Disclaimer: Hello! This is user sawakazes back with another review! If you're interested, feel free to take a look at my A Lull in the Sea review as well, as I will be structuring this review in a similar fashion. With that being said, let me get right into talking about the wonder that is Samurai Champloo.

Synopsis:
Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, the same person who directed the critically acclaimed series Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo takes place in the Edo era of Japan following the escapades of three protagonists: Fuu, a free-spirited teenage girl searching for "the samurai who smells of sunflowers"; Mugen, a brash and rogue vagabond; and Jin, a stoic ronin samurai. Through events that happen in the first episode that I don't wish to spoil for people intending to watch, Mugen and Jin accompany Fuu on her journey to find this mysterious samurai.

Story:
The story for the most part is focused on the three's journey to look for the samurai who smells of sunflowers. However anyone who has watched a Watanabe-directed show knows there's elements of episodic filler as well, and this show is no exception. Do I have a problem with it? In this case, not really. I actually think most of Samurai Champloo's filler episodes are extremely well done, with a couple of exceptions that I found a little bit boring. Some brought out more depth to one of the main characters, and others managed to make me care about a side character who only appears in literally one episode. Spoiler tag ahead as I talk about one of my favorite episodes.

Characters:
Mugen, Jin and Fuu's overall group dynamic has become one of my favorite in all of anime upon completing this. I don't wanna spoil much, but watching this group evolve from people who were just traveling together to becoming friends is so subtle and so well done, it had me tearing up a little just thinking about it. With such differing personalities (Fuu's stubborness, Mugen's rashness, and Jin's stoicism), they really balance each other out. ~~And not to compare to Cowboy Bebop, but I found this cast to have much a more interesting dynamic than Spike, Faye, Jet and Ed. Still love them though!~~

Anyway as for the individual characters, Mugen is definitely my favorite, as I found him the most entertaining to watch and his character development the best given his very not-so-good past. Jin would come in second place, however I find his backstory to be the most interesting (also not-so-good though). I have some minor complaints with Fuu, I found her a tad annoying at times but not so much to make me dislike her character, as she means well in all of her actions (plus, she's the glue that holds the three of them together). Her portrayal in the final arc of the show is FANTASTIC though, and she was great there.

Animation:
The animation in this series is great, particularly the fighting scenes (because what else would you expect me to talk about first?). Every fighting scene is different, nothing seems rehashed, giving each fight its own sense of vibe. Some are fast, quick-paced, particularly Mugen's fights. Some are slower, and more calculated, particularly Jin's fights. It was something I really enjoyed watching throughout the show to see the difference in stakes of each fight. The more chill moments are also nice, such the moments where the group is sitting by a campfire or scarffng down food at a restaurant.

Music:
It would be absolutely ludicrous of me to not mention the OST of this anime. First of all, I NEVER skipped the opening once, I would have Battlecry playing in the background as I waited for each episode to start. Nujabes (RIP) is such a talented producer, and it's great to see his work living on through here. Shing02's rap is great as well, perfectly blending with the sound and vibe the anime is meant to give off. As for the endings, I only skipped it every now and then because I really just wanted to continue the story. Certain episodes would have a different ending theme that wasn't Shiki no Uta, and those ones I would sit through. The music used throughout the anime perfectly captures the mood of the scenes whether they are somber or comedic. Somehow, hiphop music blends perfectly with a show taking place in a historical Japanese setting, and I have zero complaints about it.

Conclusion:
This anime honestly left me feeling empty, but satisfied, and it will stick with me for a long time. It really highlights the feel of "enjoying the journey" before you eventually reach your destination, and that's how I felt when I finished it. The action scenes are tense, the somber moments are subtle and heart tugging, and the music heightens the overall experience.Just like Cowboy Bebop, this is an absolute must-watch, and quite honestly, I think enjoyed this one more than its predecessor, so take that information and do what you will.