a stranger by the name of Guts comes to town with vengeance on his mind. He fights with a sword that is twice his size and has uncontrollable urges of rage that gets the best of him. One thing is for sure as this exciting series begins; Guts is willing to wage a one-man war against the one who has done him wrong no matter what the cost. The first episode deals with what's going on in the present while the other four deal with the past and history of Guts. While it's hard to know exactly what is going on with only the first five episodes, they are extremely involving and exciting. I found myself watching all five episodes in a row and wanting to watch more. I always admire stories that deal with flawed heroes, as those are the ones you can relate to the most. By no way is Guts a superhero by any means. He has demons and flaws, just like everybody else. While his strength and will is incredible and sometimes over-the-top, we buy into it because the character of Guts is portrayed with real flaws and emotion. So long as you can create a believable main character, everything else is fair game. Be warned; this is no show for children. Just from seeing the first five episodes, I can already tell that it's only going to get darker and more disturbing. The episodes contain strong and brutal violence, extreme amounts of blood and gore, nudity, and dark and disturbing themes and imagery. The DVD contains outtakes, production sketches, trailers, and an art gallery. "Berserk 1: War Cry" shows a promising and exciting start to a dark and haunting series. I cannot wait to watch the others and anticipate that it will be time well spent. If you're looking for some good and dark anime with interesting characters, "Berserk" might be something that you'll want to check out. Be sure to watch all five episodes before making any conclusions as to if you like what you're seeing. The "Berserk" series has a powerful start--can't wait to see where it's going to take me next.
Rating:
Summary: This is one of the best fantasy themed animes
Review: I bought the Berserk series a few weeks ago after a hard time saving up for it. and as many have sead if you are a fan of Record Of Lodoss War, a line that made me buy it :), likley you will enjoy this aswell. it is a bit darker and a bit more violent, sure lodoss had it's sare of wars aswell but this is a bit more blody. now on to the acctual series. the first episode takes place sometime after the final episodes of the series and gives you some hints about what have happend in the past. after the introduction episode you go a few years back i bellive 6 years since the main story spans about 4. you meet a young warrior named Guts (a weird name but who cares he's coool) he swings a HUGE sword ala Cloud from Final Fantasy VII. in this episode he meets up with Griffith and his mercenary band called Band Of The Hawk, and as the story develops he starts to love his commrades in arms more and more. what makes this anime great is the firm development of the story all the way untill the two last episodes. a small Spoiler ahead. the last two episodes is mainly just the Hawks getting eaten by demons and the birth of a new demon king, it's to messy and no feeling in it all. but not to spoil everything i will not go anyfurther. in general this anime is well worth your money.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding series, but the ending comes apart....
Review: Berserk. Just about one of the greatest midevil/fantasy war animes I've ever seen, heck, almost THE greatest anime series I've ever seen! A deeply riveting and powerful story about loyalty, trust, friendship, betrayal, ambitions and dreams. The characters are absolutely amazing, how they each have their own dreams and goals that they fight fearsomely for, and their struggles to find themselves and their places in life. The main character, Gutts, is without a doubt one of the best anime characters you'll ever come across. Not only does he absolutely destroy with that enormous sword, but his journey through life and his turmoils as he tries to find himself are extrodinary and touching. And personally, I think he's really cute too. :P Totally different from any series you will ever see, this anime is remarkable, EXCEPT (like most anime shows), the ending leaves you feeling cheated, depressed and a little angry as you never see what actually happens to the characters after. Thats why I gave it 4 stars, it really is a 5, just the ending ruins it. However, to find out what happens next you'll have to get the manga, and trust me, after watching this series you'll be dying for it. It is so good I can't recommend it enough!! So get it already!!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome series, horribly depressing ending.
Review: Berserk is every thing I love about anime and everything I hate about anime all in one. I have to say though that I will be buying the entire series despite what I consider the ultimate sad ending. The majority of the series is great, a warrior named Guts with a sword as large as he is joins up with a mercenary group called "The Band Of The Hawk" and quickly becomes second in command. The leader of this group is Griffith a man more graceful than courtly ladies; a man born of humble beginnings destine to be king. The series is full of lovable characters and original storyline and is well worth owning. Aside from the ending being sad the only complaint I could come up with is some battles involve it switching from animation to still artwork, but that's not too bad at all. I also recommend buying the collector's case; its artwork is beautiful. Summary: Buy it, be prepared for an unhappy ending, and if need be make up an alternate ending in your head were everything is happy (that's what I did with Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop).
Rating:
Summary: Very Engrossing
Review: To start, I have only seen this first dvd in the series, so I am not going to discuss the entire story, only this one dvd. This disk contains the first 5 episodes, and the box set that this edition is included in can hold all 6 volumes. The box itself is very unique in that it isn't the standard 5 sided affair. Instead, it works like a giant clamshell to completely cover the individual cases. That aside, this disk looks to be the start of a wonderful series. The first episode, in my opinion, is allowing the viewers a glimpse at the current state of the main character. You can tell he is a hardened warrior, and he has both the skills and the scars to prove it. However, the next 4 episodes go back into the character's past to show his growth. I found this to be extremely interesting. These episodes amount to a very large flashback, and each contains mini-flashbacks to the character's youth. At the same time, they tell the story of how this character went from a wandering mercenary to become a leading force in one of the best mercenary armies around. They also tell of his friendship with the very enigmatic leader of this army. All in all, this disk lays a very interesting groundwork for what is definitely not your ordinary sword and sworcery anime. Besides the first episode, there is no hint of magic at all. This makes you wonder how that fits into the story, as well as how the main character got to that point. As others have mentioned, there is also the interesting tidbit about the main character's sword. Already abnormally huge, it slowly evolves and grows as the character's own strength and prowess grows. After glimpsing its size in episode #1, and then seeing how it started, one wonders how large it will get by series end. As far as technical specs go, this dvd has a good assortment of extras. The standard trailors for other series are joined by a selection of artwork and concept sketches. My favorite extra, though, has to be the voice-over outtakes. These are where the voice actors mispoke or completely ignored the script while dubbing, and the creators have given us a glimpse at this along with the scenes that they were working on. In the end, these are hilarious, and they help lighten the mood of an otherwise very dark dvd.
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