This is one of those cases where even giving it less than a 100 wouldn't be fair. Code Geass is an anime with a truly remarkable plot, characters, and thematic exploration. Let's take a closer look at each component that led me to give Code Geass a 100 out of 100.
Plot:
I'd like to say a lot, but I won't limit myself to the usual phrases. If we consider the anime's structure, it's perfect in almost every way: the plot gradually unfolds. The network and the world of Code Geass, while not as detailed, don't give us any unnecessary information without depriving us of the core. The plot is good, at least, with well-written, warm themes that develop the characters (I try to spoil as little as possible; it would be much better if you saw it for yourself). The ending and themes are clear and simple, and in my opinion, they're just as easily revealed, as showing the desolate state of affairs facing the Japanese people balances well with the British students, who don't even know what it's like to live in fear. There's a certain resonance due to Lelouch, who at first glance doesn't seem suitable for the head of a terrorist organization (in terms of the nature of his worldview and his origins), but the plot manages to take seemingly obvious and simple characters and turn them into full-fledged individuals. Yes, I should note that there are several characters who merely interfere with the plot, but even so, it cannot be denied that the plot, with its abrupt transitions, character development, and development of events, with a decent ending, does its job.
Plot - 100/100
Characters:
I'd be lying if I said all the characters were perfect, but I do want to point out that the main characters really stand out. There aren't any characters I particularly disliked, only the ones I liked, but not very much. You can't talk about the characters without mentioning Lelouch—he's arguably the most vibrant character in the anime, and honestly, at first, I thought he was a lot like Light from Death Note. But I was sorely mistaken. When we first see Lelouch's reaction to the fact that his actions led to the death of a close friend, it seriously shakes his resolve, albeit briefly, showing that while his desire for revenge is great, there's still something that can derail him. S.S., who's cold to everything, balances alongside him, and it seems Lelouch should just be okay with that, but even at first glance, they constantly clash due to Lelouch's indecisiveness. Another example is Suzaku. I don't want to go into details for fear of creating a controversy, but he's clearly needed to counter Lelouch's rebellion. Even though his position is largely foolish, it's worth noting that this also makes him more human. I won't talk about the others, but overall, the others don't feel as compelling as these, but they act in many ways like people driven into a corner.
Characters - 100/100
(Yes, I understand that not all characters are good, but those that are good are some of the best characters))
Theme and main idea:
Perhaps this is the most important thing, combined with the previous one, that made Code Geass one of the best anime for me. While the theme itself is fairly straightforward and not new, and it's presented quite clearly (an important clarification: I don't believe that a simple and obvious character, plot, or main idea of an anime makes it bad, at least not necessarily). The development of the theme itself is also lacking. At first glance, we see how the characters once again go against the system to create THEIR OWN world, where, in their opinion, everything will be fine. BUT, in my opinion, this anime shows much more than just the usual confrontation between good and bad. We've already seen, with Lelouch, that things are at least not straightforward, and the confrontation between the bad and the evil is likely to happen if we look at it from a moral standpoint, and that alone is enough to give the story a somewhat ambiguous twist. On one side, there's a character who, to put it bluntly, is simply pursuing his own revenge, while on the other side, there's a character who simply seeks justice in this world. And it's undeniable that, ultimately, neither of them is wrong. The anime's core message is the ambiguity of ALL actions, which have consequences, whether they're weighed or not, and that the road to one's ideal world lies through mountains of corpses (somewhat reminiscent of Berserk Evangelion and Death Note combined). Taken together, it can be simply said: When you harvest someone's life, be prepared to give your own.
Theme and main idea - 100000000/100
(I haven't seen a single anime yet where so many themes were explored simultaneously in the premiere of a typical plot with a typical theme at its core; the devil is in the details.)
Conclusion:
I'll repeat what I said in my last review: "If it's not a masterpiece, it's certainly not bad." This time, I'll add that it's noticeable how Code Geass, with its many layers, is truly a benchmark for anime. I also completely missed the battles and the art, but honestly, I don't mind. All things considered, I can only recommend this; it's definitely worth it.
overall rating: 100/100
(And this is again that anime where I am ready to forgive all the minor flaws, since this time there are MUCH more pluses)
