Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II- Transgression quite naturally follows the first installment’s geass revolution by way of a new Dawn in Picture Drama. This film is a sequel to the ‘reboot’ of the original Code Geass anime wherein the protagonist’s name has also been retained. Follow up on the events from the previous picture, explore further the issue of leadership, issues of internecine conflict, ethics in raising the sword for justice and the cost.
What strikes me most about this particular movie is the relationship between war and history and more importantly how it affects individuals as well as societies. The more power Lelouch wields, the more anguish his decisions entail: there is always a price for betrayal, for sacrifice, for getting what one wants or expects. The balance of scenes action was impressive, it kept the viewers captivated after each intense mecha combat with emotional scenes especially relating to Lelouch torn between cloudy ambitions and noble intentions of protecting people close to him.
The film had average performance since around over 1.5 million was earned grossed up. Compared with big budget Hollywood movies, this was not an enormous box office achievement. But it was very popular among the lovers of anime, and particularly in the case of the domestic fans of the base series. An anecdote is that Transgression does maintain many aspects of the story version of the series, but replaces some of the events and character development for the better and more interesting. In this respect, the film helps one understand the potential of Code Geass which combines political, emotional and large scale warfare all within a single arc. It leaves everyone confused about the most basic question-‘What is right and what is wrong’- and even better the question ‘Is it right, in any case, to let Lelouch lead the resistance’, which is to me the best thing about this series.
